How can Memphis improve team’s offense?
Memphis defensive coordinator Chris Ball was prompted to think back a decade ago earlier this week, to the four years he spent as the defensive coordinator at Washington State, to when he led one of the worst defenses in the country. “We weren’t very good,” he acknowledged. Ball then reflected on what he learned from that experience and, unintentionally, offered up a lesson he will again confront Saturday when the Tigers open conference play on the road facing Navy’s triple-option offense.
“Sometimes you think as a coach you want to out-scheme everybody, but it’s about putting your players in the best position where they can play fast and that’s not always the number of calls you have,” Ball said. “I think I’ve learned to limit my calls and quit trying to make plays for them.”
Ball is a fascinating case study of what statistics matter during this era of high-flying, Md. p.m. Last
Everyone knows Grit 'n Grind isn't Flash n' Dash, isn't Fun n' Gun, isn't Pace n' Space. It's a way of approaching the game that emphasizes toughness and defensive intensity. But defense, no matter how dogged, is only one side of the court. Teams have still got to score. Quoting from my August piece on the Grizzlies' defensive mindset:
When the Grizzlies were at their Grit n' Grind, tough-nosed, defensiveminded best, from the 2010-11 season through the 2014-15 season, they were ranked in the top 10 in Defensive Rating all five seasons, and finished in the top 5 twice. What is sometimes overlooked, though, is that those teams managed to put together decent, if not spectacular, offensive output. In those five seasons, the Grizzlies were 16th, 21st, 18th, 16th, and 13th in Offensive Rating. Again, not exactly great, but certainly good enough when paired with an elite defense to keep a team very much in the mix for a big season.
The Grizzlies are going to have to find a way to get into the middle teens or better in Offensive Rating in order to have a truly successful season. What would that look like? How would the Grizzlies be able to put together an offense that works while still maintaining their defensive focus?
Grizzlies need an identity
The Grizzlies are not as talented as the Warriors, nor are they as athletic as the Sixers. They're not as deep as the Celtics or as skilled as the Rockets. Given what they aren't, it's vital that they figure out what exactly they are. The week of training camp and the preseason schedule will help, but it's really in the first few weeks of the regular season that the Grizzlies will
Memphis (1-0) at Navy (0-1) WHERE: Annapolis, CBSSN LAST MEETING: season, Memphis won 30-27
Memphis held Navy to 314 rushing yards last year and 334 yards overall. While the offense has to score and not waste possessions, this game will rely more on the defense containing Navy's triple option.
The Tigers have experience on their side with eight returning starters on defense, but as they said in practice, it's difficult recreating Navy's speed and efficiency.
"We have to go in the game with a mental toughness mindset and stopping the run is going to be big for our defense," junior linebacker Austin Hall said.
Watch out for Malcolm Perry
Navy junior quarterback Malcolm Perry ran for 108 yards last week against Hawaii, although 75 of them came on a touchdown run. He's much faster than last year's quarterback Zach Abey, and Memphis must always have eyes on him to keep him from breaking loose
The Tigers also need to prepare for Abey in short-yardage situations. Abey ran for four touchdowns against Hawaii. Fullbacks Nelson Smith (86 rushing yards) and Anthony Gargiulo will also take turns wearing down Memphis.
But the key will be limiting Perry's big-play ability and that's where linebackers like Hall and Curtis Akins, who both had double-digit tackles in last year's game, factor in.
Will Tony Pollard be more involved?
Lost in the fun of Memphis' seasonopening win was that Pollard had a quiet day. Two catches for 8 yards, one rush for 5 yards and returning the opening kickoff for minus-2 yards.
Obviously the Tigers' offense didn't miss a beat but look for Pollard to get more touches against Navy. Don't be surprised if Pollard doesn't have many return chances. Two seasons ago he had an 100-yard kickoff return touchdown at Navy, so the Midshipmen will likely kick away from him.
Bring forth the turnover robe
Memphis unveiled the turnover robe last week after interceptions by TJ Carter and Thomas Pickens. On Saturday, it needs to get more air time.
A big reason the Tigers beat Navy last year was forcing five turnovers, including three fumble recoveries. Despite Navy's struggles against Hawaii, the Midshipmen had no turnovers last week.
The Tigers must win the turnover battle once again to limit the number of Navy possessions that will wear them down.