They should be better and this unit has had the most inexcusable performance so far this season. They've looked average, and on Saturday, they looked downright bad. It's not just a physical thing, either - they sometimes look like they don't know what they're supposed to be doing.
Damon Benning talked a little bit about it during his breakdown on Unsportsmanlike Conduct yesterday. In particular, he was asked about the second interception that involved a good pass rush from NIU on the left side of the line:
DB's transcript: "Have you (John Bishop) ever seen a tight end release for a pattern inside the tackle? It just doesn't happen. I'm thinking Gates should step inside cause you usually go inside out with your normal linemen rules, and then Hoppes chips on the outside and then he releases. Hoppes is trying to get out the best way he can. But, unless it's a screen, you'll never see a receiver type release inside of a tackle. I think it was miscommunication. It starts with Gates who didn't play well at all, but for the most part, it shouldn't be that complicated. Stay five on five, let Hoppes seal the edge, after he chips, let him leak out. You don't get underneath the tackle on a play like that."
There was definitely some sort of miscommunication. Here's what I said in another thread:
I'd REALLY like to know what went on right before the snap here. Second pick six. Gates turned around, motions with his hand and says something to Hoppes, who is lined up just outside in a wing spot. Hoppes then folds inside, seemingly looking to block while Gates sets up outside the DE. But the DE rushes inside - right towards Hoppes. But Hoppes never even looks at him. Instead he releases into the pattern. But the DE has beaten Gates inside, gets the hit on Lee and causes the INT. It sure looks to me like Gates motions Hoppes to block inside - which he does - but Gates is expecting help inside which never comes.
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