Notre Dame Snowflakes: The Defense
September 1st, 2018 at 11:23 PM ^
Dominated in the first half. Interior d-line was terrible. Gary is a ghost.
Nd was conservative as hell in the second so not much to tell.
September 1st, 2018 at 11:23 PM ^
They adjusted in the second half, but I think that was also a product of ND taking it’s foot off the gas and being content with just protecting the lead. Kelly had to feel comfortable, based on what he saw from Michigan in the first half, that he didn’t have to get fancy after halftime.
September 1st, 2018 at 11:32 PM ^
That's probably right. ND could've very easily and probably ran away with it had they taken some more shots down the field. Might've backfired on them too though. They were conservative. Notre Dame is going to be tough. This game will propel them no doubt. It always does. For the most part though, I think this team is pretty tough. The offense is coming. It's better than last years already. The defense has to hold it together though against the good teams. It's not an elite defense. Elite defenses don't break like that.
September 1st, 2018 at 11:25 PM ^
Defense was horrible in 1st half. It put us in the hole. Not impressed. Not prepared; Long out coached Brown.
September 1st, 2018 at 11:26 PM ^
1. We overpursued and vacated so many rush lanes on speed rushes to try to get to a poor passer (I realize you can't just let him sit there). That did get corrected with quicker speed to power redirections, but not until a lot of damage was done.
2. ND wide receivers blocked very well, and the plays ensured they had a hat on a hat, and that their runners went to the correct side of their blocks so they picked up 10 yards instead of 3. Contrast that with our screens, which had decent blocking, but often had runs to the wrong side of their blocks.
3. Despite not coming up with the pick, I thought Hawkins looked really good. Dwumfour was Mo Hurst 2015 when he was getting moved by doubles. I saw Uche on downfield coverage on a TE at least 3 times.
September 1st, 2018 at 11:45 PM ^
It was the same overpursuit last year too. It's as if Brown is coaching to just get to the QB and not to keep points off board .in any real game they do this, then adjust at halftime.
3 and 18 and wimbish scrambles up middle for a first... THAT RIGHT THERE, IS THE SAD COMMENTARY. Instead of sitting back and not letting them get the first they send the house tonrush and Bush is isolated and loses.
Why does it seem the opposing coaches keep outsmarting ours who seem simpleminded....
September 2nd, 2018 at 12:43 AM ^
I agree Alumnus93, the Wimbush scramble at 3rd and 18 was infuriating. Everyone in the stadium knew he was going to run up the middle.
The play where he was flat sacked and somehow escaped was frustrating, but the 3rd and 18 play was the killer. They simply have to find a way to stop that play.
September 1st, 2018 at 11:46 PM ^
If Hawkins can just knock the ball down it's a completely different game. That gave them such a boost that they just knew they couldn't lose. You're right that he did look pretty good other than that.
September 1st, 2018 at 11:29 PM ^
"Solve your problems with containment." Over-pursuit and bad angles have our dudes looking like fools out there. Everyone is going for the homerun hit instead playing fundamentally sound.
The D has the talent but this organized chaos needs adjustments....selective blitz packages, better recognition, better communication...
Anyone notice how confused and how many last second shifts our defense had? We had a few 2s and 3s picking up the slack, but man, as a whole, they looked discombobulated.
September 1st, 2018 at 11:30 PM ^
Glad to see the gypsy curse is still in effect on the secondary.
September 1st, 2018 at 11:31 PM ^
They don’t have to run a million mph at the QB on every play. Also, would it kill a Michigan DB to make a big play? Hawkins had TWO in his hands. I appreciate Watson’s pick, but that was a biff on the QB’s part.
September 2nd, 2018 at 12:05 AM ^
Iffy roughing the passer call on Winovich, and a scared, skinny white kid drops the ball on the field goal.
There's 7 points.
Games like this come down to making plays. Notre Dame's players made plays. Michigan's players (Runyan & Hawkins especially) didn't.
Tonight's loss wasn't a lot on coaching (though I think the defensive gameplan to start was rather shitty, allowing Wimbush to do the only two things he does well, which is run up the middle and lob arm punts), but rather on Michigan players not making plays that if they'd made, they'd be 1-0.
September 1st, 2018 at 11:32 PM ^
This defense is high-risk/high-reward on way too many plays sometimes and high temp offenses with quick twitch QBs and RBs keep them on their heels.
September 1st, 2018 at 11:33 PM ^
They got it together in the second half but really started off with lackluster energy and sloppiness. We ha e to change our approach to road games. Not sure how the coaches prepare the players for the road but that shit ain’t working at all. At all. All.
September 1st, 2018 at 11:34 PM ^
Very disappointing first half. Second was better - due to adjustments, or ND just playing conservative?
My biggest question is about personnel: why do Marshall get the start at DT? I expected to see Dwumfour or Solomon there. Didn't see Dwumfour until the second quarter. I didn't see Solomon until sometime in the third quarter. For the amount of practice hype they received, I was really surprised about that. Disciplinary measures?
Also, we were spoiled by Hurst last year. He was constantly penetrating and disrupting things in the backfield. Winovich was the only one doing this with any consistency.
September 2nd, 2018 at 1:53 AM ^
Gary was MIA too. He came close a few times, but he's got to be a bigger impact player for us. Winovich easily was our best defensive player.
Overall, we got whipped by the ND offense in the first half. Played better in the 2nd half, but I think ND played not to lose then and if they would have wanted could have score more.
September 1st, 2018 at 11:34 PM ^
The plus is that none of our juniors look ready for the NFL.
September 1st, 2018 at 11:38 PM ^
What I don’t understand about Don Browns defense is even when it’s working, it never seems to create shorr fields for the offense.
September 1st, 2018 at 11:59 PM ^
3 passes in a 6 inch window from 25 and 35 yards out equaled at least 14 points. Just like vs Wisky and the OSU back up last year. I dont know what the fuck is going on but 49% passers dont make those passes numerous times. At some point its like hitting a 3 at the buzzer -that has to come to an end.
That being said the other posters are correct. Bringing the entire house when you just need to stop a 10 yard gain is hust terrible. Stop charging 12 yards up field.
That being said defense did enough for an average OSU psu wisconsin offense to win. But not enough for our hot garbage offense.
September 2nd, 2018 at 12:11 AM ^
I’m afraid you have accepted the fallacy around here that opposing QBs are either completing “arm punts” or hitting “6 inch windows” both are false.
Our DBs are extremely shitty playing the ball in the air.
This makes “arm punts” a good idea because against us, a 50/50 ball is more like 90/10 and the receivers have so much time to adjust to throws, it looks like a 6 inch window when it wasn’t.
September 2nd, 2018 at 12:04 AM ^
I’d say D played ok. Just got straight up ass-whipped by a better team. And ND’s coach wears real pants.
September 2nd, 2018 at 12:05 AM ^
Who was the player on the ND touchdown pass that got out jumped? If he had just gotten a hand up and tried to bat the ball away rather than going for the int, I don't think they make the catch.
September 2nd, 2018 at 1:03 AM ^
that was the backup safety, playing after the ejection. (and the more I watch it, I would say the very dubious ejection)
September 2nd, 2018 at 12:07 AM ^
What a sham. Took a wholE half to learn how to contain Wimbush . Michigan is the king of making QBs look great
September 2nd, 2018 at 12:08 AM ^
Yeah, o line sucks but with the decline of the academics of UM and the abundance of ass rapes in the men’s rooms in the dorms, I’m surprised they get anyone to go to this shithole.
September 2nd, 2018 at 1:28 AM ^
Speaking of shitholes, your shithole stinks and you best clean it out. Or have your mom do it. Douche it...if you will. She'll like it.
September 2nd, 2018 at 12:11 AM ^
The defense wasn’t anywhere close to elite but it will get overshadowed by the ineptitude of the offense
September 2nd, 2018 at 12:17 AM ^
At this point Don Brown is getting predictably aggressive. I thought there would be a better game plan for Wimbush considering his strengths. Very disappointed to see guys getting out of their lanes, especially on third down when you want to make him pass. The second TD was a bad break, but they got beat up front throughout the first half. I think at this point on third down and long I'd settle for more conservative calls with 4 man rush and zone defense. Aggression is great, but not when you constantly signal the blitz and get out of contain lanes. This happened last year but Don Brown was teflon and the offense was bad enough that he didn't deserve the lion's share of criticism. Today his unit set the tone in the worst way possible.
September 2nd, 2018 at 12:20 AM ^
All you have to do is let the ends rush past the QB then everyone else is in man so you get an easy few yards if you have a mobile qb.
On third down teams are just isolating the slowest LB on a RB or TE bc they know they will be in man. It did seem Furbush wasnt used much after that first play he got isolated on a TE. Other than the missed tackle on the QB, it seemed Gil played a good game. Hopefully he is used more moving forward. It will be interesting to see the UFR for some guys on D.
Also, how is Slomon not starting? He was a starter at the end of the year.
September 2nd, 2018 at 12:22 AM ^
Where is Marcus Ray when you need proper analyst.....
September 2nd, 2018 at 12:28 AM ^
The defense adjusted well in the 2nd half, but they gave up way too many big plays and made too many mistakes in the first half. They would play well for the first 2 downs then give up a huge gain or get a penalty on 3rd down to move the chains. We've always been prone to over committing on defense and that was evident in this game. Hawkins should've picked off that TD also. I think the defense will get better from here, but it wasn't a great game overall for them
September 2nd, 2018 at 12:32 AM ^
How many times did Rashan and Chase both rush the edge and get pushed into Antarctica while Wimbush just stepped up in the pocket without a care in the world. Our pass rush was pathetic for how hyped our line is.
Brad Hawkins giving up that touchdown that ND threw into double coverage was the game for us. Any other safety and that would have been going the other way.
September 2nd, 2018 at 12:33 AM ^
The defensive tackles aren’t any good. D line has very little depth. Safety play is still a weakness.
The D line next year could be a major problem once Gary and Winovich leave.
September 2nd, 2018 at 12:53 AM ^
Am I the only one seeing Rashan Gary not play like he was hyped up to be? I'm sorry, but the guy was rated near one of the best recruits of all time, yet has been not even close to anything like a Jadaveon Clowney. Chase has been much better. Another wasted five star recruit here.
September 2nd, 2018 at 1:38 AM ^
Yes, it has that Peppers vibe. He is so fast the OT just guides him 5 yards behind the QB and he is out of the play
September 2nd, 2018 at 2:01 AM ^
ND lost a 1st round pick at LT, the new guy is someone Rashan should dominate, he came close a few times, but didn't have an impact on the game. Yeah, in year 3 I thought he'd be a phenom by now, he flashes sometimes, but I'm not sure he has developed his technique well at all. Watching Bosa today, that guy is an absolute phenom and was literally not blockable all game.
September 2nd, 2018 at 8:38 AM ^
Chase is the one lined up opposite the LT
September 2nd, 2018 at 11:22 AM ^
No he isn’t, Rashan played SDE in the right side of the DL, he gets the LT. They flipped a hand full of times. Winovich are their RT up.
September 2nd, 2018 at 8:42 AM ^
Biggest problem is he lacks the pass rush refinement. Look at Chase and Rashan in pass rush. You'll see a world of difference between the two. Chase has a plan and uses his hands to defeat pass set. Rashan relies on athleticism but doesn't have pass rush refinement. There is a reason why Bosa/Oliver are considered to be better prospects than Rashan. They have better pass rush moves/plan than Rashan especially Bosa. Bosa abused Oregon St LT all game long.
September 2nd, 2018 at 12:56 AM ^
Defense shouldn't have to be perfect to win, but with this offense, they do. So, catch the damn interceptions that are gifted to you!! If M came down with those two first quarter gifts, this game would have been a lot different.
September 2nd, 2018 at 12:59 AM ^
My thoughts on the defense. They did some good things; I thought there were very few open receivers. ND's guys made some spectacular plays, and Wimbush far exceeded expecations.
The Wimbush run up the middle on 3rd and 18 was the most frustrating play of the night to me. No excuse for that one - it was painfully obvious that was coming.
In the first half, there were too many plays where both Winovich and Gary went wide and Wimbush just exploited the middle, either stepping up in the pocket to throw or taking off.
ND also found and exploited a problem on the right side of our defense (ND's left). It seemed every time they ran wide to the left there was no containment, and nobody there to spread things out.
I think we have a very good defense that doesn't seem to match up well against teams with a smart QB who can run. Wimbush took some hellish shots, and he just kept making plays.
IMO the penalties and some of the mistakes should be expected in the first half of the first game.
It remains to be seen if we can improve and eliminate some of these issues, but I believe we can and will.
September 2nd, 2018 at 1:23 AM ^
So you’re saying our defense tonight couldn’t stop a smart qb who can run.
Are you sure you didn’t post this 10 years ago?
Surely after all this time we can stop a mobile qb.
September 2nd, 2018 at 9:27 AM ^
The left side was interesting. We moved Gary to that side in the second Q to help on that side (Chase is not as good at containment) which stopped the bleeding.
September 2nd, 2018 at 12:59 AM ^
I think we are too harsh on our D. They clearly need some improvement in DT penetrating and DE containing the edge. But I think our depth is super good. in almost every position.
They may not be a top 3 defense on the filed (maybe top 3 in stat). But they still give the O a chance to win. Is the OL and play calling failed us.
We know it's a tough road game and likely crappy officiating. I do think fans and coaches are over confident about this defense. They however got exposed this game, but most of them are fixable.
This defense is built for OSU. we have defensed them better in the last two year, tand they will keep improving. This is what I care the most. the day to beat them constantly will come, but need offense to step up.
September 2nd, 2018 at 1:21 AM ^
Our Defense is gonna be lights out this year!
September 2nd, 2018 at 1:22 AM ^
To the comments on the poor secondary play, I totally agree. Long and Hill did not play like the "best" tandem in the country. Gary and Bush came to play. Winovich was good other than the extremely questionable roughing the passer flag. Hudson was good early then we rarely heard his name called. The Metellus ejection was a good call and a dumb play. Disappointed overall in Don Brown. We need to snatch momentum early on in difficult games and it's painfully obvious that the defense needs to do it because the offense will be incapable.
We just can't seem to piece shit together anymore.
September 2nd, 2018 at 1:40 AM ^
This seems to be a defense that consistently is reactive rather than proactive. There is never a "game plan" and they have to get scored on one or two times before they can figure out what the opposing offense is doing before they can stop them. It makes for a great defensive second half, but when you put your team down 7-14 points early every game you're not going to win many against formidable opponents.
"Solve your problems with aggression," indeed, but that means you always have to be dealing with a problem. Why not knock the shit out of your opponent from the start and give them the problems?!
September 2nd, 2018 at 2:22 AM ^
The thing that surprised me is how a pedestrian ND offense just made our D look so bad. May be things can be corrected but I may have over estimated Michigan having an elite D. I knew the offense would have growing pains but if the D is not elite we will end up loosing a lot of games this season may be 4 or 5. I can see MSU, PSU, WI and OSU now being all loses and perhaps on the road at NW and may be at home against NE. May be the D was just trying too hard but I don't think ND offense is t that great and am now truly worried about this season. Oh well, may be in a couple years when we have a decent OL we can compete for a B1G championship.
September 2nd, 2018 at 2:26 AM ^
Honestly, in my mind, defense was the reason we lost more than offense. ATROCIOUS beginning to the game. Hard to really get into it when you spot a team 14 points.
September 2nd, 2018 at 8:52 AM ^
I second this thought.