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On Monday, I gave five reasons why I believe Eric Berry will have an increased role with the offense in this weekend’s game with Alabama. Yesterday, along came reason number six.
According to reports, Berry was scheduled to meet with Tennessee wide receiver coach Latrell Scott on Wednesday afternoon.
The star safety spoke with reporters during the afternoon and said he was on his way to meet with wide receivers Coach Latrell Scott to discuss the situation. Also, Berry said he’s been fielding questions from everyone regarding whether he will touch the ball on offense on Saturday.
The comments add more fuel to the already flaming fire in the hearts and minds of the Tennessee faithful, who would like nothing more than to see their star safety have a chance to make more plays with the ball in his hands.
The problem is, Tennessee coaches have a history of telegraphing these special situations. Case in point, the often discussed Kenny O’Neal chronicles of 2007. O’Neal’s entrance into the game typically signaled a reverse was likely looming.
Another example is the famed G-Gun. While effective at times, it tends to be rather predictable beyond the question of which direction Gerald Jones is going to run.
Coaches can’t afford to be predictable, especially in a football game of this magnitude. It’s crucial that Eric Berry’s first offensive play, should he get one, be not only carefully thought out, but also unexpected by the defense.
My scenario would go something like this.
Berry runs out onto the field early in the game — preferably sometime in the first quarter. The crowd quickly spots him and jumps to their feet, voicing their approval by chanting his name – Eric Berry! Eric Berry! Neyland Stadium erupts even louder than after Arian Foster‘s attempted halfback pass fell incomplete last weekend.
As Berry breaks the huddle and trots to his slot receiver position, the Alabama secondary and linebackers adjust, pointing in unison to be sure everyone on the defense is aware of his presence. After the snap, Nick Stephens retreats into a short three step drop and looks for Berry on a quick wide receiver screen. The play develops as planned, exactly as it’s drawn up. The blocks are set up perfectly and just as Berry flashes open, Stephens ….. fakes the throw. He then spins around and looks for Denarius Moore streaking down the opposite sideline with single coverage and no safety help. Bam!
I’m no football coach but I think you get the idea. At the very least, this would send the message that Berry being on the field does not necessarily dictate the direction of the play. It also will set the stage for the next time #14 participates on the offensive side of the ball. Alabama will realize he may or may not be the focus of the play, and it’s then that I would get the ball in Eric Berry’s hands and see what happens.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]