Tennessee Defensive Line

[NeverWe'llSever]

It’s Virginia…I know. But wow. They looked big, strong and athletic. Absolutely suffocated the Virginia O! This is our best DL unit in 15 years at least. James Pearce Jr is going to be an absolute stud. Pay Garner his money!

 

[Vol$_Deep_11_9]

They looked dominant yesterday. Time will tell but could definitely see improvement

 

[camp_steveo]

And one of the starters was out. Sorry I can't think of his name.

 

[WillisWG]

Baron and Pearce nice start for both.

 

[butchna]

And one of the starters was out. Sorry I can't think of his name.

If you’re talking about Simmons? He’s not a starter…even when healthy.

 

[Big Orange stuck in Bama]

And one of the starters was out. Sorry I can't think of his name.

Elijah Simmons

 

[1974Vol]

It’s Virginia…I know. But wow. They looked big, strong and athletic. Absolutely suffocated the Virginia O! This is our best DL unit in 15 years at least. James Pearce Jr is going to be an absolute stud. Pay Garner his money!

Well in the next few weeks we play Florida and South Carolina, and in their respective games against Utah and North Carolina, neither the Gamecocks or the Gators looked like they could block well enough with their OL's to run the ball consistently or pass protect. So I'm thinking our DL dominates both those clubs. But each game seems to have its own dynamic, so we'll just have to see how it plays out. However, based on what I've seen in week one, our DL will treat Florida and SC much as we did Virginia, JMHO

 

[NeverWe'llSever]

Well in the next few weeks we play Florida and South Carolina, and in their respective games against Utah and North Carolina, neither the Gamecocks or the Gators looked like they could block well enough with their OL's to run the ball consistently or pass protect. So I'm thinking our DL dominates both those clubs. But each game seems to have its own dynamic, so we'll just have to see how it plays out. However, based on what I've seen in week one, our DL will treat Florida and SC much as we did Virginia, JMHO

USCjr, in particular. Their line is about as effective in pass pro as wet toilet paper.

 

[vavolfan6]

We looked really dominant, and I think our defense is going to be really good this year, but I'm taking the game with a grain of salt. UVAs Oline was a known weakness heading into the game and their QB isn't very effective as a runner. But the amount of TFL's we had, it felt like we were suffocating at times.

 

[Volador]

Did look good but next week won't tell us a thing either, so really won't find out till the swamp

 

[Orangeblooded615]

Pearce is gunna be an absolute problem for O-lineman all year.

 

[orangebloodgmc]

If you’re talking about Simmons? He’s not a starter…even when healthy.

Maybe so, but a solid man in the 2-deep. He saved the day vs. Ky in 2021.

 

[butchna]

Maybe so, but a solid man in the 2-deep. He saved the day vs. Ky in 2021.

No quarrel with that sentiment...but not a starter. And he regressed last year iirc. Might very well be third string if and when he returns.

 

[Namorto1]

Beyond the 2 sacks, Pearce was in the backfield alot disrupting plays. Harrison didn't collect any sacks or TFL but he was putting alot of pressure consistently off the edge too. Baron, as a senior, this is his time and he is off to a good start but admittedly he hasn't always been consistent. Josephs, is just as capable as Pearce so hopefully will have similar games in the near future. Thomas & Norman-Lott were great in the middle. Hobbs had a very good debut and Eason is solid but Virginia ran the ball better when they were in the game. Garland needs to contribute with Simmons out until October. Wouldn't be surprised if West got more run at DT as well as SDE. Overall, a much deeper unit than we have had in recent years, but we still need to keep the starters healthy so backups need to continue to develop.

Next week, Austin Peay is going to a formal scrimmage so the youngsters will get to see what they can do.

 

[Sarms58]

Well in the next few weeks we play Florida and South Carolina, and in their respective games against Utah and North Carolina, neither the Gamecocks or the Gators looked like they could block well enough with their OL's to run the ball consistently or pass protect. So I'm thinking our DL dominates both those clubs. But each game seems to have its own dynamic, so we'll just have to see how it plays out. However, based on what I've seen in week one, our DL will treat Florida and SC much as we did Virginia, JMHO

My thought exactly. Hope it proves to be true.

 

[volroadwarrior]

Pearce is gunna be an absolute problem for O-lineman all year.

Plus Joseph flashed last year with Bradley and Herring waiting in the wings. Both are freaky good.

 

[JohnWardForever]

That Dline is much improved. Hope they continue and stay healthy. That DEFENSE as a whole played lights out! Offense needs to clean some stuff up! But, much easier when you win big, to fix the little things.

 

[901 Orange]

Did look good but next week won't tell us a thing either, so really won't find out till the swamp

Gotta go by what we've seen over the last year or so from our front. They started to establish themselves as a violent front 7 last year. I thought they were going to kill the Clemson QB on live TV.

 

[Pump Guy]

Baron, as a senior, this is his time and he is off to a good start but admittedly he hasn't always been consistent.

I always thought Baron was one of our best DL and was surprised by what I have read about Baron concerning past seasons and his "effort". Yesterday he lived in Virginia's backfield. Hopefully he feeds off this performance and gets even better as the season progresses.

 

[BreatheUT]

Our interior defensive line was the strength last year. Our problem was a lack of pass rush at times and a thin linebacker group. We know how our DBs played last year.

So it doesn't surprise me that the DL is strong again. The difference may be our improved pass rush and better depth at LB.

Also, I expect our DB play to be better because of more experience, health, the former BYU/Vandy starter, and an influx of talented freshmen.

 

[Volador]

Gotta go by what we've seen over the last year or so from our front. They started to establish themselves as a violent front 7 last year. I thought they were going to kill the Clemson QB on live TV.

Can I borrow your glasses??

 

[Volfan1000]

It’s Virginia…I know. But wow. They looked big, strong and athletic. Absolutely suffocated the Virginia O! This is our best DL unit in 15 years at least. James Pearce Jr is going to be an absolute stud. Pay Garner his money!

Tyler Baron is on the way to an All SEC type season.

 

[Namorto1]

Also, I expect our DB play to be better because of more experience, health, the former BYU/Vandy starter, and an influx of talented freshmen.

Which makes me ask, was Doneiko Slaughter challenged at all yesterday? I don’t recall them throwing his way once all game but may have missed it.

 

[GVol1966]

Which makes me ask, was Doneiko Slaughter challenged at all yesterday? I don’t recall them throwing his way once all game but may have missed it.

QB didn’t have time to do much challenging of the DB’s.
The few times he did I saw some of the same ole stuff. Not turning and seeing the ball.
Time will tell but I ain’t getting my hopes up for a big change. Hope they prove me wrong

 

[901 Orange]

Can I borrow your glasses??
View attachment 575595

IIRC there were a few QB's that got abused by our front last year. A couple had to go out of the game for some time and a couple limped through. The Clemson kid, Levi's, and Young in particular took multiple viscous hits