Another question regarding the defense....

CadaverDawg

Redshirt
Dec 5, 2011
6,409
0
0
Even though our defense was solid last year, we still saw a lot of "bend but don't break" I thought. It was pretty successful though, so I'm not saying it's a bad strategy. That being said, will we see that same style this season? Our a more attacking defense? I'm thinking if it ain't broke don't fix it, plus we're hoping for more offense this year....thus making a similar defense to last year even more successful this year. Plus, more attacking can yield more big plays. So will we see more of the same, or a more aggressive d this season?
 

boatsnhoes

Redshirt
Mar 15, 2011
415
0
0
I have always felt that great aggressive defenses were built on two things/or could cover up a lot of things. Two things could control the other team on offense at any level all the way up to the nfl

-a great pass rush
-great coverage

There are tangents here...where you could say if you can't stop the run etc etc etc.If you have a pash rush and they can't throw then run is easier to stop.

That all said, I would like to see us be more aggressive at the proper times (3rd and long) or at times when the offense doesn't expect it w/o giving up big plays "wishing well oh wishing well". Sacks equal a lot of 3rd and long when the defense has control. If corners can play man single up you can do A LOT of crazy stuff with blitz packages.
 

57stratdawg

Heisman
Dec 1, 2004
148,357
24,133
113
Because we didn't have much of a pass rush. 3 & outs are the goal of every D. There is no benefit in giving up yards, but staying on the field, because the O now has to go further, guys wear down, etc.

I think you'll see more aggressive D this year because we have more depth. Plus, they'll be more familiar w/ Wilson D. Add in Autry ff the edge, and hopefully we'll see more turnovers too.
 

engie

Freshman
May 29, 2011
10,756
92
48
Exactly.

The lack of pressure from the edges last year is what caused the soft zone from the CB's. Couldn't afford to press with the QB having time to beat us deep, so it was a trade-off there. I think Banks/Slay get turned loose to play a lot more man/press coverage this year outside, and our total D numbers will improve drastically because of it...

I expect our scoring d to improve a bit, but our total d will improve by a much greater margin.