Previous previews: Quarterbacks, Running Backs, Wide Receivers, Tight Ends, Offensive Line, Defensive Line, Linebackers, Secondary, Special Teams, Coaching
So, with the first game of the season looming this coming weekend, let’s take a brief recap of the offense and defense.
Offense
Quarterback: Replaced an older quarterback coming off a season-ending injury with…another older quarterback coming off a season-ending injury. Meanwhile, the highly touted freshman is buried down the depth chart.
Running Back: The younger, more explosive running back is behind the older, less exciting running back on the depth chart.
Wide Receiver: One super star, a lot of unknowns.
Tight End: Injured transfers.
Offensive Line: Not a ton of career starts, especially in the second and third units.
Defense
Defensive line: Probably the strongest overall unit, but may be more flashy than solid down-to-down.
Linebacker: Lots and lots of question marks.
Secondary: Solid.
Special Teams: Best player is currently not eligible (as of this writing).
Outlook
When your best player on offense is hindered by the fact that he needs a competent passer to get him the ball, and the best player on defense is set to be looking at double teams all season, it isn’t stacking up to be the most promising start to a season. Even if the offense takes a step forward with the addition of a new play caller in Bobby Petrino (a big if, considering that Edwards was recruited before Petrino’s arrival, creating a second straight season of OC/QB not fitting together), the defense is looking to take a step back especially with the uncertainty surrounding the play-calling heading into the first game. Throw in the fact that the schedule got a whole lot harder, and it is hard to have a positive outlook on this season.
What do you think of the roster as a whole? Let us know in the comments below.
