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Sense of urgency: Kirby Smart needs some answers spring football can provide
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Sense of urgency: Kirby Smart needs some answers spring football can provide
ATHENS — Kirby Smart needs some answers, now.
Comments
Bennett’s “going to class” issues are a mystery. That’s a freshman and sophomore issue, not a fifth year senior issue! Kirby’s catch word last year was “elite”. If he is serious about that, “efficient” will not be good enough if Carson or Brock can make the leap to becoming elite.
Great point on field position likely putting more pressure on the offense this year. I wonder if longer fields will increase the relative value of big arms, like Beck's and Vandagriff's. Flipside is that the offense should be stronger overall than last year's, and Bennett has proven himself time and again.
To me, the biggest question (putting aside the possibility of a QB controversy) is whether M&M can measure up to the thunder and lightening we had last year at RB. I know people are high on Milton, McIntosh and Edwards. But we tend to underappreciate how good White and Cook were. It says a lot that both will be among the top 10 RBs drafted this year.
I also think we're gonna be fine at WR. Between Blaylock, Jackson, McConkey, Mitchell, Rosemy-Jacksaint, A. Smith, all those TEs and M&M (both of whom have good hands), the QBs will have some mighty good targets -- even if none is named George Pickens.
On the D side: I'm surprised that @MikeGriffith didn't include interior linebackers among the questions. Perhaps that's because there are so few options right now at IL that there's not a lot to ask!
@CandlerPark Count me among those convinced "Pops" will be a star at MLB.
The one issue that I don't think is brought up enough is that Bennett hasn't been named a Captain. That seems like a significant deal especially his age and experience.
Captains usually aren't named until the end Fall practice or there about. We'll see who he takes to SEC Media days in July. That'll say a lot.
I don't blame Smart for keeping his QB thoughts close to the vest. He dealt with the Bennett/Daniels question right up to the CFP Championship last year, because he backed the wrong horse in Preseason last year. Mike's right on this one. Bennett is the logical starter for next year; however, Smart doesn't get extra points by saying that now. He wants to challenge ALL of them to compete and do what's right, on and off the field.
Bennett should already be the unquestioned leader of the QB room, but, if that's not the case...if someone else is emerging...you want to be able to replace Bennett next year without being second guessed every game and having that QB picked apart like Bennett was last year. Usually the QB leader board is clearer after Spring before the summer OTA's.
Right now, they're not particularly looking for the 2022 leaders. They already know who those are, for the most part. Those leaders were being developed last year. They're looking to develop 2023 leaders and they're using leaders developed last year to do that. Leadership on a 3-4 year team is an on-going event. If there's a gap...there's a problem.
Unlike most fans and media, I don't look for much of a drop off, if any, on defense. No doubt, UGA had the best front 7 I've ever seen on 1 team last year...bar none. However, I expect an upgrade in the secondary next year. The front 7 they have coming in...the 2022 magazine, LOL, will be excellent in their own right and will have several stars step forward.
If I'm not mistaken, nobody...but, nobody, predicted UGA's defense to be as dominant as they were, last Spring or Fall. Why should we expect them to correctly predict next year's defensive effort?
The Dawgs will once again be a powerhouse next year. Much improved on offense, with another great defense. BUT, they will not yet be gelled until game 3 or 4. They will have to get by Oregon by playing stout defense...IMO. Outscoring them in a track meet is a big ask, considering Dan Lanning defended against this offense everyday in practice for 2 years.
Thanks for that inside view, @MikeGriffith. Great news that so many close observers are impressed by Pop. We also seem to have a lot of very young talent at IL, but who'll get significant reps in addition to Dumas-Johnson? And -- especially given the all the injuries -- will they be ready?