Feels like we could blitz until we are blue in the face and it still wouldn’t matter. I’ve watched so many plays where we bring heat and still can’t get pressure. Sometimes it looks like our guys pick the wrong gaps or simnply have the wrong technique. (I really don’t know what that means other than it looks pathetically inept on the tele). Other times, our guys are late, and we make little effort to get our hands up to interfere with the passing motion of the QB or to get a possible deflection. Then oftentimes our CBs don’t even look back for the ball when we bring pressure. I think this played out on the second touchdown pass against Purdue. Felt like we didn’t even have a chance to defend.
Was watching the Cal-Stanford game for a bit this afternoon. Thank goodness Stanford is a dismal 3-7 or 3-8. They look almost as inept as us, though they at least have a passing game and the defensive front 7 look aggressive and capable. Maybe uninspired, or bad luck. I don’t know.
What was notable was the discussion of the Cal DB technique defending the stanford red zone offense. Supposedly Cal has the best defensive efficiency defending Stanford’s red zone TD play (i jest because i didn’t catch the play, but they run it with great effectiveness - except against Cal). And they reviewed the technique taught by Cal and the stats for the last several years. Its a combination of defensive eyes, positioning, and PBU technique - but obviously it is well practiced and effective. Doesn’t matter if the stanford receiver is 6-6 and the db is 5-11. Those cal DBs defend exceptionally well in the red zone - physical play, always with a look to the QB to see if it is a jump ball or a fade. The physicality is body to body with the look back to appear like they are making a play on the ball, and rarely the “handsy” thing which i guess is a thing now that DBs can get away with.
Anyways, i guess i am just at a loss for words this season. I was so hopeful that the sky team and legacy of GNewsome would have some staying power. You know confidence, technique, attitude. Feels like the technique and consistency have been missing. So many things to blame including lack of QB pressure, but i’m not sure you can really say its 1 thing. Athleticism is improved, technique seems improved, but it feels like the DBs aren’t anywhere close to playing at last year’s level despite the experience and depth.
Thank goodness there is only one more game left this season, though i don’t know if i can bring myself to watch it…