Interesting article previewing the Orange 2012 season.

[orangeintheacc]

http://www.opposingviews.com/i/sports/2012-pre-season-preview-syracuse-orange

The "stat to fear" is a big reason Syracuse struggled last year.

 

[SoBristol]

Yes -- good article. As for last season, the problem was not Bailey -- it was the lack of output from any RB other than Bailey. Can debate whether that is from the lack of talent, or the coaching decision on how to use Bailey and not involving other RBs.

The "stats to fear" (lack of big plays; weak TD productions in the red zone) are facts, but not an explanation of why. Explanations: we didn't have break-away runners, we were predictable, the OL didn't get much push on third downs, WRs did not get separation in the red zone. You could likely add several other "stats to fear" -- interceptions/take-aways; run-back yards allowed vs our run-back yards; sacks allowed or sacks made. And, again, you could look behind each stat to sort out the causes -- ability of DEs to get pressure; quality of guys on our coverage teams . . . .

How you predict the season might depend on how much improvement we get in these areas.

 

[Crusty]

I thought it was a very reasoned article. To me, the most telling stat was only nine plays or 30 or more yards. This is the biggest issue we face. If we can't stretch the field we will face a stacked box all season. Ryan must improve in his long pass accuracy or we will face a repeat of last season. Ryan is a great kid with a lot of talent and I think he will improve in this area. Hopefully, the new offensive tweaks will help as well.

 

[orangenirvana]

2011 was a failure because the defense lost very valuable players and as a result the offense needed to improve greatly and be a strength while the defense suffered through the expected growing pains...

...and, well, Hackett's unit failed miserably (101st in total offense).

That's on Marrone, Hackett, and the players (Nassib, OLine, etc.). All of them need to step it up in 2012 in a big way, or else serious changes will have to be made.

 

[Crusty]

2011 was a failure because the defense lost very valuable players and as a result the offense needed to improve greatly and be a strength while the defense suffered through the expected growing pains...

...and, well, Hackett's unit failed miserably (101st in total offense).

That's on Marrone, Hackett, and the players (Nassib, OLine, etc.). All of them need to step it up in 2012 in a big way, or else serious changes will have to be made.

Well, to be fair it is on Shafer (65th overall D) as well. 18 YPG less would have put us in top 50 and would have made a difference - maybe enough to win one more game and a bowl. Enough disappointment to go around.

 

[orangenirvana]

Well, to be fair it is on Shafer (65th overall D) as well. 18 YPG less would have put us in top 50 and would have made a difference - maybe enough to win one more game and a bowl. Enough disappointment to go around.

The defense wasn't great but it was supposed to take a step back with the departures. After Shafer put the team on his back in 2010, it was time for Marrone and Hackett to return the favor in 2011 while the D rebuilt itself. Needless to say, they couldn't get it done.

 

[orangeintheacc]

Totally agree with you guys that the offense needed to step up last year for the inexperienced defense (and didn't get er done) and that the offense needs to stretch the field this year to create some space to operate. Obviously, if the O is going to work within a 15 yard rectangle from the line of scrimmage the opposing defense is going to put 7 - 8 guys in the box and play bump and run coverage with the db's. You have to at least be able to run some 15 yard out patterns and the occasional successful post routes to make the D play honestly.

I personally think the SU defense will have an excellent year, but Nassib and the coaches are going to have to figure out how to get the TE's and WR's open, deliver and catch the ball, then run after the catch.