How do you think the game will be called on the defensive side this year

[The King]

I'll partially agree with the assessment that it's not an X's & O's problem. Yes, we had guys in the right position often and they just plain failed to make the play. So, in a sense, that is not Pelini's fault. But, when it happens time after time after time, it is Bo's job to make the adjustments that allows our defense to be successful. It might've been a great scheme but, if we don't have the talent/athletes to make it effective, then it's the wrong scheme to be using. I am hopeful that maybe this year we will have the guys to make it work but even more hopeful that, if it doesn't work, that Bo has some tweaks that will make it a much more serviceable D.

Which is why I believe he said he wish he didn't redshirt some people.

Bo has always been "know the defense, you'll play, despite your talent" guy. I think last year showed him that you've got to get your athletes out on the field, even if they make mistakes.

Surprisingly, speed can make up for a lot of mistakes.

See David, Lavonte. Never seen a LB more out of position in my life, in his junior year. But he was athletic enough to make up for his mistakes.

 

[RedRedJarvisRedwine]

I don't care how much we blitz this year but one thing the last couple years that has frustrated me was when we did blitz, we didn't get there often enough.

 

[Count 'Bility]

I'll partially agree with the assessment that it's not an X's & O's problem. Yes, we had guys in the right position often and they just plain failed to make the play. So, in a sense, that is not Pelini's fault. But, when it happens time after time after time, it is Bo's job to make the adjustments that allows our defense to be successful. It might've been a great scheme but, if we don't have the talent/athletes to make it effective, then it's the wrong scheme to be using. I am hopeful that maybe this year we will have the guys to make it work but even more hopeful that, if it doesn't work, that Bo has some tweaks that will make it a much more serviceable D.

What adjustments can he make though? Ones that would not allow guys to be in position? That's where I'm lost in this whole deal from an x's and o's standpoint. Everyone preaches adjustments this, adjustments that, but what more can the guy do? Honestly? The physical and mental development-or lack there of-is on him yes. No argument here. But at some point, guys have to have the want-to and/or tenacity to make a one-on-one play. Bo had guys that could, he has now had guys that couldnt. So obviously right now, a conclusion can be made than niether is indicative of his abilities.

 

[zeWilbur]

I'll partially agree with the assessment that it's not an X's & O's problem. Yes, we had guys in the right position often and they just plain failed to make the play. So, in a sense, that is not Pelini's fault. But, when it happens time after time after time, it is Bo's job to make the adjustments that allows our defense to be successful. It might've been a great scheme but, if we don't have the talent/athletes to make it effective, then it's the wrong scheme to be using. I am hopeful that maybe this year we will have the guys to make it work but even more hopeful that, if it doesn't work, that Bo has some tweaks that will make it a much more serviceable D.

Which is why I believe he said he wish he didn't redshirt some people.

Bo has always been "know the defense, you'll play, despite your talent" guy. I think last year showed him that you've got to get your athletes out on the field, even if they make mistakes.

Surprisingly, speed can make up for a lot of mistakes.

See David, Lavonte. Never seen a LB more out of position in my life, in his junior year. But he was athletic enough to make up for his mistakes.

But Lavonte was the only one out of position (focusing on the lb's) so he had time to make it up. If we have more than one messing up at a time then there is not enough speed in the world to make up for it. Such is the danger of youth.

 

[JJ Husker]

I'll partially agree with the assessment that it's not an X's & O's problem. Yes, we had guys in the right position often and they just plain failed to make the play. So, in a sense, that is not Pelini's fault. But, when it happens time after time after time, it is Bo's job to make the adjustments that allows our defense to be successful. It might've been a great scheme but, if we don't have the talent/athletes to make it effective, then it's the wrong scheme to be using. I am hopeful that maybe this year we will have the guys to make it work but even more hopeful that, if it doesn't work, that Bo has some tweaks that will make it a much more serviceable D.

What adjustments can he make though? Ones that would not allow guys to be in position? That's where I'm lost in this whole deal from an x's and o's standpoint. Everyone preaches adjustments this, adjustments that, but what more can the guy do? Honestly? The physical and mental development-or lack there of-is on him yes. No argument here. But at some point, guys have to have the want-to and/or tenacity to make a one-on-one play. Bo had guys that could, he has now had guys that couldnt. So obviously right now, a conclusion can be made than niether is indicative of his abilities.

That's a very good question that I had not fully considered. I'm not a big X's & O's theory type of guy but I've got to believe there are things they can do scheme wise that could reduce the damage done when one guy doesn't make the play. Maybe some tweaks that will put more people in helpside positioning. IDK, I guess nothing will work if guys don't make the play that they are in position to make. I guess that's when it's time to get some new guys on the field and see who really wants it more. However, I do think it all starts up front and Bo has to get that DL making some plays. If/when the play breaks down at that point, everyone behind those guys is at a disadvantage. I just cannot take another season of watching our DL bumble around ten steps behind every play. I hate to pick on any one guy when it's a team effort but I will not miss watching Meredith waddle into the screen five seconds late. He's my poster boy for what has ailed our D.

 

[EZ-E]

We are going to be up in a lot of games this year. This is where we will need Randy Gregory, Moss, McMullen, and Afalava to get pressure because the other team will need to pass to catch up.

How do you think the defense will be called to allow us to build such a lead?

I rewatched the MSU and UGA game today and I looked a ton at the DL and linebackers. To answer the question, I don't anticipate too much of a difference. What I noticed was that Compton, Fisher, and Whaley were often headed to the right place, but with the lack of top end athletic ability when talking about these guys they were often late. So when the ball carrier should have been gaining 1 or 2 yards, they were getting 4, 5, and sometimes 6. We as the casual fans would immediately blame the DL when in fact they had done their jobs. That would then open the play book for both those teams to do a lot more on 2nd and 5 or 4 then it would 2 and 8 or 9. I would hope with the added athletes we will have at LB that we are able to manipulate what OCs can call on us because we are able to keep some of the up the middle and tosses to minimal yardage.

Not to be a d!ck or anything, but I've been saying this exact thing since last year and have gotten blasted numerous times for saying our DL wasn't as awful as people think.

We were in the right position to make plays, but we didn't have the athletes to make the play. Closing speed in a linebacker is what makes you Lavonte David or... not Lavonte David.

My biggest issue was the lack of depth on our DL. Under no circumstances should Cam been asked to play DT.

 

[PaulCrewe]

To finally answer the thread title, the answer is hand signals

 

[deedsker]

My biggest issue was the lack of depth on our DL. Under no circumstances should Cam been asked to play DT.

This

 

[Husker_x]

With the exception of the UCLA game, this defense shouldn't have to worry about a damn thing until November. All they have to do is hold the opponent under 30 and continue to gel. The first half of the season (again, with the exception of UCLA) is like an unending Christmas present of teams that realistically pose no threat unless the offense figures out a way to turn the ball over five times a game. Not to jinx it, because the offense has been exceptional at turning the ball over in recent years, but with this many veteran players I'm not worried until they show me something to be worried about.

Long way of saying, Bo can do whatever he wants calling the defense. All it has to do is achieve mediocrity and we still beat most of those teams by two scores. That's a lot of time to figure out the system, get the looks and blitz packages figured out, and solidify the 1s before we start playing teams in our league talent-wise.

 

[walksalone]

It all starts up front...
I know this is a tall order but, the D line needs to be able to create pressure without having to rely on the blitz. That will make the secondary's life easier and the LB's will be able to make more plays and provide help where it is needed...

^^^This. The blitzes have seemed few and far between because recently that has been the only way we can generate pressure. If the DL can generate some on their own, that will be a huge step for this D. Then, when we do bring a blitz, it will have that desired "oh sh#t" effect.

A blitz is supposed to overload the offensive protection scheme, not makeup for lack of DL push and lack of speed. Hopefully we will be athletic enough to use the DL and blitzes in the proper manner.

Exactly...

When Suh and Co were shutting people down, wasn't the fact that they were able to generate pressure without a blitz the main reason Bo's scheme was successful...

 

[lo country]

If we actually tackle in space, get pressure from the front 4 and actually pressure the QB with these 4 our D will look night and day different from last year.

Folks have mentioned David as an example of speed and athleticism over coming lack of "knowledge". Even after his 15 tackle debut (IIRC) Bo commented something to the effect of "he could have done better". 2011 we saw a better David. A guy who had speed, athleticism and knowledge. Even his rookie year at TB, the 2nd year LB (name escapes me) told him that if you make mistakes, make them fast.

I also look at Neon Deion Sanders as an example of athleticism and speed (IMO set the bar with speed) who's technique was horrible, BUT he had speed and athleticism that allowed him to basically do whatever he wanted and still cover the receiver.

Speed kills. It shows in the SEC, we showed it in the 90's and have seen flashes with Suh, David, Super D in 2003 etc..... Bo has shown that with a true playmaker, his D is pretty solid. We just need to hope that someone on this squad steps up and is "that guy". Even better if we have it at all 3 levels. Imagine if Suh had been around in 2010.........

 

[Danimal]

We are going to be up in a lot of games this year. This is where we will need Randy Gregory, Moss, McMullen, and Afalava to get pressure because the other team will need to pass to catch up.

How do you think the defense will be called to allow us to build such a lead?

I rewatched the MSU and UGA game today and I looked a ton at the DL and linebackers. To answer the question, I don't anticipate too much of a difference. What I noticed was that Compton, Fisher, and Whaley were often headed to the right place, but with the lack of top end athletic ability when talking about these guys they were often late. So when the ball carrier should have been gaining 1 or 2 yards, they were getting 4, 5, and sometimes 6. We as the casual fans would immediately blame the DL when in fact they had done their jobs. That would then open the play book for both those teams to do a lot more on 2nd and 5 or 4 then it would 2 and 8 or 9. I would hope with the added athletes we will have at LB that we are able to manipulate what OCs can call on us because we are able to keep some of the up the middle and tosses to minimal yardage.

Our conservative, 2-gap oriented line-scheme does set the plate for the guys behind them. Hopefully the LB's are more ready to eat this year, safeties too.

As far as blitzes mentioned earlier in the thread go I would hope with our added speed we can return the element of surprise. So often we saw guys hanging-out at the line showing blitz with the only question being whether we back-out or not. Would be nice if we can rely on speed and timing more, bring back the "oh s**t" factor.

In the two games I watched yesterday now I suppose, we had a good mix on obvious passing downs. The issue was not getting to the QB with enough explosiveness and sacking him, making his throws tougher, or hitting him as he throws.

Lack of explosiveness really limited our blitzes in terms of effectiveness and what Bo could call. This D will obviously be a work in progress but at-least we should have the speed/athleticism to blit better.

 

[Landlord]

We are going to be up in a lot of games this year. This is where we will need Randy Gregory, Moss, McMullen, and Afalava to get pressure because the other team will need to pass to catch up.

How do you think the defense will be called to allow us to build such a lead?

I rewatched the MSU and UGA game today and I looked a ton at the DL and linebackers. To answer the question, I don't anticipate too much of a difference. What I noticed was that Compton, Fisher, and Whaley were often headed to the right place, but with the lack of top end athletic ability when talking about these guys they were often late. So when the ball carrier should have been gaining 1 or 2 yards, they were getting 4, 5, and sometimes 6. We as the casual fans would immediately blame the DL when in fact they had done their jobs. That would then open the play book for both those teams to do a lot more on 2nd and 5 or 4 then it would 2 and 8 or 9. I would hope with the added athletes we will have at LB that we are able to manipulate what OCs can call on us because we are able to keep some of the up the middle and tosses to minimal yardage.

Our conservative, 2-gap oriented line-scheme does set the plate for the guys behind them. Hopefully the LB's are more ready to eat this year, safeties too.

As far as blitzes mentioned earlier in the thread go I would hope with our added speed we can return the element of surprise. So often we saw guys hanging-out at the line showing blitz with the only question being whether we back-out or not. Would be nice if we can rely on speed and timing more, bring back the "oh s**t" factor.

a 2 gap defense is NOT conservative...no matter who is running it....Conservative is playing 1 gap...because the lineman are only responsible for 1 gap or 'alley' of traffic...1gap requires less discipline and has more seams for running backs to thread through. 2 gap is where there are 2 gaps or 'alleys' that a lineman is responsible for. It requires more discipline and knowledge for what the person beside you is doing...2 gap requires larger DT's and doesn't rely heavily on Linebackers to gum up gaps...this frees them up for pass coverage and to stop screens. With a 2 gap, you READ THE PLAY. It is this reason that 2 gaps are NFL defenses (a majority of them) choice for what they run....because if they don't 2 gap it, they get burnt. If you think NFL defenses are conservative 2 gaps, I'll agree with you.

So, since a 1 gap crashes the lane...it requires that your linemen to be smaller and faster than in other schemes...because you have to recover if you crash the lane too far....you also rely on your linebackers to make plays MORE at the line in 1 gap because your lines entire function is to gum up their lane and make sure a play doesn't go there.

If you keep these things in mind...it's no wonder we go 2 gap. If I were a defensive line recruit...I'd WANT to go play for Nebraska or another 2 gap school because they'd prep me for the NFL. Many players who are GREAT blitzing a 1 gap in college are busts in the NFL when switching to 2 gap.

The point of argument many Nebraska fans make is that while everything you say is true, our lineman don't actually go after the quarterback. They engage their offensive counterpart, get to their position, and then they just sit and wait. How many times over the last two years have we seen quarterbacks with upwards of 7, 8, even nine seconds just standing in the pocket and our lineman aren't actually trying to get to them?

 

[Count 'Bility]

The point of argument many Nebraska fans make is that while everything you say is true, our lineman don't actually go after the quarterback. They engage their offensive counterpart, get to their position, and then they just sit and wait. How many times over the last two years have we seen quarterbacks with upwards of 7, 8, even nine seconds just standing in the pocket and our lineman aren't actually trying to get to them?

I agree with wholeheartedly with Landlord on this. There just has to be quicker recognition of a pro pass and these guys have got to do a better job of getting after the qb when they do recognize. The Suh-fenses were great at this all across the line. They'd recognize fast, and get off the blocks and to the qb even faster. Now I know that the balance of Big10 offenses (big 12 was pretty pass heavy. A lot times there was no need for recognition, you knew they were throwin) has thrown things off a bit, but still, there's no need to be gobbling up a blocker, protecting against a draw or qb run 6 seconds into a play. But I also that Bo as a secondary and coverage specialist may also be playing to his strengths in making the qb make a decision and throw the thing. It's almost as if he'd rather the qb stand back there for 10 seconds and finally have to make a throw against his coverage than set the down 4 loose and the qb get out and gash us for 20 yard gain after 20 yard gain. It's a lot of give and take. Obviously more talent and athleticism is the #1 requirement right now.

 

[SuperBigFan69]

The rush depends on the game plan, not the scheme of the overall defense.

When I do game week prep we have different responsibilities off of our scheme each week. We don't always rush the passer, lots of times we contain to make him throw into coverage.