Just wishful thinking but if anyone is watching on TV or there with thumbs and a mobile device, please post updates!

Where is this on TV ?

udaman1 said:

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Where is this on TV ?

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Pac 12 Network.

offense looks really good. team looks much much better.

Defense improved, but still not there yet.

No announcer in the stadium. Have no idea who is making plays. Just constant piped in music. Ridiculous usual. Leaving soon. Anyone watching let us know which players look good.

oskidunker said:

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No announcer in the stadium. Have no idea who is making plays. Just constant piped in music. Ridiculous usual. Leaving soon. Anyone watching let us know which players look good.

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This was my experience the past two years. This year I stayed home and am watching it on my computer. Much better experience if you are interested in the actual football.

I'm here. Looking at numbers and checking roster on phone to see who made plays.

To my novice eye, Mendoza and Rogers both look all right. Rogers is a little shiftier. Mendoza had a good long pass to Grizell. Calloway, the Old Dominion transfer RB looked good, I thought. I think we will really miss Jeremiah Hunter unless we get a top line WR transfer. Of course need Edge and OT but everyone already knows that.

I *think* I see the improvement at DB, but hard to tell. Rogers and Mendoza are sometimes just a little inaccurate (not terrible) and there have been a couple drops.

As for the whole team looking better, who knows. How can you guys tell? Looks about the same to me. Probably less raw at QB compared to Sam Jackson same time last year.

Merriwether just caught a nice quick red zone fade from Mendoza.

But on the sequence before that, Justin Williams-Thomas went down with what looked like a significant lower body injury.

Ok, I've seen a couple nice DB plays now. Can Sidney just got a sweet pick (admittedly on backup QB Weingart).

Good to see Cardwell out there. He just broke off a 25-ish yard run.

I admit, I kind of like Brummel, the 3rd string QB.

WR Dortch has had an up and down practice. Had a drop earlier on a long pass (I think by Rogers) in the end zone. But then caught a short one from Brummel for a TD.

Rutchena just caught a Nice TD just now. I had forgotten he switched from ILB to TE.

Ja'ir Smith with a nice tip away at the last minute on a long would-be TD to Mavin Anderson.

Funny interview on the big screen at the end where they let Ott have the mic and interview Craig Woodson.

Ott asked Woodson who the "real #2" (jersey number) is, Woodson or transfer Calloway, which led to Woodson turning with his thumbs pointed back at his last name on his back, followed by Calloway ruining up there to join them.

Then Ott asked Woodson deadpan, how it feels to have #1 (Ott) "break him off" in practice repeatedly.

Without hesitation, Woodson deadpanned back, "I have no recollection of that."

goldenjax said:

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udaman1 said:

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Where is this on TV ?

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Pac 12 Network.

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Should be ACC Network too.

On the broadcast Roxy named like 20 guys who were held out. Off the top of my head:
Ott, Endries, Reese, Carlton, Uluave, Burrell, Woodson, Harris, Williams, Moore, Buchanan, Hearns

I haven't been going to practices for a few years now but in my experience the one to attend is the Saturday before the final public event. Still don't get real game situations but it's the closest IMO. With that being said there's only so much to glean from spring ball IMO.

calumnus said:

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goldenjax said:

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udaman1 said:

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Where is this on TV ?

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Pac 12 Network.

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Should be ACC Network too.

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P12N has the broadcast rights through the end of this school year (and the Pac is being paid by the TV providers). All of the soon to be ex-Pac teams have their spring games televised on P12N.

BearSD said:

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calumnus said:

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goldenjax said:

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udaman1 said:

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Where is this on TV ?

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Pac 12 Network.

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Should be ACC Network too.

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P12N has the broadcast rights through the end of this school year (and the Pac is being paid by the TV providers). All of the soon to be ex-Pac teams have their spring games televised on P12N.

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Understood. If the PAC-12 Network shared content with another conference network, would that be a breech with the provides? Too messy for a Spong Showcase I guess.

Thanks for posting stuff, Bears. Truly appreciated.

"Highlights" (very short)

OneKeg said:

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As for the whole team looking better, who knows. How can you guys tell? Looks about the same to me. Probably less raw at QB compared to Sam Jackson same time last year.

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Secondary aside, continuity at QB (plus decent kicking) would have made last year look much different than how things went, having that going into 2024 is a pretty major deal.

WalterSobchak said:

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On the broadcast Roxy named like 20 guys who were held out. Off the top of my head:
Ott, Endries, Reese, Carlton, Uluave, Burrell, Woodson, Harris, Williams, Moore, Buchanan, Hearns

I haven't been going to practices for a few years now but in my experience the one to attend is the Saturday before the final public event. Still don't get real game situations but it's the closest IMO. With that being said there's only so much to glean from spring ball IMO.

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Agree. Make observations, fine. But crazy to draw conclusions.

A few random spring game observations:

1. Got to see a good friend on the equipment staff, Joe Moro. He is leaving to become a teacher at Carlmont HS. He is a Wilcox fan.
2. The insufferable, loud, piped in music is horrible.
3. I have very little idea how the team will be. Looks about the same to me.
4. I don't get the 'we want to ground and pound' mantra. We run some sort of run, pass option attack and the OL just sort of stands up and dances with the DL. There was no pounding that I saw.
5. Cool, free bobblehead giveaways. My wife loves them.
6. I got a job offer to work in the chain gang for the home games. Still deciding.
7. Top Dogs are as good as ever and the same two guys are still there. Incredible. I hope they own part of the business.
8. Beautiful day all around.
9. Too many good looking young people for this old man to handle.
10. It struck me that I would be exhausted after the football teams' warmups. And I consider myself pretty active. As my grandfather always told me, "Don't get old, Tone."
11. Tackling drill/competition: our defense looked like they lost every one. Surprising to me that with a defensive head coach there was no one amping up the defensive guys to attack a bit more. They sort of caught the ball carrier and then got taken into the end zone.

Go Bears.

82gradDLSdad said:

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A few random spring game observations:

1. Got to see a good friend on the equipment staff, Joe Moro. He is leaving to become a teacher at Carlmont HS. He is a Wilcox fan.
2. The insufferable, loud, piped in music is horrible.
3. I have very little idea how the team will be. Looks about the same to me.
4. I don't get the 'we want to ground and pound' mantra. We run some sort of run, pass option attack and the OL just sort of stands up and dances with the DL. There was no pounding that I saw.
5. Cool, free bobblehead giveaways. My wife loves them.
6. I got a job offer to work in the chain gang for the home games. Still deciding.
7. Top Dogs are as good as ever and the same two guys are still there. Incredible. I hope they own part of the business.
8. Beautiful day all around.
9. Too many good looking young people for this old man to handle.
10. It struck me that I would be exhausted after the football teams' warmups. And I consider myself pretty active. As my grandfather always told me, "Don't get old, Tone."
11. Tackling drill/competition: our defense looked like they lost every one. Surprising to me that with a defensive head coach there was no one amping up the defensive guys to attack a bit more. They sort of caught the ball carrier and then got taken into the end zone.

Go Bears.

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I wonder if someone might get the newChancellors ear re the music. Especially disappointing they played at the same time the Cal band was trying to play. I mean the much heralded dj didnt seem to care or pay attention.

oskidunker said:

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82gradDLSdad said:

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A few random spring game observations:

1. Got to see a good friend on the equipment staff, Joe Moro. He is leaving to become a teacher at Carlmont HS. He is a Wilcox fan.
2. The insufferable, loud, piped in music is horrible.
3. I have very little idea how the team will be. Looks about the same to me.
4. I don't get the 'we want to ground and pound' mantra. We run some sort of run, pass option attack and the OL just sort of stands up and dances with the DL. There was no pounding that I saw.
5. Cool, free bobblehead giveaways. My wife loves them.
6. I got a job offer to work in the chain gang for the home games. Still deciding.
7. Top Dogs are as good as ever and the same two guys are still there. Incredible. I hope they own part of the business.
8. Beautiful day all around.
9. Too many good looking young people for this old man to handle.
10. It struck me that I would be exhausted after the football teams' warmups. And I consider myself pretty active. As my grandfather always told me, "Don't get old, Tone."
11. Tackling drill/competition: our defense looked like they lost every one. Surprising to me that with a defensive head coach there was no one amping up the defensive guys to attack a bit more. They sort of caught the ball carrier and then got taken into the end zone.

Go Bears.

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I wonder if someone might get the newChancellors ear re the music. Especially disappointing they played at the same time the Cal band was trying to play. I mean the much heralded dj didnt seem to care or pay attention.

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Just had another one of my great ideas (uh oh, many of you just stopped reading):

The whole "DJ thing" at all Cal games could become part of the Cal Band! Advantages...

+ better coordination between DJ and "traditional band"
+ DJ music likely to be more custom tailored to Cal
+ Cal Band not loud enough? Just plug in!

Same with the drone shows. It's 2024!

kidding / not kidding

A few things I saw......
- Excellent day for football
-Playing gymnastics before a spring football game is not good......they could play Cal football highlights on the screen! Its Football not gymnastics, Not sure who's idea was that, but WOW, just DUM! That did not blend at all!
- Need to do it like a scrimmage game, with 2 rosters, so you can actually see everyone play and who makes a difference.
- Band? Did not even hear them. Something needs to change?
- I think if they switched it like many other colleges and play a scrimmage with 2 rosters it would be much better to watch. Who makes that decision?
- Players were excited and were ready to play. Hoping no major injuries....
- They could interview and do all the Alum, guest field goal kicking before the scrimmage. Get people inside the stadium early. No reason Cal should not have tons of fans in stadium.
- Students need to show up!
- Football brings $$$$ without football CAL would have a hard time.
- Fall Camp will be here soon!

The gymnastics on the screen was a good idea, and several people (some of whom post on BI or Growls) actually suggested it be done. It was a historic day for the gymnasts and for the Cal program.

The format was interesting but didn't leave me with a lot of feel for the team's status. Lots of regulars were held out. Unit vs. unit battles were short. You can see we have some talent, for sure. But without a lot of "scrimmage" situations I really didn't come away with a feel for the team.

Maybe next year they can keep the current format for one hour, and then spend another hour in actual scrimmage situations. But the current format isn't enough to make me want to drive 5 1/2 hours to see it.

Lets Go! said:

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A few things I saw......
- Excellent day for football
-Playing gymnastics before a spring football game is not good......they could play Cal football highlights on the screen! Its Football not gymnastics, Not sure who's idea was that, but WOW, just DUM! That did not blend at all!
- Need to do it like a scrimmage game, with 2 rosters, so you can actually see everyone play and who makes a difference.
- Band? Did not even hear them. Something needs to change?
- I think if they switched it like many other colleges and play a scrimmage with 2 rosters it would be much better to watch. Who makes that decision?
- Players were excited and were ready to play. Hoping no major injuries....
- They could interview and do all the Alum, guest field goal kicking before the scrimmage. Get people inside the stadium early. No reason Cal should not have tons of fans in stadium.
- Students need to show up!
- Football brings $$$$ without football CAL would have a hard time.
- Fall Camp will be here soon!

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Since we never have any depth, Wilcox is afraid some key player-will be injured.,its maddening and I am sure The ACC would not approve. At least hand out rosters and get a pa announcer and ditch the dj But none of that will happen unless the Chancellor steps in.

Full spring game is up on YouTube. Might not be up for long so check it out ASAP if interested.

I missed the beginning live because I don't care much for the talking but I decided to watch the Wilcox interview on the YT version.

Are we finally going to see a more aggressive defensive scheme? Do we have the personnel to execute it against the top teams on our schedule?

This caught my attention:

@ 5:47

Quote:

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Q: Coach you've got a bit of a reputation over here: you will run the football and you will take it away. What do you want to add to that rep?

A: ... And then negative plays on defense. You know, sacks and tackles for a loss.

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Now normally I would just discount the above as standard coach-speak, but:

@ 6:50

Quote:

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Q: How have you guys grown as a coaching staff this spring?

A: Fundamentally we've made some changes, or, I should say, philosophically kinda how we're approaching coaching defense. What we're doing. How much volume we're carrying. We've asked the players to take on some more. And so that's been a lot of fun. We really kind of did a deep dive postseason on things we need to do defensively just changing philosophically how we approach this this season and these games.

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More empty coach-speak or what? I'm actually kinda excited, which is always dangerous.

WalterSobchak said:

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I missed the beginning live because I don't care much for the talking but I decided to watch the Wilcox interview on the YT version.

Are we finally going to see a more aggressive defensive scheme? Do we have the personnel to execute it against the top teams on our schedule?

This caught my attention:

@ 5:47

Quote:

---

Q: Coach you've got a bit of a reputation over here: you will run the football and you will take it away. What do you want to add to that rep?

A: ... And then negative plays on defense. You know, sacks and tackles for a loss.

---

Now normally I would just discount the above as standard coach-speak, but:

@ 6:50

Quote:

---

Q: How have you guys grown as a coaching staff this spring?

A: Fundamentally we've made some changes, or, I should say, philosophically kinda how we're approaching coaching defense. What we're doing. How much volume we're carrying. We've asked the players to take on some more. And so that's been a lot of fun. We really kind of did a deep dive postseason on things we need to do defensively just changing philosophically how we approach this this season and these games.

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More empty coach-speak or what? I'm actually kinda excited, which is always dangerous.

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Basically, "we've asked the players to take on more 'volume'". Never heard a football coach say that. So I wouldn't call it coach speak, I'd call it Wilcox speak and I'm not excited. Doesn't mean we can't win seven games but to me no corners have been turned. My best case hope for this new NIL/easy transfer era is that we get a lot of third and fourth year players transferring in who are looking for a Cal degree who are also mature, smart players. It seems like you can build a really solid team with those kinds of guys.

Fair enough. I'm squarely in "show me" mode as well. FWIW I interpreted the "volume" comment to be a reference to mental load. So more concepts, techniques, and schemes. That's what led me to ask if we have the personnel to execute. I just thought it was noteworthy that Wilcox is publicly stating there will be a philosophical shift in our defensive approach, on the heels of prioritizing sacks and TFLs. I've been very critical of Wilcox not having a "killer instinct" so I'm hopeful those two statements are connected, although I realize there are a million ways it can still go wrong.

WalterSobchak said:

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Fair enough. I'm squarely in "show me" mode as well. FWIW I interpreted the "volume" comment to be a reference to mental load. So more concepts, techniques, and schemes. That's what led me to ask if we have the personnel to execute. I just thought it was noteworthy that Wilcox is publicly stating there will be a philosophical shift in our defensive approach, on the heels of prioritizing sacks and TFLs. I've been very critical of Wilcox not having a "killer instinct" so I'm hopeful those two statements are connected, although I realize there are a million ways it can still go wrong.

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It certainly seems that more aggression on defense doesn't equate to a more cerebral defense. Maybe someday Wilcox will surprise us.

82gradDLSdad said:

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WalterSobchak said:

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Fair enough. I'm squarely in "show me" mode as well. FWIW I interpreted the "volume" comment to be a reference to mental load. So more concepts, techniques, and schemes. That's what led me to ask if we have the personnel to execute. I just thought it was noteworthy that Wilcox is publicly stating there will be a philosophical shift in our defensive approach, on the heels of prioritizing sacks and TFLs. I've been very critical of Wilcox not having a "killer instinct" so I'm hopeful those two statements are connected, although I realize there are a million ways it can still go wrong.

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It certainly seems that more aggression on defense doesn't equate to a more cerebral defense. Maybe someday Wilcox will surprise us.

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8th time is the charm!

But seriously, it is tough to achieve anything on defense without a DL that can get into the backfield and demands double teams instead of what is often promoted here as "engaging the OL" (essentially allowing themselves to get blocked). And while schemes and techniques can help, at the core we need big, fast, powerful, aggressive athletes, recruited or acquired through the portal. And depth to rotate and keep them fresh. Wilcox/Sirmon/Browning have not been good at getting those guys. Maybe the 8th year will be different.

calumnus said:

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82gradDLSdad said:

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WalterSobchak said:

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Fair enough. I'm squarely in "show me" mode as well. FWIW I interpreted the "volume" comment to be a reference to mental load. So more concepts, techniques, and schemes. That's what led me to ask if we have the personnel to execute. I just thought it was noteworthy that Wilcox is publicly stating there will be a philosophical shift in our defensive approach, on the heels of prioritizing sacks and TFLs. I've been very critical of Wilcox not having a "killer instinct" so I'm hopeful those two statements are connected, although I realize there are a million ways it can still go wrong.

---

It certainly seems that more aggression on defense doesn't equate to a more cerebral defense. Maybe someday Wilcox will surprise us.

---

8th time is the charm!

But seriously, it is tough to achieve anything on defense without a DL that can get into the backfield and demands double teams instead of what is often promoted here as "engaging the OL" (essentially allowing themselves to get blocked). And while schemes and techniques can help, at the core we need big, fast, powerful, aggressive athletes, recruited or acquired through the portal. And depth to rotate and keep them fresh. Wilcox/Sirmon/Browning have not been good at getting those guys. Maybe the 8th year will be different.

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That technique is what allows the LBs to make so many tackles. They are kept clean mostly because the DL occupies the OL. But instead of making tackles behind or at the LOS they often result in gains. They may be short but the difference between 2nd and 7 or 2nd and 12 is a big one. Also you have to be really good tackling team to play that way. If you are not a strong tackling unit the ball just methodically is moved downfield.

I prefer a more upfield approach. More stunting . It creates more confusion for the OL. You will get gashed a time or two by opening hole they do not need to block, but it allows for more TFLs and penalties. Relying on just being physically superior is fine if you are Alabama or Michigan or Georgia. They have the players to play that way. But if you are not that (Cal) then you need to find ways to create negative yardage plays and disrupt.

Another thing worth considering is did the prior style of DL play a contributing factor in the huge amount of injuries along the DL. Not sure but worth considering. One interesting to me thing is Cal has often had trouble with defenses that are more aggressive. Yet they stayed conervative on defense despite seeing the results opponents had when playing against more aggressive defenses.

We will see how the react after the first time a DB gets beat over the top in man coverage or the opponent hits the right play against an aggressive defensive call. Both will happen. I am hoping to see a real commitment to change. Cal got beat a few times early last season vs UNT and went back to the old scheme almost immediately.

6956bear said:

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calumnus said:

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82gradDLSdad said:

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WalterSobchak said:

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Fair enough. I'm squarely in "show me" mode as well. FWIW I interpreted the "volume" comment to be a reference to mental load. So more concepts, techniques, and schemes. That's what led me to ask if we have the personnel to execute. I just thought it was noteworthy that Wilcox is publicly stating there will be a philosophical shift in our defensive approach, on the heels of prioritizing sacks and TFLs. I've been very critical of Wilcox not having a "killer instinct" so I'm hopeful those two statements are connected, although I realize there are a million ways it can still go wrong.

---

It certainly seems that more aggression on defense doesn't equate to a more cerebral defense. Maybe someday Wilcox will surprise us.

---

8th time is the charm!

But seriously, it is tough to achieve anything on defense without a DL that can get into the backfield and demands double teams instead of what is often promoted here as "engaging the OL" (essentially allowing themselves to get blocked). And while schemes and techniques can help, at the core we need big, fast, powerful, aggressive athletes, recruited or acquired through the portal. And depth to rotate and keep them fresh. Wilcox/Sirmon/Browning have not been good at getting those guys. Maybe the 8th year will be different.

---

That technique is what allows the LBs to make so many tackles. They are kept clean mostly because the DL occupies the OL. But instead of making tackles behind or at the LOS they often result in gains. They may be short but the difference between 2nd and 7 or 2nd and 12 is a big one. Also you have to be really good tackling team to play that way. If you are not a strong tackling unit the ball just methodically is moved downfield.

I prefer a more upfield approach. More stunting . It creates more confusion for the OL. You will get gashed a time or two by opening hole they do not need to block, but it allows for more TFLs and penalties. Relying on just being physically superior is fine if you are Alabama or Michigan or Georgia. They have the players to play that way. But if you are not that (Cal) then you need to find ways to create negative yardage plays and disrupt.

Another thing worth considering is did the prior style of DL play a contributing factor in the huge amount of injuries along the DL. Not sure but worth considering. One interesting to me thing is Cal has often had trouble with defenses that are more aggressive. Yet they stayed conervative on defense despite seeing the results opponents had when playing against more aggressive defenses.

We will see how the react after the first time a DB gets beat over the top in man coverage or the opponent hits the right play against an aggressive defensive call. Both will happen. I am hoping to see a real commitment to change. Cal got beat a few times early last season vs UNT and went back to the old scheme almost immediately.

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"Allows" or "requires" LBs to make so many tackles?

I think that in order to change we need better recruiting at DL.

There is constant scrutiny of our OL coaches and DB coaches with a lot of turnover during Wilcox's 8 year tenure so far, but we have had one DL coach since year 2 with unimpressive results and I never hear anyone question him.

calumnus said:

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6956bear said:

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calumnus said:

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82gradDLSdad said:

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WalterSobchak said:

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Fair enough. I'm squarely in "show me" mode as well. FWIW I interpreted the "volume" comment to be a reference to mental load. So more concepts, techniques, and schemes. That's what led me to ask if we have the personnel to execute. I just thought it was noteworthy that Wilcox is publicly stating there will be a philosophical shift in our defensive approach, on the heels of prioritizing sacks and TFLs. I've been very critical of Wilcox not having a "killer instinct" so I'm hopeful those two statements are connected, although I realize there are a million ways it can still go wrong.

---

It certainly seems that more aggression on defense doesn't equate to a more cerebral defense. Maybe someday Wilcox will surprise us.

---

8th time is the charm!

But seriously, it is tough to achieve anything on defense without a DL that can get into the backfield and demands double teams instead of what is often promoted here as "engaging the OL" (essentially allowing themselves to get blocked). And while schemes and techniques can help, at the core we need big, fast, powerful, aggressive athletes, recruited or acquired through the portal. And depth to rotate and keep them fresh. Wilcox/Sirmon/Browning have not been good at getting those guys. Maybe the 8th year will be different.

---

That technique is what allows the LBs to make so many tackles. They are kept clean mostly because the DL occupies the OL. But instead of making tackles behind or at the LOS they often result in gains. They may be short but the difference between 2nd and 7 or 2nd and 12 is a big one. Also you have to be really good tackling team to play that way. If you are not a strong tackling unit the ball just methodically is moved downfield.

I prefer a more upfield approach. More stunting . It creates more confusion for the OL. You will get gashed a time or two by opening hole they do not need to block, but it allows for more TFLs and penalties. Relying on just being physically superior is fine if you are Alabama or Michigan or Georgia. They have the players to play that way. But if you are not that (Cal) then you need to find ways to create negative yardage plays and disrupt.

Another thing worth considering is did the prior style of DL play a contributing factor in the huge amount of injuries along the DL. Not sure but worth considering. One interesting to me thing is Cal has often had trouble with defenses that are more aggressive. Yet they stayed conervative on defense despite seeing the results opponents had when playing against more aggressive defenses.

We will see how the react after the first time a DB gets beat over the top in man coverage or the opponent hits the right play against an aggressive defensive call. Both will happen. I am hoping to see a real commitment to change. Cal got beat a few times early last season vs UNT and went back to the old scheme almost immediately.

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"Allows" or "requires" LBs to make so many tackles?

I think that in order to change we need better recruiting at DL.

There is constant scrutiny of our OL coaches and DB coaches with a lot of turnover during Wilcox's 8 year tenure so far, but we have had one DL coach since year 2 with unimpressive results and I never hear anyone question him.

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I agree that Browning needs some scrutiny applied to his work. However his recruiting once was considered pretty good. The players have not played to their ratings however. Wilkins and Calhoun were 4 stars by some services. Burrell and Corriea high 3 stars. the ND NT Keanaaina was a former 4 star as was Brett Johnson.

But what the Sirmon defense has asked the DL to do will deflate their stats. And injuries have hurt the group. Only Correia and Burrell have really played without much serious injury. But recent recruiting efforts are providing less highly rated players. NIL plays a big role in portal recruiting and good DL cost.

I will really want to see how a more upfield approach to DL play impacts their performance. Burrell has the quickness IMO to have better results in that scheme. Correia is big, but plays upright and loses leverage at times, but if allowed more stunting and less engagement it could help him. Saunders (if healthy) is another guy that could benefit from a more upfield scheme. As might Calhoun. But until we see it in action it remains a major questionmark.

Cal has a lot of bodies here including Keanaaina, Saole-McKenzie and Wilkins. If healthy they could end up being a unit with good depth but missing a true impact sort. The edge position has been asked to hold the edge first and foremost. That scheme resulted in having a nice but not explosive player like Braxton Croteau get significant snaps. Which hurt early down pass rush and TFL potential. Reese is more explosive. Carlton is another former 4 star that has had ups and down in performance. Looks the part and has moments. Needs to gain consistency. Will a more agressive scheme be beneficial for him? He more than maybe anyone on the front 7 could gain from an upfield aggressive scheme. To me that fits his skill set. Nobody behind him though. McCulloch and Myles Williams look to add depth behind Reese. McCulloch has some pass rush ability. Williams a more traditional hold the edge player that is ok at most things but not great at anything. Williams was missing this Spring. Hurt?

The LB tackling stats under Sirmon have been very impressive. But since Weaver and Kunaszyk overall defensive stats have been headed the wrong direction. Each unit bears responsibility for that. But the DC puts the scheme in place. So this season becomes a real test for Sirmon. Does he really play differently or does he revert to what he has traditionally done?