Pass defense -- Linebackers

[jlb321_rivals110621]

the DBs are taking all the heat and perhaps deservedly so .. but can someone who knows what they are talking about comment on the LBs role

are they getting to their drops fast enough, deep enough? the right lanes, etc ?

thanks

 

[jimbosc]

I know - as an example watching in person - the linebackers are not always in position on the short/medium throws. I remember a play in the first half where Young had underneath coverage and overran the receiver (the corner or safety was there to make the tackle) - so we bracketed the receiver nicely and simply did not execute the underneath coverage correctly.

In person what I see is guys not recognizing quickly what they need to do and being slow to get into coverage or like the Young play - lacking execution. Also - the pass rush is not good when we send 4 - the MN QB had way to many times I counted 4....5....before he tossed it short or medium for a gain.

Tackling was pretty good - not a ton of YAC that I recall - if we continue that we may take a bend but don't break approach - when the short field allows the coverage to tighten up - especially if we can continue to stop the run like we did Saturday - there were not many holes to run through.

 

[HuskerSquire]

the DBs are taking all the heat and perhaps deservedly so .. but can someone who knows what they are talking about comment on the LBs role

are they getting to their drops fast enough, deep enough? the right lanes, etc ?

thanks

Newby's really good in pass D. With Rose-Ivey coming back, I hope he doesn't replace Newby for pass D. In the nickel I would have Banderas and Newby in there.

 

[rez dog 70]

From what I've seen hardly anyone is in good position. This literally has been a baptism of fire for the players young and old. The coaches have helped make the transition easier by giving them more space to recover from bad angles and decision. But this approach will pay itself forward.

 

[Tuco Ramirez]

I think with the stop the run first philosophy, our linebackers immediately jump on anything that look likes a run, even if it's 3rd and long. Blitzing a lot on third down obviously opens up the short routes as well. When those blitzers are getting jammed up, it's an easy conversion.

 

[Cornicator]

The LB's coverage were really bad early. Gifford vs. BYU was a comedy of errors. Young is just innexperienced, and taking it on the chin at times.

But.. as the season has progressed, they've improved. @HuskerClassic is correct about Newby. He's the most improved player on the team.

I really hope they keep Newby at the SAM and move Rose-Ivey to the WILL in front of Young. This team is suddenly much better if Newby, Bando, and Rose-Ivey are your starters with Weber playing the MIKE and YOung backing up the WILL or the SAM.

That's not a slight to Dedrick Young. I just think Newby and Rose Ivey give Nebraska a better chance to win in 2015.

 

[Tuco Ramirez]

I'm still not thrilled with Bando. He's a big guy, but he sure likes to tackle high. I haven't noticed good or bad in pass coverage with him, but Weber did look a little lost in coverage, as would be expected.