I’m glad they believe in themselves.
Four of those five players return, so the continuity is much better heading into this season. Some linemen said that alone should translate into a group that is more capable of both protecting quarterback Tyler Palko and opening running lanes for tailbacks.
“Last year was tough on all of us because we just didn’t get much of an opportunity to play together until later in the season and, by that time, we were already on our way to a losing record,” said center Joe Villani. “This year, we have four guys together already and, really, we just needed to work one new guy into the mix, which is much easier to do.”
Simonitis added, “We started camp this year ahead of, and I mean by a lot, where we ended last season. It is not even close. I really expect us to not just have a good year, but to be the strength of our offense.”
Part of me thinks that would be tremendous if true. The other part fears that if so, the rest of the offense would be in the gutter if this O-line were the strength of the offense.
As I keep repeating like some football Fox Mulder, I want to believe. It’s just that I’ve seen this O-line the last few years so I have a hard time being optimistic sight unseen. Especially with this returning O-line. Right now, the best I can muster is that I doubt that they will be worse.
The named team captains for the opener aren’t really a surprise: Tyler Palko and Steve Buches on the offense (What? No one from the O-line?) and H.B. Blades and Clint Sessions from the defense. All are seniors.
I don’t know why I felt my rear iris close when I read this.
Defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads said the top two priorities against Virginia are to stop the run and eliminate the deep play.
“They’re going to take their shots early and probably take their shots often to try to get easy scores and big scores,” Rhoads said, “so we have to protect against it.”
Why do I have the sense that DC Rhoads is more concerned about a deep ball from a 5th year QB who has never started throwing to a full crew of inexperienced WRs — and the only experienced and skilled WR will be covered by Darrelle Revis — then the run? Oh, that’s right, history.
I think we’ll see some yards gained on the ground by the Panthers, and we’ll see the TEs worked underneath in a short game passing offense.
Doubt we’ll see Palko have enough time to sit back and wait for his WRs to get open on long plays down the field.
Mahaps we’ll need to win the turnover game to pull this one out – and if the O can jump out to any sort of lead and force UVA to pass – that should work in our favor.
Does look like it might be a sloppy weather night for the game though – I’m driving thru Ernesto tomorrow on the way to NC.
Pitt could not stop the run last year period. It is only natural for that to be a priority not only in this game but in every game this year.
Couldn’t believe it when I read that either. I mean isn’t this the time when they should “pin their ears back” and go after the QB. Secondary is a strong unit, let them cover and make plays, especially against an immature WR corps.