a few defensive thoughts

[Huskerwisdom]

Will we ever get to be a dominant D again? Is it even possible if you aren't an Alabama with the kind of talent they have nearby?

I think we will be pretty good in the future, but it will take time and for next year -- We really just don't know right now. The talent is really sub par to almost average in some places and the S&C will take time to catch up, IMO

1. Give Duvall another year to get the front 7 enough strength and quickness to be physical suck up blockers and fill gaps

2. More experience and talent in the Back 4. We need more length and speed (seems to be coming, but will it be ready next year?)

3. Hope Daniels is ready to play some extensive snaps and control the middle of the line. The more blockers he can suck up at the point of attack, the better this D will look. My guess is conditioning is the next big step for him to get to the next level.

4. Get more hybrid guys and build depth to allow us to match up with more teams and maybe even add in some packages to match up to different teams a bit better in the B10 with teams from spread to heavy sets more effectively. Sometimes getting through the conference season is doing enough to survive and move on.

I think we can run a 3-4, but I think we need a lot of depth and hybrids to enable multiple packages. Against teams like Iowa, maybe a hybrid DE/LB in the 3-4 who can get in the box and really take up a gap. Similarly a Safety/lB hybrid for spreads, etc.

I will time, though. I just hope to continue to see improvement.. I do think Chin will need to think about strategies to match up to the variety of offenses we'll see in the B10 and in bowl games. We need more talent and more options. I don't think we can

 

[Sporty]

Personnel had nothing to do with letting Iowa convert an 4th and 8 to the tight end on that last drive. No way that coverage should have been loose on either tight end on that play. We lined up and stayed 6- 8 yards deep off the tight end until the ball was thrown. That has nothing to do with personnel. That is a very poor defensive call and there was a time out called prior to the play. That is why I have bitched about the defensive coaching staff the entire second half the season. That play cannot be blamed on poor talent or personnel. It had to be the defensive call!

 

[BeautifulDayintheNeighborhood]

We lost because they scored more points than us

 

[Huskerwisdom]

We lost because they scored more points than us

I'm already thinking about next year. Was at least happy they pulled together and played a good second half today, though

 

[phoenix4nu]

We lost because they scored more points than us

Brilliant observation.

 

[Bigred511]

People get obsessed with 1 play. Point the blame on the DC if you want and maybe he deserves it. However, what about most the game where the running back is running through several defenders. Better strength and it will not come down to 1 play.

 

[Jamsand88]

People get obsessed with 1 play. Point the blame on the DC if you want and maybe he deserves it. However, what about most the game where the running back is running through several defenders. Better strength and it will not come down to 1 play.

And linebackers that know their position! Fill correct gaps, stay in position and not over pursue, cover TE’s in pass coverage and mostly, tackle in space! None of which #5 could ever do! Definitely won’t miss him!

 

[little a]

And linebackers that know their position! Fill correct gaps, stay in position and not over pursue, cover TE’s in pass coverage and mostly, tackle in space! None of which #5 could ever do! Definitely won’t miss him!

Agree about thoughts about #5, that being said we need some NASTY DLineman, period.

 

[Sporty]

Are you saying that the DC was not wrong on that one play? Read what I wrote and stop making it fit your argument when it does not! I am tired of reading how the talent is not there and the personnel is not strong enough yet. You can ***** about that but I cannot point out an obvious error by the DC? Makes sense to me..

 

[Huskerwisdom]

Are you saying that the DC was not wrong on that one play? Read what I wrote and stop making it fit your argument when it does not! I am tired of reading how the talent is not there and the personnel is not strong enough yet. You can ***** about that but I cannot point out an obvious error by the DC? Makes sense to me..

maybe he was and maybe he wasn't. He probably was, but the point of this thread was to talk about what we need to do to move forward next year and beyond.

If one call blows a game for you, you probably didn't the talent to win the game in the first place.

 

[SoFL Husker]

Will we ever get to be a dominant D again? Is it even possible if you aren't an Alabama with the kind of talent they have nearby?

I think we will be pretty good in the future, but it will take time and for next year -- We really just don't know right now. The talent is really sub par to almost average in some places and the S&C will take time to catch up, IMO

1. Give Duvall another year to get the front 7 enough strength and quickness to be physical suck up blockers and fill gaps

2. More experience and talent in the Back 4. We need more length and speed (seems to be coming, but will it be ready next year?)

3. Hope Daniels is ready to play some extensive snaps and control the middle of the line. The more blockers he can suck up at the point of attack, the better this D will look. My guess is conditioning is the next big step for him to get to the next level.

4. Get more hybrid guys and build depth to allow us to match up with more teams and maybe even add in some packages to match up to different teams a bit better in the B10 with teams from spread to heavy sets more effectively. Sometimes getting through the conference season is doing enough to survive and move on.

I think we can run a 3-4, but I think we need a lot of depth and hybrids to enable multiple packages. Against teams like Iowa, maybe a hybrid DE/LB in the 3-4 who can get in the box and really take up a gap. Similarly a Safety/lB hybrid for spreads, etc.

I will time, though. I just hope to continue to see improvement.. I do think Chin will need to think about strategies to match up to the variety of offenses we'll see in the B10 and in bowl games. We need more talent and more options. I don't think we can

1,2,3,4

Lol

 

[Sporty]

And once again it is alright for you to degrade the talent and I should not point out when a coach makes a terrible error that has nothing to do with talent! And I have never said once that call cost us the game, Only you have inferred that! And moving forward the team needs to have a DC who does not make such a terrible error in a crucial part of the game. You ***** about talent and I can point out that if a coach cannot make calls right all the talent in the world will not make a difference. It is your opinion that more talent is needed first. It is my opinion that without the right coaching all the talent in the world does not matter!

 

[Jamsand88]

Agree about thoughts about #5, that being said we need some NASTY DLineman, period.

With Honas back, Breon and JoJo another year of development and Barry back, I think we will have the speed and vision back...add to it that Colin Miller and Ferguson will have another year of development and film time, I like our Linebackers!
I honestly think that the Davis twins will finally have breakout senior years and Stille will be a beast! My one to watch in spring is that Alston kid from Woodbury MN. Very athletic and intelligent! He will develop into a beast as well!

 

[little a]

With Honas back, Breon and JoJo another year of development and Barry back, I think we will have the speed and vision back...add to it that Colin Miller and Ferguson will have another year of development and film time, I like our Linebackers!
I honestly think that the Davis twins will finally have breakout senior years and Stille will be a beast! My one to watch in spring is that Alston kid from Woodbury MN. Very athletic and intelligent! He will develop into a beast as well!

Miller and Honas didn’t impress me much, I hope your right. I want DT and DE’s, lots of them

 

[Jamsand88]

Agree about thoughts about #5, that being said we need some NASTY DLineman, period.

To many times this year, linebackers were completely out of position! Our Defense line may not have had push, but there were definitely gaps were our linebackers just didn’t fill to make plays!

Miller and Honas didn’t impress me much, I hope your right. I want DT and DE’s, lots of them

Having another full offseason, Honas and Miller will be able to fully grasp the system and gain the confidence it takes to be in the right spot and make plays! Chinn’s system definitely relies on linebackers and development for 3-4 is tough for first year, especially if you need to run multiple sets to keep offense off balance!
We just didn’t have that this year! Jackson and Bootle need to have their heads out of their butts next year as well!..

 

[huskat]

So essentially you are saying that in order to get better, the front 7 need to be bigger, stronger, and faster, and the back 4 need more talent and experience. I guess I agree, just thought that went without saying.

 

[Baxter48_rivals204143]

Personnel had nothing to do with letting Iowa convert an 4th and 8 to the tight end on that last drive. No way that coverage should have been loose on either tight end on that play. We lined up and stayed 6- 8 yards deep off the tight end until the ball was thrown. That has nothing to do with personnel. That is a very poor defensive call and there was a time out called prior to the play. That is why I have bitched about the defensive coaching staff the entire second half the season. That play cannot be blamed on poor talent or personnel. It had to be the defensive call!

Not to be sarcastic, how do we know that the defensive call was to play that far off the receiver, maybe reed just missed the call, not to bag on him but his play has been sporadic.

 

[Ewooc]

Personnel had nothing to do with letting Iowa convert an 4th and 8 to the tight end on that last drive. No way that coverage should have been loose on either tight end on that play. We lined up and stayed 6- 8 yards deep off the tight end until the ball was thrown. That has nothing to do with personnel. That is a very poor defensive call and there was a time out called prior to the play. That is why I have bitched about the defensive coaching staff the entire second half the season. That play cannot be blamed on poor talent or personnel. It had to be the defensive call!

Bingo, Chins has proven here and at UCF he is a average DC. His D relys on our offense to put up 40+.

 

[jeans15]

I don't care if we give up 500 yards passing a game.

We have to stop the run to win this division.

That has nothing to do with the offense we run.

 

[Trumplestiltskin]

Bingo, Chins has proven here and at UCF he is a average DC. His D relys on our offense to put up 40+.

Pretty hard to assess that before year 3 or 4 when you get guys that fit your design. I just don't get that people think parts are immediately interchangeable

 

[Ewooc]

Pretty hard to assess that before year 3 or 4 when you get guys that fit your design. I just don't get that people think parts are immediately interchangeable

It isn't like we are switching D schemes like we did last year. Basically a similar D, just a bit more aggressive minded. I haven't look at the stats from last year compared to this, but we should have improved some, because Diaco was horrible. If we didn't that is not a good sign.

 

[catch54]

And linebackers that know their position! Fill correct gaps, stay in position and not over pursue, cover TE’s in pass coverage and mostly, tackle in space! None of which #5 could ever do! Definitely won’t miss him!

Will you miss Freedom Akinmoladun?

 

[BK12]

I don’t think a 3-4 will work in the big 10. Wisconsin and Iowa will always be able to run all over us. It’s Going to be difficult to get turnovers off them when all they do is turn around and hand the ball off 40 times a game. Last year Scott’s team scored at will and the defense was playing ahead in the score all day so they could pin their ears back and rush the passer all game and go for turnovers on the back end. Scott won’t be able to dictate terms every week in this conference.

 

[Shimmer003]

I don’t think a 3-4 will work in the big 10. Wisconsin and Iowa will always be able to run all over us. It’s Going to be difficult to get turnovers off them when all they do is turn around and hand the ball off 40 times a game. Last year Scott’s team scored at will and the defense was playing ahead in the score all day so they could pin their ears back and rush the passer all game and go for turnovers on the back end. Scott won’t be able to dictate terms every week in this conference.

Wisconsin runs a 3-4.

Next.

 

[Redscarlet]

Wisconsin runs a 3-4.

Next.

Don’t care we would be better off in games with Iowa and Wisconsin in a 4-3..

 

[Shimmer003]

Don’t care we would be better off in games with Iowa and Wisconsin in a 4-3..

He said a 3-4 won’t work in the big 10. That’s dead wrong. I said nothing about if we’d be better off in a 4-3

 

[BeautifulDayintheNeighborhood]

Brilliant observation.

Thank you. I have a PHD in foot ball anallisis

 

[Huskerwisdom]

He said a 3-4 won’t work in the big 10. That’s dead wrong. I said nothing about if we’d be better off in a 4-3

I think it is possible that it can work. As I note, I think we need some varying packages that can be used. The Elephant/hybrid was a DE/LB hybrid that was popular for a while is a way we could potential move another guy to the line or move around even to screw up blocking schemes against the Iowa, MSU, Wiscy type offenses in the league.

A really solid NT will also help everything. The front 7 were a problem against the run, but I think the LB's were a bigger problem than the DL for the most part.

 

[BadgerGrove]

Wisconsin runs a 3-4 but depending on the opponent you may see us lining up in more even fronts. You also see a fair amount of 2-5.

Watching your game today it was really noticeable that your d-line was on skates. In many cases being pushed off the ball 5 yards. Really hard to credit Chin with all the problems. If the D line holds the point of attack perhaps his calls look better.

Look at Wisconsin this year. Jim Leonard was the second coming last year but this year with all the injuries and losses to graduation, the defense was below average. Frost seems to recognize the current physical limitations. Need to fix that with another year in S&C for some areas and recruiting in other areas.

 

[bshirt73]

Miller and Honas didn’t impress me much, I hope your right. I want DT and DE’s, lots of them

Well, I thought Honas was coming along real well until injury.....but oh yeah, we above all else by a country mile need LINEMEN.

 

[Bigredhunter]

To many times this year, linebackers were completely out of position! Our Defense line may not have had push, but there were definitely gaps were our linebackers just didn’t fill to make plays!

Having another full offseason, Honas and Miller will be able to fully grasp the system and gain the confidence it takes to be in the right spot and make plays! Chinn’s system definitely relies on linebackers and development for 3-4 is tough for first year, especially if you need to run multiple sets to keep offense off balance!
We just didn’t have that this year! Jackson and Bootle need to have their heads out of their butts next year as well!..

I like Honas. I haven’t seen enough of Miller to judge. Both along with Barry and the fact that they won’t have to learn yet another season and we should see improvement.

For the CBS, I was a major Jackson hater last year and earlier this season but he and Bootle were light years better the 2nd half of this year. They are doing a great job of sticking stocking with their man in coverage, the last step is being able to turn their heads which will take a little more confidence.

Plenty to be excited about on both sides of the ball!

 

[Mack In Motion]

Wisconsin runs a 3-4 but depending on the opponent you may see us lining up in more even fronts. You also see a fair amount of 2-5.

Watching your game today it was really noticeable that your d-line was on skates. In many cases being pushed off the ball 5 yards. Really hard to credit Chin with all the problems. If the D line holds the point of attack perhaps his calls look better.

Look at Wisconsin this year. Jim Leonard was the second coming last year but this year with all the injuries and losses to graduation, the defense was below average. Frost seems to recognize the current physical limitations. Need to fix that with another year in S&C for some areas and recruiting in other areas.

This.

Our D line was pushed around by the majority of teams we faced this season and virtually everyone we faced last season. Not a quick fix but has to be addressed. Tough to do anything when you're getting mauled up front

 

[WoodRiverJennings]

This.

Our D line was pushed around by the majority of teams we faced this season and virtually everyone we faced last season. Not a quick fix but has to be addressed. Tough to do anything when you're getting mauled up front

Our DL got bitched by everyone we played. A NT like Fair should help against the run, but we need guys that can get to the QB, too. This year's pass rush was abysmal.

 

[Redscarlet]

Our DL got bitched by everyone we played. A NT like Fair should help against the run, but we need guys that can get to the QB, too. This year's pass rush was abysmal.

This year, what about last year and the year before that and too think about it the year before that.

 

[Huskerwisdom]

Our DL got bitched by everyone we played. A NT like Fair should help against the run, but we need guys that can get to the QB, too. This year's pass rush was abysmal.

I thought that at times the DL played OK, but that the LB's were awful. In general, we need a much better performance from the entire front 7

 

[little a]

This.

Our D line was pushed around by the majority of teams we faced this season and virtually everyone we faced last season. Not a quick fix but has to be addressed. Tough to do anything when you're getting mauled up front

Amen brother

 

[Iroh]

I think we will get better each year which should be enough to win. Players with a few years in the system will be nice now that we are off the coaching merry-go-round... talent upgrade will help and then scheme becomes the less dominant factor... 9 months of Frost coaching = 20 years of Ferentz minus one FG. On the other hand, it gives the mob something to ***** about...