Although it isn't something that I have seen discussed much on these boards, I think one of the biggest factors to our improvement this year over last year will be the player's familiarity with the offensive and defensive system that was implemented last year. I was reminded of the importance of this factor when I was listening to an interview earlier this week when one of the veteran players mentioned getting much more from the OTC because they did not have to spend as much time learning the new system. How do you guys see this aspect impacting the improvement of this team? My thoughts:
Offense - As I recall, this group had been through three different offensive systems the three years prior to last season. I am not sure how much the continuity of this system will affect this side of the ball, mainly because we have a new QB and new starting RB. Additionally, understanding that the offensive playbook was materially "cut back" last season to help the old QB and the new wrinkles implemented to play to the strengths of our new QB, I am uncertain how much will change.
However, I am hopeful that the continuity on the offensive line, in the second year of the same system, will be a major factor in getting better protection.
Defense - Clearly, last year's changes had to have been a huge adjustment for the defensive unit, changing from a 3-4 to a 4-3. I think that there was a major learning curve at the beginning of last season, which had to have been a factor in the defense playing so much better in the second half of the season, even with having so many starters out.
Offense - As I recall, this group had been through three different offensive systems the three years prior to last season. I am not sure how much the continuity of this system will affect this side of the ball, mainly because we have a new QB and new starting RB. Additionally, understanding that the offensive playbook was materially "cut back" last season to help the old QB and the new wrinkles implemented to play to the strengths of our new QB, I am uncertain how much will change.
However, I am hopeful that the continuity on the offensive line, in the second year of the same system, will be a major factor in getting better protection.
Defense - Clearly, last year's changes had to have been a huge adjustment for the defensive unit, changing from a 3-4 to a 4-3. I think that there was a major learning curve at the beginning of last season, which had to have been a factor in the defense playing so much better in the second half of the season, even with having so many starters out.