The Overlooked Edge: Football Depth

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Jim Feist - 12/1/2014 5:47 PM

by Jim Feist

Depth is such an essential element of success in pro and college football, and one that is easily overlooked. Big college programs have this as a huge advantage over smaller programs. Alabama got off to a strong start despite injuries on the offensive line and to star RB T.J. Yeldon, while Michigan State was able to rest QB Connor Cook (18 total passes in 2 straight September games) against lesser competition.
Injuries are to be expected in football, being such a violent, physical game. That's why depth is so important, not just as at quarterback spot but skill positions and both lines. Urban Meyer was known for stockpiling NFL caliber talent on the bench when he was at Florida and he's doing the same for Ohio State. Back in August they had the injury to star QB Braxton Miller, but Meyer had Cardale Jones and talented freshman J.T. Barrett to choose from. He chose the untested Barrett and the kid has been outstanding.
Texas has a new coach in Charlie Strong, taking over a program that had slipped in talent the last few years of Mack Brown's tenure. To begin the season he had injuries and suspensions and the lack of depth was obvious as the Longhorns struggled on offense.
On the other side of the coin is a program like Iowa State, always trying to attract talent and build depth but it's a huge uphill climb in the Big 12. The Cyclones got hit hard by defensive injuries last year and ran out of gas, allowing 58, 41, 48 and 44 points in 4 of their final 6 games. This season the offense had a slew of injuries at wide receiver and the offensive line and the thin depth was hard pressed. Their ground attack has been one of the worst in the nation again. Iowa State actually has a good coaching staff and has talent the school to multiple bowls five years, but they're a program that can't afford too many injuries to starters.
A few years ago Northwestern went to a bowl, but the game that clinched a bowl, against Iowa, dynamic QB Dan Persa got injured. It was their last win, too, as freshman Even Watkins was forced in the next game and wasn't sharp in a 48-27 loss to Illinois as a +7 dog. The Wildcats lost their final three games, including the bowl.
Oregon has had a great run the last few years. This year's team has 4 running backs with over 300 yards and 7 players have caught over 10 passes. Chip Kelly handed a deep, talented program over to coach Mark Helfrich the last two seasons.
Because of injuries in 2010, Oregon had to use backup QB Nate Cost in the middle of the season, and he played well in a win over UCLA. Before that Oregon had to use four QBs, including main starters Jeremiah Masoli and Justin Roper, but still managed to have one of the top offenses in the nation. That season their four QBs combined for 19 TDs, 11 picks. Contrast that with programs like Syracuse, UConn, Purdue, San Diego State, Miami of Ohio, Buffalo, who will be lucky enough to find one competent QB.
In the NFL, the Patriots had a mess of an offensive line in September which caused their offense to shut down for the most part. But after shuffling, including the use of rookie center Bryan Stork, the offense has been rolling. Stork was a part of the Florida State juggernaut last year.
The Eagles lost QB Nick Foles but Kelly had picked up QB Mark Sanchez in the offseason and the former NY Jet bust has played very well. The team also went 2-0 his first two appearances (one a start).
Contrast that a few years ago when the Colts lost Peyton Manning for the season and fell off a cliff, from Super Bowl contender to top pick in the draft! The 2009 Patriots lost Tom Brady, but Matt Cassell played well during a surprising 11-5 campaign. A few years ago the Tennessee Titans lost starting QB Vince Young in Week 1, but they had a capable veteran backup available in Kerry Collins during their 13-4 SU/12-5 ATS start.
Good college coaches and pro general managers will build their teams with the understanding that they will lose some players during the season. This is very different from a GM who takes the attitude that we should be a good team IF we don't have any key injuries.
Part of it is luck, as it's tough to lose such a pivotal figure as a star quarterback. On the other hand, part of it is smart coaching and management if they prepare properly with depth. It's not the job of a pro football general manager to be praying every Sunday for players not to get injured. Rather, the smart teams evaluate and upgrade depth, as injuries are to be expected.

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