2009 Defense like 2008 Offense?
As I was walking into Dennison and reading the Daily today, I saw a quote by Woolfolk about how "We all think the scheme is working, and it looks good in practice, we're just making tons of mistakes in games that are mental and stupid and the same mistakes", or something to that effect.
What jumps out at me is the fact that these same quotes were coming last year, but from Threet, Sheridan, and other offensive players last year, and especially RR. The offense looked great in practice, things were clicking, but in games the execution was lacking.
What this indicates is that maybe (hopefully) we're in for a year 2 bounce, though one that probably won't be as large as the one the offense as experienced, just by better execution.
I know this topic has been rehashed a ton, but any thoughts?
November 11th, 2009 at 4:31 PM ^
I completely agree. We've really gotten on some of the guys this year for seemingly regressing, but I don't believe that the likes of Mouton and Williams (for example) are physically incapable of playing to the level the team needs... it really is just a matter of executing their assignments and responsibilities better.
I mean seriously, how many times were they in a position to make a play against Illinois and just made poor decisions. Yes, there is definitely a shortage of talent and we've given up some points due to that this season, but we've also given up some points due to failures to execute even when the talent was in a place to succeed.
November 11th, 2009 at 4:37 PM ^
I remember against Purdue (the play after the Tate fumbled the pitch) both Kovacs and Williams were in a position to tackle the ball carrier but overrran the play. There is no scheme that can cover up for that. The defense should get better as more depth is created and more of the 2009 class gets on the field.
November 11th, 2009 at 4:48 PM ^
I just can't get over 3 D-Coordinators in 3 years and our lack of depth. Lack of depth and scheme changes was the beef with the offense last year and I think we will see, not an awesome, but much improved defense next year.
November 11th, 2009 at 5:15 PM ^
Good comparison. TW's comments stood out to me as well. He also said he likes GR better than SS. We have like 6-8 new starters as the LB's are taking steps back. Some guys have low ceilings like our OLine, but should make marked improvement next year. Who would be the Tate-type player on D who makes immediate improvement and impact as a true frosh? If we make a bowl, would we see changes in Defensive personnel?
November 11th, 2009 at 5:19 PM ^
we'll see Vlad make an impact next year. Won't technically be a freshman but a first year starter. Justin Turner could also have a pretty big impact. Out of the true freshman next year, out of the ones committed so far, my best guess would be Marvin Robinson being able to take some snaps assuming he gets here for the spring.
November 11th, 2009 at 5:21 PM ^
A better question would be: "What if the 2009 defense played the 2008 offense?" This would be worse than crossing the streams and the universe would explode.
November 11th, 2009 at 5:29 PM ^
Or that scene in "Timecop" when Jean Claude Van Damme pushes the Ron Silver from the past into the future Ron Silver and they melt into some protoplasmic puddle of goo.