Coen Talks Offense

[JPFisher]

Overall, sounds great.

OLine is starting to gel, but concerning (to me) that RT isn't consistent yet. Regardless, Coen says Flax has taken a big step forward.

O is able to move the ball well against our D, which is great for the offense, but red zone presented some issues. Not too worried about our secondary re: passing – we have, legitimately, two of the best receivers in the SEC and a solid QB.

Lots of passing in the scrimmage. Thoughts on why? Is running much farther ahead than passing at this time? To get the OL some passing reps? Stoops wanting his secondary to get a ton of practice? All the above?

I like listening to Coen talk ball. Just makes me feel like this season is in good hands at HC and at both coordinators.

 

[JHB4UK]

Yup, sounding good

really wish Ford had grabbed the right tackle job in the 1st week. I've been listening to Flax "battling for the job" for 3 seasons now.

Loved Coens analysis of Brad Whites D & why it is so tough

 

[bigblueinsanity]

Lots of passing in the scrimmage. Thoughts on why

I think we'll see much more passing this season. I think Leary is so efficient stoops will let it go much more than before

 

[JC-3]

Overall, sounds great.

OLine is starting to gel, but concerning (to me) that RT isn't consistent yet. Regardless, Coen says Flax has taken a big step forward.

O is able to move the ball well against our D, which is great for the offense, but red zone presented some issues. Not too worried about our secondary re: passing – we have, legitimately, two of the best receivers in the SEC and a solid QB.

Lots of passing in the scrimmage. Thoughts on why? Is running much farther ahead than passing at this time? To get the OL some passing reps? Stoops wanting his secondary to get a ton of practice? All the above?

I like listening to Coen talk ball. Just makes me feel like this season is in good hands at HC and at both coordinators.

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JP, Very well put!

 

[Rembrandt90]

really wish Ford had grabbed the right tackle job in the 1st week. I've been listening to Flax "battling for the job" for 3 seasons now

You hear it because it is true. Having players who fight and compete hard for roles is a good thing. Our football team is built on this competition. If Flax is battling to keep his job, that is something to be pleased about. Sometimes maybe some of us forget our players work hard under the teaching of a quality coaching staff and the result is improved performance. Mature, effective OTs don't grow on trees. They are developed. Presently, we don't have a lot of healthy OTs. If Flax is improving and contributing, that's fantastic. We need him to play better and contribute.

 

[Rembrandt90]

I think we'll see much more passing this season. I think Leary is so efficient stoops will let it go much more than before

Yesterday by happenstance, I ran into a new business contact. For the last several years, he was working at NC St in Raleigh. He told me that Leary is an amazing QB who will overachieved at UK. It's just one guy's opinion, but this dude is a big football fan who evidently saw a lot of Leary's game over several seasons.

 

[CRZ4UK]

Yup, sounding good

really wish Ford had grabbed the right tackle job in the 1st week. I've been listening to Flax "battling for the job" for 3 seasons now.

Loved Coens analysis of Brad Whites D & why it is so tough

I said this before Fall ball started. Our only hope is Ford sounds like he has been banged up. He didn’t participate at open practice. Flax is terribly out of shape. I know guys who drink a case of beer a day that don’t have a belly hanging over like that. I got hammered because of my opinion of the Oline at fan day but if Flax starts we will be no better there than last year.

 

[Rembrandt90]

I said this before Fall ball started. Our only hope is Ford sounds like he has been banged up.

Our "only hope"? Hyperbole alert.

Let's support our players and hope for their success. Maybe Flax is playing better in practice because he is actually working hard and in better shape this summer. Could this be?

 

[Caveman Catfan]

Coen said Flax has accepted the challenge and has been putting in the work. I don’t think Coen is lying. Coen said Flax has been reliable as a run blocker, but is working hard to be more consistent protecting the edge.

 

[mrschwump]

Coen said Flax has accepted the challenge and has been putting in the work. I don’t think Coen is lying. Coen said Flax has been reliable as a run blocker, but is working hard to be more consistent protecting the edge.

It's the basketball OAD mentality that many have adopted with the football program. If a guy isn't at the top of his game midway through his freshman year he's a bum. UK has the only program in college football that guys will never improve no matter what....or so some think.

If Coen is pleased with players progress, we should be too. Flax was regarded as a solid prospect coming out of JUCO, I'm more than willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

 

[cathouse]

Overall, sounds great.

OLine is starting to gel, but concerning (to me) that RT isn't consistent yet. Regardless, Coen says Flax has taken a big step forward.

O is able to move the ball well against our D, which is great for the offense, but red zone presented some issues. Not too worried about our secondary re: passing – we have, legitimately, two of the best receivers in the SEC and a solid QB.

Lots of passing in the scrimmage. Thoughts on why? Is running much farther ahead than passing at this time? To get the OL some passing reps? Stoops wanting his secondary to get a ton of practice? All the above?

I like listening to Coen talk ball. Just makes me feel like this season is in good hands at HC and at both coordinators.

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If you listened to Coen, he told us why. Trying to save some hits on RB's which makes me think we still have talent/depth issues at RB with staff not wanting to take a chance on getting Davis or Wright dinged up before the season starts.

We had a lengthy discussion on this board about RB concerns with several saying we had plenty of depth/talent in the rb room.

Since that thread Stoops has gone out and added 2-3 more RB's to THIS YEAR'S TEAM.

Listening to Coen describe trouble scoring in Red Zone sounded like last year's team when CRod was grounded.

We are going to sorely miss CRod on 3rd and 4 and inside the 10 yard line.

I do not think we have a RB on the roster who can fill that void and evidently CMS doesn't either.

He is still searching.

 

[JHB4UK]

Coen said Flax has accepted the challenge and has been putting in the work. I don’t think Coen is lying. Coen said Flax has been reliable as a run blocker, but is working hard to be more consistent protecting the edge.

I don't think he is a liar. But I'm just weary of hearing the same thing about Flax since Spring '21. Just ready to see it in real game action, if he's the best in practice at RT I trust he won it.

Wonder if they see a role for Ford as a swing tackle who comes in at L & R

 

[mrschwump]

I don't think he is a liar. But I'm just weary of hearing the same thing about Flax since Spring '21. Just ready to see it in real game action, if he's the best in practice at RT I trust he won it.

Wonder if they see a role for Ford as a swing tackle who comes in at L & R

Re Ford....yes, likely to backup both Ts if he doesn't outright win RT job. WVU transfer Dylan Ray also could figure in.

 

[JPFisher]

If you listened to Coen, he told us why. Trying to save some hits on RB's which makes me think we still have talent/depth issues at RB with staff not wanting to take a chance on getting Davis or Wright dinged up.

Good catch. I watched this interview twice and heard that both times and somehow forgot it.

I hope we figure out the RB situation. Someone on the team commented that Wright has improved, so we'll see. Hope Jefferson can bounce back from his injury.

 

[ChaiseyD]

I think we'll see much more passing this season. I think Leary is so efficient stoops will let it go much more than before

Let's just hope he let's us bury some teams early and get a boost of confidence because it can ignite a storm of success!

 

[ChaiseyD]

If you listened to Coen, he told us why. Trying to save some hits on RB's which makes me think we still have talent/depth issues at RB with staff not wanting to take a chance on getting Davis or Wright dinged up before the season starts.

We had a lengthy discussion on this board about RB concerns with several saying we had plenty of depth/talent in the rb room.

Since that thread Stoops has gone out and added 2-3 more RB's to THIS YEAR'S TEAM.

Listening to Coen describe trouble scoring in Red Zone sounded like last year's team when CRod was grounded.

We are going to sorely miss CRod on 3rd and 4 and inside the 10 yard line.

I do not think we have a RB on the roster who can fill that void and evidently CMS doesn't either.

He is still searching.

Ramon Jefferson is a power back and has better speed then CROD so hoping he can be productive in the red zone. RAY DAVIS is also pretty powerful back as well ,he should be able to run the ball between the tackles as well and now with this new addition I think we should be more then fine with 6 backs.

 

[grevey35]

I said this before Fall ball started. Our only hope is Ford sounds like he has been banged up. He didn’t participate at open practice. Flax is terribly out of shape. I know guys who drink a case of beer a day that don’t have a belly hanging over like that. I got hammered because of my opinion of the Oline at fan day but if Flax starts we will be no better there than last year.

Taking the attitude that a player can't improve from one year to the next is downright silly.

 

[JC-3]

Ramon Jefferson is a power back and has better speed then CROD so hoping he can be productive in the red zone. RAY DAVIS is also pretty powerful back as well ,he should be able to run the ball between the tackles as well and now with this new addition I think we should be more then fine with 6 backs.

Chais, I get your point but RJ and RD together will never be CROD. He is a future UK Hall of Famer and almost led the SEC in yards after contact for 2 years. He is as Freddie Maggard suggest an All Timer. Now do not get me wrong I totally agree with you that RD and RJ are fine backs and they will do well. BTW, CROD did quite well in the 40 on Pro day. This post sounds argumentative and I did not intend to sound this way. Your post is good and I agree with it.

 

[CRZ4UK]

Taking the attitude that a player can't improve from one year to the next is downright silly.

I didn’t say he couldn’t improve. But…. History says his chances are very low. Can you name a single player who has been downright awful two years in a row, is terribly out of shape and has unheard of balance issues and suddenly has great senior year. It’s OK to be honest. His chances are low. One thing I can tell you is he looked horrible in one on ones at fan day. I watched him do 8 reps. 4 would have been easy sacks. You don’t have to agree but I have the opinion if we start Flax we are gonna be bad on that right side.

 

[grevey35]

I didn’t say he couldn’t improve. But…. History says his chances are very low. Can you name a single player who has been downright awful two years in a row, is terribly out of shape and has unheard of balance issues and suddenly has great senior year. It’s OK to be honest. His chances are low. One thing I can tell you is he looked horrible in one on ones at fan day. I watched him do 8 reps. 4 would have been easy sacks. You don’t have to agree but I have the opinion if we start Flax we are gonna be bad on that right side.

You have a right to that opinion. While I won't pretend I do not see some legitimacy based on your experience watching him in the past I see no benefit in the absolute negativity. To express concern is one thing but you go well beyond that. I trust Cohen and Stoops enough that if they feel he is or best option I will hope he is up to it this year.

 

[ChaiseyD]

Chais, I get your point but RJ and RD together will never be CROD. He is a future UK Hall of Famer and almost led the SEC in yards after contact for 2 years. He is as Freddie Maggard suggest an All Timer. Now do not get me wrong I totally agree with you that RD and RJ are fine backs and they will do well. BTW, CROD did quite well in the 40 on Pro day. This post sounds argumentative and I did not intend to sound this way. Your post is good and I agree with it.

I think Ray will surprise you he ran for 1000 at vandy that's impressive in itself, the other kid Jefferson has been a dawg in his league before UK so let's see how tge season transpires and root like hell for both of them.

 

[Rembrandt90]

Coen said Flax has accepted the challenge and has been putting in the work. I don’t think Coen is lying. Coen said Flax has been reliable as a run blocker, but is working hard to be more consistent protecting the edge.

Sure. Having watched Flax for a couple of seasons, I certainly wouldn't call him a liability in the run game. Except for an occasional missed assignment, Flax has actually been a pretty good run blocker. Pass blocking has been the problem. Speed rushers can defeat him on the edge. This can be improved to a certain extent with experience and better technique. To be honest about it, I have also seen Courtland Ford get beat on the edge a couple of times in SoCal games. Lateral quickness and agility are not easy for huge men. As long as Flax is working hard and fighting for his job, we can be happy about that. Heaven knows we need as many effective OTs as possible.

 

[Rembrandt90]

I think Ray will surprise you he ran for 1000 at vandy that's impressive in itself, the other kid Jefferson has been a dawg in his league before UK so let's see how tge season transpires and root like hell for both of them.

Amen to this. I am expecting Jefferson to play hungry and determined. If healthy, he is a quality RB. And Davis is a much better player than many on this board appreciate up to this point (which will change soon).

 

[mrschwump]

Amen to this. I am expecting Jefferson to play hungry and determined. If healthy, he is a quality RB. And Davis is a much better player than many on this board appreciate up to this point (which will change soon).

Some want to dog Davis because he played at Vandy. Mistake, this guy was one of only 3 1000 yard+ rushers in the SEC in '22. He pretty much ran at will vs UK last year. Of the film I saw on him he showed surprisingly good hands in the passing game. A plus all the way around.

 

[Rembrandt90]

Some want to dog Davis because he played at Vandy. Mistake, this guy was one of only 3 1000 yard+ rushers in the SEC in '22. He pretty much ran at will vs UK last year. Of the film I saw on him he showed surprisingly good hands in the passing game. A plus all the way around.

There is a general fear that CRod is irreplaceable. IIRC, there was also a general fear previously that Benny could not be replaced. Time waits for no one. I trust our coaches.

And anyone who saw the 2022 UK-Vandy game knows Davis is a very good football player. It is all too easy to blame that loss totally on our team not having a good enough game plan. That narrative still appeals to the dwindling anti-Stoops crowd. But Ray Davis took over that game against one of the SEC's top defenses. Sometimes you just have to give credit where it is due.

Having said that, I am also excited to see Ramon Jefferson healthy, and I am curious to see how Coach Coen will use DSK.

 

[Soupbean]

Coen said Flax has accepted the challenge and has been putting in the work. I don’t think Coen is lying. Coen said Flax has been reliable as a run blocker, but is working hard to be more consistent protecting the edge.

I never doubted Jeremy wasnt putting in the work, just wondered about overall ability and more specifically AGILITY to get it done. But sounds like he's made some improvement there which comes from the work

 

[Soupbean]

Overall, sounds great.

OLine is starting to gel, but concerning (to me) that RT isn't consistent yet. Regardless, Coen says Flax has taken a big step forward.

O is able to move the ball well against our D, which is great for the offense, but red zone presented some issues. Not too worried about our secondary re: passing –

Lots of passing in the scrimmage. Thoughts on why? Is running much farther ahead than passing at this time? To get the OL some passing reps? Stoops wanting his secondary to get a ton of practice? All the above?

I like listening to Coen talk ball. Just makes me feel like this season is in good hands at HC and at both coordinators.

View embedded media

"we have, legitimately, two of the best receivers in the SEC and a solid QB." There is no question about this but I I swear I think T Robinson may be our most effective pass catcher his year when all plays out.

He is set up perfectly for a big year. The guy showed flashes early last year of being a poor mans Wandale and was or best weapon early on out of the slot, then go lost. And every thing else sets up just right for him . . . He's got two great weapons outside and tight ends as well to spread the field for him to work in the slot. Coen has said he's going to utilize the RB in the flats more too that will also open up the underneath stuff for the slot WR.
And he's a senior that has a lot to prove. I just think this guy has not been talked about nearly enough and will come up big. May not have huge numbers because Coen has so many choices it will get spread around a lot but think he do some damage out of the slot for sure.

 

[Rembrandt90]

"we have, legitimately, two of the best receivers in the SEC and a solid QB." There is no question about this but I I swear I think T Robinson may be our most effective pass catcher his year when all plays out.

He is set up perfectly for a big year. The guy showed flashes early last year of being a poor mans Wandale and was or best weapon early on out of the slot, then go lost. And every thing else sets up just right for him . . . He's got two great weapons outside and tight ends as well to spread the field for him to work in the slot. Coen has said he's going to utilize the RB in the flats more too that will also open up the underneath stuff for the slot WR.
And he's a senior that has a lot to prove. I just think this guy has not been talked about nearly enough and will come up big.

Based on what I see, one reason Robinson hasn't been talked about more is that Anthony Brown is having a great camp and eating into Robinson's snaps. I won't be surprised if Brown breaks out during UK's nonconference games next month. He was here in the spring and has reportedly had a very strong offseason. This is not a slight to Robinson, just a perspective about the competition in the slot.

 

[mrschwump]

"we have, legitimately, two of the best receivers in the SEC and a solid QB." There is no question about this but I I swear I think T Robinson may be our most effective pass catcher his year when all plays out.

He is set up perfectly for a big year. The guy showed flashes early last year of being a poor mans Wandale and was or best weapon early on out of the slot, then go lost. And every thing else sets up just right for him . . . He's got two great weapons outside and tight ends as well to spread the field for him to work in the slot. Coen has said he's going to utilize the RB in the flats more too that will also open up the underneath stuff for the slot WR.
And he's a senior that has a lot to prove. I just think this guy has not been talked about nearly enough and will come up big.

No question Robinson's being overlooked. He was on his way to a really solid '22 when injuries hit that caused him to miss or curtailed about half his year. Hoping for a big year from him.

 

[Soupbean]

Based on what I see, one reason Robinson hasn't been talked about more is that Anthony Brown is having a great camp and eating into Robinson's snaps. I won't be surprised if Brown breaks out during UK's nonconference games next month. He was here in the spring and has reportedly had a very strong offseason. This is not a slight to Robinson, just a perspective about the competition in the slot.

Yeah have heard the same good things about Brown, didnt realize he was a slot guy too. Whoever is in the slot is set up to do big things as the other pieces we have are so well balanced to keep the middle open. Still think TRob will make them play him this year as he is due a rebound year.

 

[Rembrandt90]

Yeah have heard the same good things about Brown, didnt realize he was a slot guy too.

Right now, we have a plethora of slot receivers but not enough outside receivers ("X", "Z"). Key and Porter are X's. B. Brown is the starting Z. Tayvion Robinson and Brandon White are slots. Word has it that Banks has gotten practice reps at X and Z. Crowdus, if he has cleared up his off-field issues, gets reps at all three, sort of like a receiver version of a Swiss army knife. Anthony Brown is our best slot receiver. He will be a star. He may even become a star this fall. Anthony is our next Wandale.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

I think Ray will surprise you he ran for 1000 at vandy that's impressive in itself, the other kid Jefferson has been a dawg in his league before UK so let's see how tge season transpires and root like hell for both of them.

Doubt Jefferson will even get a meaningful carry, short of injury bugs. Davis will be great but he will be the change of pace to the pass rather than the workhorse we had the last forever.

 

[Rembrandt90]

Doubt Jefferson will even get a meaningful carry, short of injury bugs. Davis will be great but he will be the change of pace to the pass rather than the workhorse we had the last forever.

Jefferson didn't have to come back for another season. He worked hard on his rehab. He is a legimate player with a history of production, and Coach Coen knows him from MA. If he is healthy, he will get his chances.

IMO the RB who loses this game of musical chairs is Wilcox, who will likely RS now after injuring his hamstring this month.

If our defense is as good as it seems to be, and if Coach Coen has designed an efficient offense, we will average more snaps per game than we are used to seeing. There will be more carries to go around.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

Jefferson didn't have to come back for another season. He worked hard on his rehab. He is a legimate player with a history of production, and Coach Coen knows him from MA

All that's true but you really listen closely to coen when he speaks about him, it's pretty clear he isn't in any rotation.

I suspect we'll have 25 or so reps per game that will be split between two or maybe three guys. Coen and stoops even mentioned some hybrid reps from wrs in the backfield. If they're working in wrs for rb reps, he isn't playing.

Jmi

 

[Rembrandt90]

All that's true but you really listen closely to coen when he speaks about him, it's pretty clear he isn't in any rotation.

I suspect we'll have 25 or so reps per game that will be split between two or maybe three guys. Coen and stoops even mentioned some hybrid reps from wrs in the backfield. If they're working in wrs for rb reps, he isn't playing.

Jmi

Sounds like we are working in RBs including DSK and McClain for WR reps, if you really listen.

If I count correctly, our offense took 813 snaps in 2022, of which 58% were rushes. Including all those sacks, Levis rushed 72 times. I have no doubt that UK's offense will take more than 813 snaps in 2023, that fewer of those will be sacks, and that Leary will not run as much as Levis did. In fact, I expect Leary's contact exposure to be deliberately limited. If that is right, there should be at least 450-500 rushing snaps for our RBs in 2023. Last year, CRod rushed 175 times and Smoke rushed 59 times. Both are gone now. Even with DSK involved in the offense as a runner/receiver, there should be plenty of carries for Davis, Jefferson, and McClain.

Jefferson missed last year, so he has to demonstrate durability and agility to win his role. He doesn't really have a history in our program. But if he is healthy, he should get plenty of touches. This guy is a proven football player who produces. And if you say his production came at a lower competitive level, the same could have been said about Jahmyr Gibbs and Chase Brown, among others. It could also have been said about Ray Davis when he transferred from Temple to the SEC. The main question about Jefferson now is his health, and he appears to have recovered from the knee injury.