https://www.seccountry.com/sec/sec-offensive-lines-rankings-2016-auburn-kentucky
Y. I.K.E.S
14. Tennessee
Top to bottom, Tennessee’s offensive line was mostly a mess throughout 2016. Fortunately, the Vols had a quarterback and running back who could make plays outside of the offensive structure.
When an offensive line filled with physical talent struggles, mental processing and communication are often the flaws. That sums up the Vols’ line. In pass protection, the line showed an inability to handle simple gap exchanges, stunts, twists and basic blitz-designs. Often, it conceded free runs at Josh Dobbs while two or three linemen stood around blocking one defender.
The run game was no better, and at times was frankly embarrassing. Early in the season, many of the offense’s gap elements — which are a foundational component of its run game — were shut down due to defensive linemen slanting and angling through gaps. It’s a basic technique that requires offensive linemen to stop the defenders getting across their face. Collectively, the Vols’ unit failed.
Worse than that, there were several instances when linemen were asked to pull or move and they had no idea which defensive player they were supposed to be locating.
In fairness to Butch Jones and his team, there were some subtle improvements, particularly when they shuffled pieces around. However, it came at the cost of offensive concepts that would have been more effective.
Who starts at quarterback next season will dominate Tennessee’s offseason and preseason narrative, but sorting out the line is of far greater concern.
Y. I.K.E.S
14. Tennessee
Top to bottom, Tennessee’s offensive line was mostly a mess throughout 2016. Fortunately, the Vols had a quarterback and running back who could make plays outside of the offensive structure.
When an offensive line filled with physical talent struggles, mental processing and communication are often the flaws. That sums up the Vols’ line. In pass protection, the line showed an inability to handle simple gap exchanges, stunts, twists and basic blitz-designs. Often, it conceded free runs at Josh Dobbs while two or three linemen stood around blocking one defender.
The run game was no better, and at times was frankly embarrassing. Early in the season, many of the offense’s gap elements — which are a foundational component of its run game — were shut down due to defensive linemen slanting and angling through gaps. It’s a basic technique that requires offensive linemen to stop the defenders getting across their face. Collectively, the Vols’ unit failed.
Worse than that, there were several instances when linemen were asked to pull or move and they had no idea which defensive player they were supposed to be locating.
In fairness to Butch Jones and his team, there were some subtle improvements, particularly when they shuffled pieces around. However, it came at the cost of offensive concepts that would have been more effective.
Who starts at quarterback next season will dominate Tennessee’s offseason and preseason narrative, but sorting out the line is of far greater concern.
