Defense Fixable

[robsker]

I think that the problem with the poor run defense is particular and the overall defense in general is one of many convergent factors. a) Defense line overweight, slow and are physically manhandled (weak), B) linebackers out of position continually, and slow, C) poor tackling mechanics, d) a sense of hopelessness and a resigned mindset that they can stop no one. All of these can be addressed by coaching. The lineman need to drop weight and get stronger. That is just workout oriented and can change. That the linebackers are out of position constantly can be rectified by scheme. That the linebackers are so slow can also be changed if the coaches use quicker and smaller men (guys like Culbert, Washington, and Dillard --- if Dillard drops 15 - 18 pounds). The defensive ends are playing too heavy --- Turner was an effective quick player at 240 --- now at 270 he is average, at best. These guys need to cut weight and work on burst strength. The tackling mechanics can be fixed by coaching. The only thing that remains is the condition of the psyche of these kids. And that too, can be effected by coaching.

 

So.... can this be fixed and fixed quickly? The answer is yes. The NU defense, this year no better than #100 in the nation should be, based on the talent that they have coming back and the people in the pipeline, if well coached, a top 30 - 35 defense(maybe a tad better). That is, a defense that is reasonable and effective (dominant, no --- even consistently good, probably not --- but they should not be a liability at all). This is what we should see next year.

 

Can this coaching staff (or another) fix this for next year? Yes. It is fixable.

[Hunter94]

I think that the problem with the poor run defense is particular and the overall defense in general is one of many convergent factors. a) Defense line overweight, slow and are physically manhandled (weak), B) linebackers out of position continually, and slow, C) poor tackling mechanics, d) a sense of hopelessness and a resigned mindset that they can stop no one. All of these can be addressed by coaching. The lineman need to drop weight and get stronger. That is just workout oriented and can change. That the linebackers are out of position constantly can be rectified by scheme. That the linebackers are so slow can also be changed if the coaches use quicker and smaller men (guys like Culbert, Washington, and Dillard --- if Dillard drops 15 - 18 pounds). The defensive ends are playing too heavy --- Turner was an effective quick player at 240 --- now at 270 he is average, at best. These guys need to cut weight and work on burst strength. The tackling mechanics can be fixed by coaching. The only thing that remains is the condition of the psyche of these kids. And that too, can be effected by coaching.

 

So.... can this be fixed and fixed quickly? The answer is yes. The NU defense, this year no better than #100 in the nation should be, based on the talent that they have coming back and the people in the pipeline, if well coached, a top 30 - 35 defense(maybe a tad better). That is, a defense that is reasonable and effective (dominant, no --- even consistently good, probably not --- but they should not be a liability at all). This is what we should see next year.

 

Can this coaching staff (or another) fix this for next year? Yes. It is fixable.

 

the defensive coaches have trouble tying their shoes......there is not one of them that deserve to stay.

[NoLongerN]

It truly is a "pink shirt" defensive year ... one for the ages. Glad we did not make a bowl ... we don't deserve one.

 

Mark

[robsker]

I think that the problem with the poor run defense is particular and the overall defense in general is one of many convergent factors. a) Defense line overweight, slow and are physically manhandled (weak), B) linebackers out of position continually, and slow, C) poor tackling mechanics, d) a sense of hopelessness and a resigned mindset that they can stop no one. All of these can be addressed by coaching. The lineman need to drop weight and get stronger. That is just workout oriented and can change. That the linebackers are out of position constantly can be rectified by scheme. That the linebackers are so slow can also be changed if the coaches use quicker and smaller men (guys like Culbert, Washington, and Dillard --- if Dillard drops 15 - 18 pounds). The defensive ends are playing too heavy --- Turner was an effective quick player at 240 --- now at 270 he is average, at best. These guys need to cut weight and work on burst strength. The tackling mechanics can be fixed by coaching. The only thing that remains is the condition of the psyche of these kids. And that too, can be effected by coaching.

 

So.... can this be fixed and fixed quickly? The answer is yes. The NU defense, this year no better than #100 in the nation should be, based on the talent that they have coming back and the people in the pipeline, if well coached, a top 30 - 35 defense(maybe a tad better). That is, a defense that is reasonable and effective (dominant, no --- even consistently good, probably not --- but they should not be a liability at all). This is what we should see next year.

 

Can this coaching staff (or another) fix this for next year? Yes. It is fixable.

 

the defensive coaches have trouble tying their shoes......there is not one of them that deserve to stay.

 

I agree that new coaches are needed to lead the defense back. My point is that the defense can be decent (maybe even slightly better than decent) next year. That is encouraging.

[Foppa]

Does it really matter? Does someone care? Nope.

[Hunter94]

yes, i think many people care, but not too much right now....most are waiting for the presser coming up.

[Bleeding Husker Red]

It truly is a "pink shirt" defensive year ... one for the ages. Glad we did not make a bowl ... we don't deserve one.

 

Mark

 

 

....throws grenade.

[pctopeka]

You've got to be kidding...

[fatirishhusker]

The best players on D are young, which should give us hope for the future. Having Kuli next year will be a boost for the D line. Plus, we won't have a DC who either blitzes on every play or never blitzes at all.

 

Then again, it's not possible for our defense to be worse than this year. If they were, we might disband the team out of embarassment.