CanesAreAble
All-ACC
- Joined
- Nov 2, 2011
- Messages
- 9,144
***NEWSFLASH***
I know, I know. Big shocker.
I'm trying to cut back on football because this **** is killing me, but I figured I'd throw my 2 cents in on the defense.
For me, the Florida State game is a clear line of demarcation. We can nitpick calls and formations and things like that, but the defense didn't look inept in that game, or any game before that. They may have struggled in spots, but they never looked totally clueless and FCS-caliber.
The biggest difference I noticed from the Virginia Tech and Duke games and the previous games was the run defense. Prior to those games, our run defense had been pretty solid. Far from elite, but not a sieve like last year. We were getting TFLs, holding teams to minimal gains, and limiting explosive plays. Virginia Tech averages 117 ypg rushing (111th in the nation), but against us they put up 183. Duke DOUBLED their rushing output against us.
Poor run defense compromises all three levels of the defense. If a team can hand off and get 6 yards a pop, you're toast. We're seeing more and more mental errors and defensive breakdowns, more missed tackles, etc... These were not pandemic issues throughout the season.
So what happened? Why is our defense mentally and emotionally fried? That's the million-dollar question. Did the defense quit on Golden and/or D'Onofrio (and the position coaches)? Maybe. It's hard to refute it. That would be the most troubling. Did they go in the tank emotionally after being 7-0 and losing to FSU? Are they fatigued? Are they injured?
Don't know.
Listening to Golden's UVA presser where he was FINALLY asked some specific questions about his scheme and defensive philosophy (for all of the Canes reporters scavenging the boards for ****, PLEASE ask more detailed questions like that), I don't THINK we're going to see wholesale changes on defense. I thought it was interesting that he was so emphatic about never mentioning or fostering a "read and react" defense. I really think he believes in what he's teaching, so I don't expect anyone getting scapegoated.
I've said many times that I don't care what kind of scheme or philosophy we have so long as we stop the run, and get off the field on third down. We're not doing that AT ALL right now.
I really think Golden's currency with Shalala and the BOT is going to be tested, because I think Golden is going to forge ahead with this defense, and there's no overnight fix for the mess we're in. Golden said he wants to be a 3-4 base that can move in and out of odd fronts. We're going to be better next year, but still not where we want to be. This 2014 class is the first one that's bringing in plus talent on the D-line, but they have to develop.
I want this **** corrected ASAP, but I don't think it will be, and that's a big reason why I'm trying to take a step back. We may not see a significant jump on defense until 2015. That's unacceptable for the fans on the boards, but is it unacceptable for the people who actually have the power to do anything, especially if the offense is explosive and winning games? That's what we'll find out.
Batten down the hatches. There's a storm coming.
I know, I know. Big shocker.
I'm trying to cut back on football because this **** is killing me, but I figured I'd throw my 2 cents in on the defense.
For me, the Florida State game is a clear line of demarcation. We can nitpick calls and formations and things like that, but the defense didn't look inept in that game, or any game before that. They may have struggled in spots, but they never looked totally clueless and FCS-caliber.
The biggest difference I noticed from the Virginia Tech and Duke games and the previous games was the run defense. Prior to those games, our run defense had been pretty solid. Far from elite, but not a sieve like last year. We were getting TFLs, holding teams to minimal gains, and limiting explosive plays. Virginia Tech averages 117 ypg rushing (111th in the nation), but against us they put up 183. Duke DOUBLED their rushing output against us.
Poor run defense compromises all three levels of the defense. If a team can hand off and get 6 yards a pop, you're toast. We're seeing more and more mental errors and defensive breakdowns, more missed tackles, etc... These were not pandemic issues throughout the season.
So what happened? Why is our defense mentally and emotionally fried? That's the million-dollar question. Did the defense quit on Golden and/or D'Onofrio (and the position coaches)? Maybe. It's hard to refute it. That would be the most troubling. Did they go in the tank emotionally after being 7-0 and losing to FSU? Are they fatigued? Are they injured?
Don't know.
Listening to Golden's UVA presser where he was FINALLY asked some specific questions about his scheme and defensive philosophy (for all of the Canes reporters scavenging the boards for ****, PLEASE ask more detailed questions like that), I don't THINK we're going to see wholesale changes on defense. I thought it was interesting that he was so emphatic about never mentioning or fostering a "read and react" defense. I really think he believes in what he's teaching, so I don't expect anyone getting scapegoated.
I've said many times that I don't care what kind of scheme or philosophy we have so long as we stop the run, and get off the field on third down. We're not doing that AT ALL right now.
I really think Golden's currency with Shalala and the BOT is going to be tested, because I think Golden is going to forge ahead with this defense, and there's no overnight fix for the mess we're in. Golden said he wants to be a 3-4 base that can move in and out of odd fronts. We're going to be better next year, but still not where we want to be. This 2014 class is the first one that's bringing in plus talent on the D-line, but they have to develop.
I want this **** corrected ASAP, but I don't think it will be, and that's a big reason why I'm trying to take a step back. We may not see a significant jump on defense until 2015. That's unacceptable for the fans on the boards, but is it unacceptable for the people who actually have the power to do anything, especially if the offense is explosive and winning games? That's what we'll find out.
Batten down the hatches. There's a storm coming.
