Been looking at some of the games and run defense. I know this is no shocker, but our issue is individuals not winning their battles. It's not scheme, its not technique, its not even alignment....its simply the ability to beat the man in front of you.
We like to blame the LB's (me included) saying that they can't leverage themselves, get around a block and make a play. Well, fact is, most of the time, they are going to right hole, the right "key". But, because NONE of our DLine can beat their man in an individual battle, the LB's are forced to take on an open blocker...a battle that is really tough to win....especially when the Olineman has a free run.
In this world of spread 4 and 5 wide sets, it becomes imperative to have Dline that can 1) disrupt things on their own and 2) make the Oline have to commit 2 blockers to them. We have neither. When you can block every defender with one player, the offense wins every time (meaning positive yards). Alston has been the only disruptive force inside in the last 2 games. That has to change.
The next 4 games are crucial for our outgoing DLineman. They need to strap it on and win some battles. I know that hasn't been their calling card. But they have to find the switch. Smith and Gibbs have to find that switch....in other words, they have to teach an old dog some new tricks.
GC
We like to blame the LB's (me included) saying that they can't leverage themselves, get around a block and make a play. Well, fact is, most of the time, they are going to right hole, the right "key". But, because NONE of our DLine can beat their man in an individual battle, the LB's are forced to take on an open blocker...a battle that is really tough to win....especially when the Olineman has a free run.
In this world of spread 4 and 5 wide sets, it becomes imperative to have Dline that can 1) disrupt things on their own and 2) make the Oline have to commit 2 blockers to them. We have neither. When you can block every defender with one player, the offense wins every time (meaning positive yards). Alston has been the only disruptive force inside in the last 2 games. That has to change.
The next 4 games are crucial for our outgoing DLineman. They need to strap it on and win some battles. I know that hasn't been their calling card. But they have to find the switch. Smith and Gibbs have to find that switch....in other words, they have to teach an old dog some new tricks.
GC
