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The reason why I am so upset about this team right now is simple: After the 2010 season, we lost Gomes, Amukamara, and Hagg to the NFL, leaving an obviously massive void in the secondary, which was apparent all of last season with horrible coverage most of the year. I can understand that even great teams with amazing recruiting ties that roll in 4 and 5 star recruits will have a down year here and there which people refer to as a "rebuilding year." Then in fall camp, we hear all of these glowing reviews of every level of the defense, so naturally, I expected to have an improved defense this season. I will give credit where credit is due. I have seen 2 players on the defense that have visibly improved big-time since last year: Ciante Evans and Jason Ankrah have played very well so far. The problem IMO lies in the front 7. I like Compton, but when I saw him chasing the UCLA RB on a crossing route and let him get away for a big gain, I almost started whimpering because I realized how much we are missing Lavonte this year. Baker Steinkuhler has played horribly so far. I feel like we have had decent production out of all 4 of our top DEs, especially against UCLA. Anyhow, not that I am claiming to know anything, but here is what I would do to fix the defense: 1. Most importantly - TURN THE DL LOOSE! The object should be to shed the blocks and get upfield toward the QB or RB, not wait for them to get to the line and then try to shed the blocks. THE BEST WAY TO STOP THE RUN IS GET TO IT BEFORE IT GETS STARTED!!!! 2. Abandon the cover 2. We don't have the athleticism up front to have 2 of our defenders lining up 20 yards downfield. Either bring both of them forward 5-7 yards or leave one and bring the other up in run support in a LB position and play cover 1. 3. Play the young talent. We have yet to see Charles Jackson, David Santos, Michael Rose, etc. Let's see them. I also hope that Alonzo Moore ends up on defense now. We are super deep at WR, and his athleticism is needed at CB. 4. Go back to press man coverage. I noticed that we have been lining up 7-10 yards back from the receivers this year and playing a match-up zone, and these guys just aren't on the same page at all. So many missed assignments and busted coverages, and it's embarrassing to watch. 5. May be most important of all: LEARN HOW TO FREAKIN' TACKLE!!! For the love of God, learn how to tackle. end rant.