The Tennessee Vols' defense has received quite a bit of criticism over the last two years despite showing significant improvement from the 2021 season to the 2022 season. 

In 2021, the Vols' defense allowed 29.1 points per game — No. 90 in the nation. 

Last season, Tennessee's defense allowed 22.8 points per game which was No. 36 in the nation. 

Even with the improvement, Vols defensive coordinator Tim Banks has caught plenty of heat thanks to rough defensive outings against South Carolina and Alabama last season. 

There's no doubt that Tennessee's defense has to continue to improve if the Vols are going to challenge Georgia in the SEC East. 

And there are plenty of reasons to expect Tennessee's defense to make a major leap forward in 2023. 

The main reason is because of depth. And that depth doesn't just mean that the Vols have plenty of backup options. 

Tennessee plans to rotate defensive players often this fall in an effort to keep players fresh for the fourth quarter. As a result of the much-improved depth, the Vols can finally play defense the way UT's defensive staff envisions. 

"Our goal is for every play that those guys are out there, and I think that this is defensive wide, is we want those guys to give 100 percent effort," said Vols linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary on Tuesday. "We want them to empty their tank. I have always felt like that if guys did not feel like that they were going to get replaced and have a chance to rest, that they always kind of hold back. We want those guys to give everything that they have, empty their tank, and play a hundred miles an hour, knowing that they could come back to the sideline, rest, and get a chance to go back."

"I feel like for us, we always want to be the fastest and freshest team going into the fourth quarter," added Jean-Mary. "I think the only way you can do that is if you get those guys the rest that they need. I should not say rest. Give them the breaks because if we are getting in the eighty-play range, it is hard for guys to do that consistently and be able to play at their highest level." 

Tennessee hasn't truly been able to play the fast aggressive style that they envision the defense playing because they haven't had the proper depth. 

But entering the 2023 season, the Vols finally have the depth to play multiple rotations at each position, which will allow players to give 100 percent effort while they're in the game before getting a break and returning. That constant rotation should lead to more plays being made in the fourth quarter — especially against teams with elite talent like Alabama and Georgia. 

Because the Vols were so good last season, it's easy to remember that Tennessee's roster was completely depleted just two years and ago and it's just now getting to where it needs to be to compete at a championship level. 

Tennessee didn't peak last season. And they won't be peaking this season. The Vols' run under Josh Heupel is just getting started. 

ESPN’s Rece Davis makes strong statement about Tennessee’s ability to compete with Georgia in 2023

ESPN’s Rece Davis made a strong statement about Tennessee’s ability to compete with Georgia in 2023

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