Gerry acknowledged Monday that the change in defensive schemes this year hasn’t been easy, perhaps more difficult than he initially thought. His responsibilities have increased, particularly in pass coverage — he’s not asked to be the free-ranging, errant-throw poacher as often. He could watch routes unfold last year, but now his eyes are directed elsewhere.
Teams have tried to avoid him, too. Miami quarterback Brad Kaaya said after last month’s game that the Hurricanes’ game plan was designed to attack the side of the field opposite Gerry.
Defensive coordinator Mark Banker wondered if Gerry had lost some of his decisiveness and instinctiveness because of self-doubt — perhaps he was thinking too much or trying too hard. How else do you explain an out-of-position Gerry getting juked on one play against Southern Miss and trucked on another?
There was also that dropped interception against Wisconsin — a pass thrown right to Gerry. He said he was thinking too much about the open grass as the ball ricocheted off his hands.
“You start thinking about all this other stuff, instead of just playing — and your aggression’s not there,” Banker said. “Not being able to react and make the plays that he wants to make — the way he wants to make those plays, on the consistent basis — I think that got to him.”
