As the Colorado Buffaloes kicked off their 2024 season preparations, many eyes were on the defensive line, a critical component of the team’s defense. Defensive line coach Damione Lewis provided a candid assessment of his unit’s performance on the first day of practice, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement.
“I think they did decent today,” Lewis began, acknowledging the significance of the first practice but also tempering expectations.
Coach Lewis noted that while the defensive line showed promise, there were specific aspects that needed refinement.
“Got to do a better job of running to the football. Obviously did a good job executing some things. Just not getting far enough over on some of our stunts and blitzes and stuff like that, but just stuff we can fix in the meeting room,” he explained.
The emphasis on running to the football underscores the importance of effort and hustle, which are foundational to a strong defense. Execution on stunts and blitzes, meanwhile, will be critical as the Buffaloes look to disrupt opposing offenses throughout the season. Something the Buffs didn’t do enough of last season. Colorado was second to last in the PAC-12 last season in yards allowed per game, just ahead of Stanford.
The Road Ahead
Despite the mixed assessment of day one, Coach Lewis remained focused on the long-term goal. “We got somewhere to be, you know, just one day does not make a football team. This is a collective effort over a long period of time. We got 31 days before the first game. So we are nowhere near where we need to be right now,” he remarked.
The acknowledgment that “one day does not make a football team” serves as a reminder that the process of building a cohesive and effective defensive line is ongoing. With a month to go before the season opener, there is ample time for the unit to develop and improve.
Moving Forward
The first day of practice is just the beginning for the Colorado Buffaloes defensive line. Under the guidance of Coach Lewis, the focus will be on addressing the issues identified and building on the positives. The road to the first game may be long, but with dedicated effort and continuous improvement, the defensive line has the potential to become a formidable force.
As the Buffaloes continue their preparations, fans and coaches alike will be watching closely to see how the defensive line evolves. The commitment to improvement and the understanding that it is a “collective effort over a long period of time” will be key factors in their success this season.
