Thoughts on Defense?
- Thread starter trueyanksfan
- Start date
It’s a very good topic and I’m glad you brought it up. I’ve been making the point often that the defense has been poor against the run. RU hangs their hat on stopping the run. They have won these 4 games with a defense that doesn’t give up a lot of points, which is very important. However, they have been giving up 6+ yds per carry. They don’t get sacks and they don’t have many TFLs. They need to improve, they will get exposed in the B1G if this continues. Powell looks good. I thought Bailey was kind of invisible against Wash. Their DL has been mediocre so far.
I didn't watch game close yet but statistically Rutgers crashed in rankings.
RUs pass defense was near top ten and now its 36th
Total defense was 68th after 521 yards given up Friday.
The Howard and Akron fairy dust has blown off
Wash had 1 sack and 3 TFLs - RU had zero of both.
I had a bad view on TV but it seemed like RU was "spacious" on defense.
Announcer mentioned "box" was loose and that after one guy misses the field is open.
Looked like RU feared QB more than anything else - gave-up the empty calorie yards.
RUs pass defense was near top ten and now its 36th
Total defense was 68th after 521 yards given up Friday.
The Howard and Akron fairy dust has blown off
Wash had 1 sack and 3 TFLs - RU had zero of both.
I had a bad view on TV but it seemed like RU was "spacious" on defense.
Announcer mentioned "box" was loose and that after one guy misses the field is open.
Looked like RU feared QB more than anything else - gave-up the empty calorie yards.
Washington's running back was huge, and (based on memory I didn't go check)so many times our CB was the first one trying to make a tackle. I think Washington overall had larger stronger linemen.
Listening to Greg, Washington had the guys that scare you getting off the bus.
The old Pac-12 was full of those big, Oceanic players who were quick and doing 37 combine reps on bench
Coleman is small but powerful, similar to KM but with better break away speed, I don’t think his feet are as good. Believe he is about 5’9 but about 215 -220 lbs. He will probably be one of the first RBs drafted next spring.
The bend but don’t break style can be frustrating to watch, but it’s been effective. The last two weeks, RU has faced tough, experienced QBs. This week we’ll see a potential superstar freshman. Schiano-coached defenses usually confuse and overwhelm freshmen QBs.
My thoughts are that we should do a lot of tackling ,intercepting and forcing of turnovers
Defense needs to improve greatly for our winning ways to continue
Not sure how confusing our D will be - as we have not seemed to blitz much this season or last. We don't bring the pressure like we did in Schiano 1.0 days.
The biggest factor is losing Mohamed Toure, who was a sure tackler, and the equivalent of an NFL LBer. He had a terrific game vs Miami, and he was key to shutting down their rushing attack. His replacement plays hard, but misses a lot of tackles. To be fair, he also makes a lot of tackles.
This is why we need a Fieldhouse, so that we can consistently recruit higher caliber players who can readily step in. The mostly 3 star players we recruit have a learning curve and need time to acclimate to this level of play. The DJ McClary is the type of instant impact player we needed this year. Unfortunately, he is in next years class.
We should have had two sacks Friday, but our end and LBer could not bring their QB down. We just have to keep getting better.
Points allowed is more important than rushing yards allowed and we are doing great in that category.
This is why we need a Fieldhouse, so that we can consistently recruit higher caliber players who can readily step in. The mostly 3 star players we recruit have a learning curve and need time to acclimate to this level of play. The DJ McClary is the type of instant impact player we needed this year. Unfortunately, he is in next years class.
We should have had two sacks Friday, but our end and LBer could not bring their QB down. We just have to keep getting better.
Points allowed is more important than rushing yards allowed and we are doing great in that category.
With very little pressure on the QB(not just the Washington game) and a porous run defense will definitely come back to bite RU shortly.
We're still trying to replace the production of our best defensive player who we lost for the year. Our second best player is recovering from an ACL tear, and our best run support safety is still playing hurt. Honestly it's a miracle we're 4-0 and a credit to the defensive staff.
The team is loaded with many 4th and 5th year players. We have the most B1G depth that we’ve had in conference. Toure is a great player but probably most effective as a pass rusher. I just think the DL and LB units have been subpar in rush defense. Think they have been better against the pass. If they want to beat Nebraska it needs to get better.
Go watch the Miami game. Toure was dominant in the run game, pass rush game, and in coverage.
I see is getting pressure. Just not sacks. It would be nice to finish some of them.
Still, pressure adds up over the game.
Still, pressure adds up over the game.
I think this is a big part of it. We’ve usually been undersized and under skilled compared to our opponents and make up for that by gambling on play calls and being aggressive. That’s the GS way on D. I think this is JHs defense though. They’ve made an emphasis on getting pressure just with the front floor, making sure to contain mobile quarterbacks. (Which means less stunting and cheating to a side), and not give up long TD play.
It gives up lot of yards but not a lot of points so far. Can’t complain.
I for one loved the blitzing and punt blocking- gs identity-lfg
There were some big holes opened up but the secondary mostly kept the homerun shots at bay. Several long drives ran out of steam and they really tightened up at 3/4 downs. However, even Howard was getting chunk plays so definitely feels like there’s a significant underlying issue—aside from MT missing.
We seem a little slow
Only Hamilton looks improved from last season
Still 9 games left, hoping we start to put it together and become more explosive
Only Hamilton looks improved from last season
Still 9 games left, hoping we start to put it together and become more explosive
could be missing coach Corey heatherman we have not replaced him other than to have DC cover.
On Jonah Coleman’s big run, Hamilton was actually moved out of the way, creating a huge hole.
UW's RB was like a bowling ball gashing through our defense multiple times, getting to 2nd and 3rd level. Very good speed and thick, powerful legs. They should have fed him the rock more when they were in the red zone to punch it in.
Powell is great at LB but big drop off after him. Walker doesn’t have “it” and not sure he ever will. DJ is serviceable but not great.
DL has talent but underperformed last season and this season so far. If it doesn’t improve, DL coach needs to be gone after this season.
DL has talent but underperformed last season and this season so far. If it doesn’t improve, DL coach needs to be gone after this season.
The guys (Powell, Bailey, & Rainey) you mentioned are all coming back from injuries. I suspect none of them are 100%. Another point missed is Washington is one of the best offenses we will see all season. Add both Rodgers and Drones are leaps and bounds better than any QB remaining on the schedule, hopefully you should see some improvement. At the end of the day, the real concern should be how many points does the defense give up. Right now, the defense is okay.
When defensive backs are first on the scene, it’s not good. Way too many runs practically untouched through the box. LBs aren’t seeing it right in my opinion. DL not disrupting anything against run and very little qb pressure. Luckily our secondary is pretty good.
Schiano's 1.0 blitzing was fun - until RU played a good spread team.
Blitzing White and Slaton helped them find holes lol.
Not sure why yet but Wash was only 2 of 12 on 3rd - penalties?
RU was 7 of 15
Wash had one more minute and nine more plays
In the past GS has eaten clock using the "look at me" delay (no huddle).
Ran a lot with a little "pocket change" passing (RU special) or Wildcat thrown in.
Greg is half way to an Army coach - run, run, chuck a pass now and then (Monken)
Blitzing White and Slaton helped them find holes lol.
Not sure why yet but Wash was only 2 of 12 on 3rd - penalties?
RU was 7 of 15
Wash had one more minute and nine more plays
In the past GS has eaten clock using the "look at me" delay (no huddle).
Ran a lot with a little "pocket change" passing (RU special) or Wildcat thrown in.
Greg is half way to an Army coach - run, run, chuck a pass now and then (Monken)
Washington manhandled our DL at times. Their line is huge. #71 is able to get pressure, but has to bring the QB down when he gets the opportunity. Same goes for #28, who seems to be going through a learning curve, and needs to Get stronger.
The defense has plenty of room to improve. Kaj Sanders has elite speed and will be one of Rutgers best DBs ever when he improves his tackling and angles. The coaching he received on the sidelines at 4:23 of 3Q will help him be great. Mascoe looks good for a true sophomore. As Flip recovers from injury, he will be his more than solid self going forward. Overall DB may be the strongest room.
TP had two tipped passes on pass blitzes Saturday and his return was timely and critical. He will get better coming off injuries. Wright, Walker and Djabome all have room to improve and will. Difficult for the LB room with the best player and captain out for the season.
The DL has good depth and three leaders who don’t quit on the goal line stands.
Beat Nebraska.
TP had two tipped passes on pass blitzes Saturday and his return was timely and critical. He will get better coming off injuries. Wright, Walker and Djabome all have room to improve and will. Difficult for the LB room with the best player and captain out for the season.
The DL has good depth and three leaders who don’t quit on the goal line stands.
Beat Nebraska.
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To answer your question. I see 3 things. A static defense that pretty much lines up in the same formation every play. The move around, keep em guessing pressure one that Greg used to run has been replaced by the British army lining up in rows. 2nd, the linebackers are over pursuing and not playing assignments. Several times I would see a guy leave the edge to go assist the tackle of a guy who didn't have the ball and already had two RU guys bringing him down leaving the hole there for the one who did have it. Third. Our D backs are playing way too soft and making coverage mistakes. Even on that last drive let Washington guys get behind them (for the 29 yard gain on 4th and for the TD earlier when THAT is exactly what they needed not to do). That guy in the end zone was wide open had Powell not tipped it because two guys took the same player and left him open.
Oh and the pass rush (#4) is again non-existent and only there late the few times they blitzed. They've got to mix it up more..period.
Those are my observations and opinions.
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