I've heard a few criticize Hill. I don't think Hill is the problem. Here's how I see the defensive issues currently, ranked in order of biggest problem to least:
1. Offense. When the offense has a hard time staying on the field, whether by scoring too little or too much, our defense suffers. Part of that problem is that at many positions, we are thin with good talent.
2. DL. Jan Jorgensen can beat most people one-on-one, but won't typically win double teams. Unfortunately, there's no one else on the DL that requires double teams. When we successfully apply pressure to the QB, it's because a LB sneaks in. Failing to get pressure on the QB in turn puts pressure on the DBs. I don't care how athletic you are, the WR's will usually win, since they know where they are going, and the DB does not.
This is also why BYU's offense suffered against TCU. BYU's receivers can get open when they have time to create separation. But when Max only has 2 seconds to throw, that's not enough time to create separation against superior defensive talent.
3. Middle LBer speed. I seriously consider Kelly Poppinga to be one of the most under-appreciated players of the BM era. He was quick and strong. Right now, we don't have anyone who is either, except that Hooks is pretty strong. This will change with this recruiting class, as I understand a few of those kids--particularly Kolin Keoshian (or however you spell his name) have the size and speed to keep pressure off other facets of the defense.
I don't see it as a coordinator issue. And I don't place too much blame on the corners. If we rush 4 guys, and the QB has more than 3 seconds to throw, that's a DL problem, although the corner gets the grief.
Thoughts?
I see it much the same way. I think the DL's have become a bigger problem than the slow MLB's. But I think fast LB's is virtually a necessaty nowadays. I understand that the incoming LB's are much faster and that will pay huge dividends to the defense in the future. i think something that has contributed though is the way the defense is being called. They never stunt and seem more preoccupied with the running game first with a pass rush as an afterthought. You can see in games where we have a large lead, the DL's pin their ears back and get real pressure. But against FLa and TCU I didn't see anything but keeping your containment. I think if this is going to be the attitude then we need to blitz more. Against TCU nearly every time BYU blitzed, Dalton through a bad pass. I could see that BYU wanted to force Dalton to throw instead of letting the RB's control the game. But the problem is that if a QB has time he will pick your D apart. And with the slower than should be ILB's, we paid the price on Sat. I am surprised Hooks didn't play more. He seems to be the one ILB who really gets around and makes a huge impact.
I also think that if Jamie takes a HC job somewhere that we should go after the LB or DL coach from TCU as the DC.Statistics: Posted by imuakahuku — Mon Oct 26, 2009 1:02 pm
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