UVA's 2004 defensive playbook (when Al was DC)

[JHallCanes]

Also, notice how integral the defense is as a whole and think of what happens of 2 guys ***** up? The holes would be very big and easy to throw into. Well, how interesting... We have heard guys like THoward, Bush, Highsmith plus a few others all comment on how many Mental Errors they had last year. This is kind of what I was eluding to the other day when I said if we had a chance to spend one week with this staff I would be willing to bet ANY poster on here would be totally on board with this staff in feeling like they knew what the heck they were doing. There is too much in order for me to believe that the staff does not know how to adjust or try at the very least to get players in a position to make plays that best fits their skill set.

Think back to the EJ/Armbrister situation. EJ throwing a tantrum and wanting to quit because Armbrister was getting reps. Obviously EJ had tons of talent, but that clearly doesn't dictate everything when it comes to this coaching staff. We watched him blow a coverage assignment every time he was on the field. I'm not going to sit here and excuse all of our recruiting misses, but some of the guys we passed or "missed" on probably weren't cut out for an organization like this. JMO.

 

[rok]

Bicho can see why a bunch of 18 year olds out of high school and JAG's recruited to play a 4-3 cover 2 simple defense would have a tough time learning all this. No wonder they were so bad last year.

I've been screaming this for about 2 years, but the Shannonites don't want to hear it.

And not just 18 year olds: 18 year olds whose HS corches are retired mediocre rappers.

Find me these Shannonites. What are their screen names??

 

[bobbydigius]

As already touched upon, Golden's pedigree is on the defensive side of the ball, so you can hoot and holler at the DC all you want, **** he may in fact get fired but if you think that next guy is gonna run something different you are in for a surprise. This defense still needs to be given a chance and I can't really start giving up on unless we **** the bed not this year but next year. One thing that has already been established is that this is a complicated defense that requires the players to think a bit, so it will take a second for all of it to sync in with the team, especially when most of the personnel is really young and/or have not ever played within the scheme. The second thing is that it does not help when we are forced to play mostly 1st and2nd year players on the DL, but enough of that cause it already has been discussed in ad nauseum on this board.

Bama runs a 2 gap system, and as also discussed their CBs play 5-10 yds of the LOS also. Last year was just a perfect storm of all the variables that made us struggle on defense. Youth, adjusting to a foreign system, and lack of personnel. People state, well we should have just played to our strengths. Well, that is short sighted, this is the system they run, and what are they supposed to do? Just wait another year to teach it? Like I said I wait til next year to make a judgement call, too many examples of this defense being successful elsewhere.

 

[Ernie McCracken]

Wow, good find and great read. Ernie is right - much of the onus for diagnosing the play is placed on the LBs.

Based on that playbook (which admittedly is from UVA 2004 and not from Miami 2013), there are a LOT of base Cover 2 looks and variations ("Nail", "Okie", "Tampa", and the "Stack 2") used particularly to defend spread/shotgun formations without the blitz. Many of the blitz packages appear to be Fire Zone/Cover 3, or Cover 0.

Since any kind of comprehensive discussion of the entire playbook would be a massive waste of time and finger strength, I'll examine one match-up specifically for both the base and blitz scenarios - the "Stack Cover 2/Colt" vs. Trips Mid (page 35-E if you're keeping score) for a basic Cover 2 look, and the "Cover 9/99" Fire Zone Blitz (pg. 39). I'll then offer a brief opinion on these coverages based on our current back 7 personnel.


Stack Cover 2

In this instance, the CBs are responsible for the flats while the safeties split the deep halves. The SAM and MIKE backers play the curl and hook, shading toward the slot receiver/TE, while the JACK backer (the other ILB) plays the weakside curl. The WILL is the 4th rusher in this scenario.

With our current makeup, I think you'd see Gunter and Crawford playing the CBs (not sure if they're jamming the WR at the line or just holding position, but either way, that's who I'd have out there in this instance.) Perryman and Gaines would play SAM and MIKE respectively. JACK backer I'm thinking Armbrister, and McCord/Figs at WILL. This gets our more experienced backers playing the zones, and allows McCord/Figs to create pressure off the weak side.


Cover 9/99 Fire Zone Blitz

As the playbook says, this is a Zone Blitz using the 3 down linemen and two "other rushers" to create a 5-man rush, the combinations of which are identified by different animal names. The advantage here is that, depending on the animal name (or whatever identifier they're using now), you can disguise the pressure.

In the basic setup, both CBs and the SS bail out to the deep 1/3s. What's interesting to me are the footnotes at the bottom of this page which indicate the CBs need to be savvy enough to turn and drive on a 3-step drop/curl, and switch to man coverage on routes over 10 yards. The SS must be the deepest defender, help out on post patterns, and keep his eye on the QB as he scans the field ("see the throw.")

The SAM backer and FS's primary responsibility is to the seam route. If the #2 receiver goes inside, they play the curl/flat, if outside, they man up and watch for wheel routes. They also must be aware of any audibles/"hot" receivers. (WHEW!)

The MIKE's first job is to defend the middle hook/crosses/quick throws, and then to read the QBs eyes for deeper patterns.

The JACK and WILL backers rush the QB from the weak side in this instance, while the 3 down linemen crash the strong side.


Needless to say, the lion's share of the decision-making in this defense rests with the SAM backer and free safety (Perryman and Rogers/AJ.) I can hear the groans already about Rogers/AJ, but I feel like in this particular situation, you need some heady experienced players playing the seam. Bush will be the SS playing centerfield, though I could certainly see an argument to switch Bush and Highsmith in this look. You want your CBs to have speed but also play-recognition skills here, so Gunter and Crawford again would be my choices, though if you switched Howard for Gunter, I wouldn't complain much.

As for the other LBs, I think Gaines still plays MIKE here, and then you can get a nice combination of McCord, Figs, even check Gilbert in at WILL for the pass rush and have Chick, Porter, and Kamalu as the DL.


As always, I end with the massive caveat that I may very well be talking out my ***, but I welcome any and all discussion.

I wonder why they don't try Gunter out at safety, if Crawford and Howard are ready to lock down the CB spots. Just a thought.

 

[ghost2]

The linebackers' responsibilities are tough in any defense when you're asking them to play curl/hook zone to buzzing the flats. That's a lot of area for them to cover, particularly on the wide side of the field.

The interesting point I gathered from the pdf attachment is that it seems Groh's philosophy utilizes both pattern reading and spot dropping concepts in zone coverages. In some split-safety looks they call for pattern reading number two receiver. Also they are pattern reading number two receiver in certain single high looks.

I think it is no coincidence that the weak line defensively as it pertains to underneath coverage has been the play of the linebackers/nicback. It's almost as if they are being asked to execute two schemes in both the run and passing game. From a strictly 3-4 defensive standpoint, the inside linebackers seem as though they're asked to control 2 gaps verses the running game. Against the passing game they are asked to spot drop in certain situations and pattern read in other instances. That's tough to ask of a collegiate defense with all the practice limitations, etc. It seems to me that this type of scheme is better suited for the next level. JMO.

I came to the same conclusions, D. If you look at the zone blitz example I cited (and there are many more), the SAM alone is responsible for 3 or 4 different ideas - and has to decide which one is correct in a microsecond. Guess wrong, and you've got guys running free all day. This is an extremely difficult defense to learn knowing that you're only going to be in it at most 4 years.

 

[Ernie McCracken]

The linebackers' responsibilities are tough in any defense when you're asking them to play curl/hook zone to buzzing the flats. That's a lot of area for them to cover, particularly on the wide side of the field.

The interesting point I gathered from the pdf attachment is that it seems Groh's philosophy utilizes both pattern reading and spot dropping concepts in zone coverages. In some split-safety looks they call for pattern reading number two receiver. Also they are pattern reading number two receiver in certain single high looks.

I think it is no coincidence that the weak line defensively as it pertains to underneath coverage has been the play of the linebackers/nicback. It's almost as if they are being asked to execute two schemes in both the run and passing game. From a strictly 3-4 defensive standpoint, the inside linebackers seem as though they're asked to control 2 gaps verses the running game. Against the passing game they are asked to spot drop in certain situations and pattern read in other instances. That's tough to ask of a collegiate defense with all the practice limitations, etc. It seems to me that this type of scheme is better suited for the next level. JMO.

I came to the same conclusions, D. If you look at the zone blitz example I cited (and there are many more), the SAM alone is responsible for 3 or 4 different ideas - and has to decide which one is correct in a microsecond. Guess wrong, and you've got guys running free all day. This is an extremely difficult defense to learn knowing that you're only going to be in it at most 4 years.

It's based on Bill Parcelles 3-4 (Al Groh was Bill Parcelles' defensive coordinator), and it's the same defense Alabama runs (Saban coached under Bill Belicheck, who was another Parcelles defensive coordinator).

In other words, the scheme is all over the NFL, and the top levels of college football.

 

[bobbydigius]

Also, notice how integral the defense is as a whole and think of what happens of 2 guys ***** up? The holes would be very big and easy to throw into. Well, how interesting... We have heard guys like THoward, Bush, Highsmith plus a few others all comment on how many Mental Errors they had last year. This is kind of what I was eluding to the other day when I said if we had a chance to spend one week with this staff I would be willing to bet ANY poster on here would be totally on board with this staff in feeling like they knew what the heck they were doing. There is too much in order for me to believe that the staff does not know how to adjust or try at the very least to get players in a position to make plays that best fits their skill set.

Think back to the EJ/Armbrister situation. EJ throwing a tantrum and wanting to quit because Armbrister was getting reps. Obviously EJ had tons of talent, but that clearly doesn't dictate everything when it comes to this coaching staff. We watched him blow a coverage assignment every time he was on the field. I'm not going to sit here and excuse all of our recruiting misses, but some of the guys we passed or "missed" on probably weren't cut out for an organization like this. JMO.

To add to this, it hurt us when two LBs on the roster last year that we relied upon, EJ and Paul, were very much so down hill players and looked lost in coverage or any other situation that didn't have them playing with their ears pinned back. A lot of that has to do with Al not having any time putting together the 2011 class and really getting players he wanted.

 

[Bigtip]

As already touched upon, Golden's pedigree is on the defensive side of the ball, so you can hoot and holler at the DC all you want, **** he may in fact get fired but if you think that next guy is gonna run something different you are in for a surprise. This defense still needs to be given a chance and I can't really start giving up on unless we **** the bed not this year but next year. One thing that has already been established is that this is a complicated defense that requires the players to think a bit, so it will take a second for all of it to sync in with the team, especially when most of the personnel is really young and/or have not ever played within the scheme. The second thing is that it does not help when we are forced to play mostly 1st and2nd year players on the DL, but enough of that cause it already has been discussed in ad nauseum on this board.

Bama runs a 2 gap system, and as also discussed their CBs play 5-10 yds of the LOS also. Last year was just a perfect storm of all the variables that made us struggle on defense. Youth, adjusting to a foreign system, and lack of personnel. People state, well we should have just played to our strengths. Well, that is short sighted, this is the system they run, and what are they supposed to do? Just wait another year to teach it? Like I said I wait til next year to make a judgement call, too many examples of this defense being successful elsewhere.

this is what i pray for at night but i wont believe it until I see massive improvement on the defense

 

[L A M P]

The players last year were ******** up their assignments playing basic defense.

I've gathered most fans are clueless when it comes to the X's & O's of football... People wanted to fire Coach D all season long despite the tons of blown assignments every game. It seems they believe his scheme doesn't cover backs coming out of the backfield, TE's dragging across the middle or just about any other scenario you can name where guys were running loose, completely uncovered. After being torched enough times, he decided to play everything over the top... causing more complaints. Re-watch a game from last season.. and focus solely on Gionni Paul. You'll have your answer on why he left the program. Dude was clueless. (even DP had a ton of M/E)

 

[ghost2]

The linebackers' responsibilities are tough in any defense when you're asking them to play curl/hook zone to buzzing the flats. That's a lot of area for them to cover, particularly on the wide side of the field.

The interesting point I gathered from the pdf attachment is that it seems Groh's philosophy utilizes both pattern reading and spot dropping concepts in zone coverages. In some split-safety looks they call for pattern reading number two receiver. Also they are pattern reading number two receiver in certain single high looks.

I think it is no coincidence that the weak line defensively as it pertains to underneath coverage has been the play of the linebackers/nicback. It's almost as if they are being asked to execute two schemes in both the run and passing game. From a strictly 3-4 defensive standpoint, the inside linebackers seem as though they're asked to control 2 gaps verses the running game. Against the passing game they are asked to spot drop in certain situations and pattern read in other instances. That's tough to ask of a collegiate defense with all the practice limitations, etc. It seems to me that this type of scheme is better suited for the next level. JMO.

I came to the same conclusions, D. If you look at the zone blitz example I cited (and there are many more), the SAM alone is responsible for 3 or 4 different ideas - and has to decide which one is correct in a microsecond. Guess wrong, and you've got guys running free all day. This is an extremely difficult defense to learn knowing that you're only going to be in it at most 4 years.

It's based on Bill Parcelles 3-4 (Al Groh was Bill Parcelles' defensive coordinator), and it's the same defense Alabama runs (Saban coached under Bill Belicheck, who was another Parcelles defensive coordinator).

In other words, the scheme is all over the NFL, and the top levels of college football.

Indeed, and I'm certainly not casting aspersions on the success of those defenses, nor am I suggesting it can't work here. Just pointing out that there's a steeper learning curve, particularly at the LB position, than many of our guys are used to.

 

[Ernie McCracken]

The linebackers' responsibilities are tough in any defense when you're asking them to play curl/hook zone to buzzing the flats. That's a lot of area for them to cover, particularly on the wide side of the field.

The interesting point I gathered from the pdf attachment is that it seems Groh's philosophy utilizes both pattern reading and spot dropping concepts in zone coverages. In some split-safety looks they call for pattern reading number two receiver. Also they are pattern reading number two receiver in certain single high looks.

I think it is no coincidence that the weak line defensively as it pertains to underneath coverage has been the play of the linebackers/nicback. It's almost as if they are being asked to execute two schemes in both the run and passing game. From a strictly 3-4 defensive standpoint, the inside linebackers seem as though they're asked to control 2 gaps verses the running game. Against the passing game they are asked to spot drop in certain situations and pattern read in other instances. That's tough to ask of a collegiate defense with all the practice limitations, etc. It seems to me that this type of scheme is better suited for the next level. JMO.

I came to the same conclusions, D. If you look at the zone blitz example I cited (and there are many more), the SAM alone is responsible for 3 or 4 different ideas - and has to decide which one is correct in a microsecond. Guess wrong, and you've got guys running free all day. This is an extremely difficult defense to learn knowing that you're only going to be in it at most 4 years.

It's based on Bill Parcelles 3-4 (Al Groh was Bill Parcelles' defensive coordinator), and it's the same defense Alabama runs (Saban coached under Bill Belicheck, who was another Parcelles defensive coordinator).

In other words, the scheme is all over the NFL, and the top levels of college football.

Indeed, and I'm certainly not casting aspersions on the success of those defenses, nor am I suggesting it can't work here. Just pointing out that there's a steeper learning curve, particularly at the LB position, than many of our guys are used to.

No doubt. It has me concerned as well, not gonna lie. Saw a lot of guys out of position, or generally slow to react, last year. I hope we can play a bit faster and more confident this year.

 

[Pentagon Cane]

The problem I have with Dnofrio's scheme is not that it is just vanilla, but that it is predictable and full of more holes than swiss cheese. I know for a fact if I can sit on my couch at home and know which receiver is going to get the ball simply because of the formation and setup of the defense on the field, then **** well a professional OC and college QB can see it too.

Adjustments are made at the line of scrimmage. You call a defense based on tendency and down and distance. You think Jimmy Gaines can hear Mark D'Onofrio from the sidelines? Formations are changing and offensive players are motioning and you need to make adjustments on the fly. Your Mike and Your Free Safety have to make these calls and change defenses and they better be right more times than not. All 11 kids on the field need to fully understand what they're doing. You can't study the playbook enough and you can't watch enough film. After that it's communicate, communicate and communicate.

 

[Pentagon Cane]

Thats more difficult than randys cover flying around 2.

Again, that's completely incorrect. Miami ran Cover 2, Cover 0, 3, 4 and 5 and they ran variations, every once in awhile even Cover 2 Double Robber.

 

[Dynasty]

The linebackers' responsibilities are tough in any defense when you're asking them to play curl/hook zone to buzzing the flats. That's a lot of area for them to cover, particularly on the wide side of the field.

The interesting point I gathered from the pdf attachment is that it seems Groh's philosophy utilizes both pattern reading and spot dropping concepts in zone coverages. In some split-safety looks they call for pattern reading number two receiver. Also they are pattern reading number two receiver in certain single high looks.

I think it is no coincidence that the weak line defensively as it pertains to underneath coverage has been the play of the linebackers/nicback. It's almost as if they are being asked to execute two schemes in both the run and passing game. From a strictly 3-4 defensive standpoint, the inside linebackers seem as though they're asked to control 2 gaps verses the running game. Against the passing game they are asked to spot drop in certain situations and pattern read in other instances. That's tough to ask of a collegiate defense with all the practice limitations, etc. It seems to me that this type of scheme is better suited for the next level. JMO.

I came to the same conclusions, D. If you look at the zone blitz example I cited (and there are many more), the SAM alone is responsible for 3 or 4 different ideas - and has to decide which one is correct in a microsecond. Guess wrong, and you've got guys running free all day. This is an extremely difficult defense to learn knowing that you're only going to be in it at most 4 years.

It's based on Bill Parcelles 3-4 (Al Groh was Bill Parcelles' defensive coordinator), and it's the same defense Alabama runs (Saban coached under Bill Belicheck, who was another Parcelles defensive coordinator).

In other words, the scheme is all over the NFL, and the top levels of college football.

Indeed, and I'm certainly not casting aspersions on the success of those defenses, nor am I suggesting it can't work here. Just pointing out that there's a steeper learning curve, particularly at the LB position, than many of our guys are used to.

No doubt. It has me concerned as well, not gonna lie. Saw a lot of guys out of position, or generally slow to react, last year. I hope we can play a bit faster and more confident this year.

The other aspect of this scheme which has not been mentioned yet is that of checks and coverage calls (rip/liz rain/light, etc). The communication required for this scheme to be efficient and effective is through the roof. That probably explains why the defense is constantly pointing and looking around as the ball is being snapped. There's an awful lot of information to process. And that's before is the ball is snapped. It gets more complicated after the snap. I don't know, man...I just don't know. I hope it is successful, because I've always stated that the defense will lead UM back to the promised land. However, as ghost2 stated earlier the learning curve is a major concern.

 

[Coach Macho]

This is almost identical to some of the stuff I run, only my ILB's are called "Mike" and "Will" and my weakside OLB is the "Rush". That "Under 6" play is something I run frequently.

In the Cover-2, the CB is reading #2. The CB will sink until something shows in the flats. If #2 doesn't go to flat (i.e. he runs inside or vertical) the CB will 'man' #1. If #2 and #1 run vertical then it turns into Cover-4 on that side. If it turns into Cover-4 then the LB to that side of the ball must "expand" with #3 (could be a RB) to the flats.

If Miami's willing to sign a bunch of small, slow white kids then I can provide them with plenty of players who will understand their scheme from day one. LOL

But all jokes aside, you can see why most of our kids are having a hard time. This is alot of stuff for kids to understand, especially kids from South Florida who only run Cover-2 Man for 4 years. You can bet your *** that kids like Artie Burns don't know any of these techniques.

This type of defense will make your kids look super slow if they don't know their reads. Kids who run 4.3 will get toasted because their brain is spinning. For example, a kid like Crawford who runs a 4.4 but can easily get roasted while playing our version of Cover-2. While he's "sinking" in his zone, he's reading #2 and his brain is slowing down just enough for #1 to run right by him on a vertical. On tape it looks like #1 just ran right by Crawford and smoked him, but in actuality Crawford was running slower because he was unsure about his read on #2.

It's a defense that has to be repped over and over and over again, but when the kids get it right it can be very ****.

 

[Pentagon Cane]

The players last year were ******** up their assignments playing basic defense.

I've gathered most fans are clueless when it comes to the X's & O's of football... People wanted to fire Coach D all season long despite the tons of blown assignments every game. It seems they believe his scheme doesn't cover backs coming out of the backfield, TE's dragging across the middle or just about any other scenario you can name where guys were running loose, completely uncovered. After being torched enough times, he decided to play everything over the top... causing more complaints. Re-watch a game from last season.. and focus solely on Gionni Paul. You'll have your answer on why he left the program. Dude was clueless. (even DP had a ton of M/E)

There were times last year Paul was so completely lost I didn't think they were going to find him until the game ended. Watched highlights from a practice or two ago and on one play Perryman had his back complete turned away from the play and it was a little seam route to Sandland. He was completely lost.

 

[Pentagon Cane]

This is almost identical to some of the stuff I run, only my ILB's are called "Mike" and "Will" and my weakside OLB is the "Rush". That "Under 6" play is something I run frequently.

In the Cover-2, the CB is reading #2. The CB will sink until something shows in the flats. If #2 doesn't go to flat (i.e. he runs inside or vertical) the CB will 'man' #1. If #2 and #1 run vertical then it turns into Cover-4 on that side. If it turns into Cover-4 then the LB to that side of the ball must "expand" with #3 (could be a RB) to the flats.

If Miami's willing to sign a bunch of small, slow white kids then I can provide them with plenty of players who will understand their scheme from day one. LOL
But all jokes aside, you can see why most of our kids are having a hard time. This is alot of stuff for kids to understand, especially kids from South Florida who only run Cover-2 Man for 4 years. You can bet your *** that kids like Artie Burns don't know any of these techniques.

This type of defense will make your kids look super slow if they don't know their reads. Kids who run 4.3 will get toasted because their brain is spinning. For example, a kid like Crawford who runs a 4.4 but can easily get roasted while playing our version of Cover-2. While he's "sinking" in his zone, he's reading #2 and his brain is slowing down just enough for #1 to run right by him on a vertical. On tape it looks like #1 just ran right by Crawford and smoked him, but in actuality Crawford was running slower because he was unsure about his read on #2.

It's a defense that has to be repped over and over and over again, but when the kids get it right it can be very ****.

Why do you think they run the 3-4 at the Air Force Academy?

 

[umhurricano]

I am firmly in the camp that the learning curve is either steeper or longer but the benefits for this defense are significant. In this case the curve appears to be longer (i.e., it will take several years to get to the desired level of proficiency). Once the system is ingrained, however, the older players will be thinking conceptually (the way Morris thinks about offense now), and the younger players will have an easier time learning the system because it won't just be the coaches teaching it.

One potentially erroneous, but also overlooked implication is that Golden plans to be here for the long-haul. If your goal is to move on to the NFL, why install a defense that takes 3,4, or even 5 years to fully build out the personnel and institutional knowledge base for it to be successful? Why not just play one gap and pick up any one of a dearth of undersized S. Fla linebackers and defensive backs? Because Golden doesn't just want to win, he wants to dominate and he is sacrificing being criticized by a bunch of wannabes to build a defense so good that win ESPN talks about defense, they don't talk about the SEC, they talk about Miami.

 

[Andrew]

When was Al Groh good?

 

[japancane]

Pat Nix's offensive playbook