Tale of the Tape - Defense

[GrayEagle]

The defense started out pretty well but as the season progressed it went steadily downhill. Some areas were ok and had their moments but overall it would have to be rated way below (FBS) average. Statistically, Zack Orr, Derek Akunne, and Zac Whitfield owned the superlatives.

What we did well:

There was one defensive stat where we led the nation. We allowed opponents to convert 4th down attempts only 21,43% of the time. While we couldn't convert in the red zone, we were actually good at denying opponents to do the same. Opponents were able to score 76.32% of the time but that ranked us 26th nationally.

Categories that ranked above average:

We actually didn't give up a tremendous number of big plays (10+ yards). On total plays from scrimmage we allowed 162 (49th) and especially didn't give up big running plays (39). We averaged almost an interception per game (.92) which ranked us 51st. The 20.8 first downs allowed ranked us just above the middle of the pack (59th) as did our turnover margin of 0 (61st). We had a plus turnover ratio until the last game.

Where we were bad:

The scoring defense that allowed 27.8 ppg was actually smack dab in the middle (62nd) so it should hardly be rated as bad. The long pass plays given up (110) was still not that far under the national average at 67. Four of the categories were ranked from 77 to 85, below average but not terrible. They were: passing yards per attempt given up (7.2), sacks (1.58), tackles for loss (5.17), and passes defended (3.92).

The other three categories were really bad but only one, the rushing YPA allowed ranked us lower than 100 (106). At 95 and 96 respectively were third downs allowed and total defense YPA. I guess the third downs allowed being so low means that the PA announcer's THIRRRD DOWN!!! call isn't working very well.

Often you look at just the Total Defense category to determine how bad the defense is but that doesn't tell the whole story. We were actually halfway decent in pass defense, mostly from Whitfield, who broke up 12 passes and intercepted three more. We also weren't too bad at keeping the opponent off of the scoreboard. But, the poor rushing defense points up the need for improvement in the defensive line.

Edited November 30, 2012 by GrayEagle

[H-towngreen]

A pass rush would really help this team out

[UNT90]

As would better defensive play on third down.

Lack of any offense killed this team.

[slugg]

I beg to differ on analysis of pass rush!

Anyone with eyes would have seen that teams frequently counteracted our pass rush by throwing quick passes . Often, opposing Qb’s took short drop steps and threw the ball for 10 to 15 yards….that we could not cover and appropriate adjustments were not made all season. In my opinion, both of our lines, O and D, were absolutely physical and played well. For Gods sake, we had two kids in top 10 sacks (Sunbelt). As I have said in previous posts, we had enough key talent, physicality and personnel to have been at a bowl....WE WERE VERY PREDICTABLE AND WE FAILED AT ADJUSTING TO WHAT TEAMS THREW AT US. We didn’t and don’t have OU or Alabama talent, but frankly we were good enough to win many more games than we did.

Edited November 30, 2012 by slugg

[eulessismore]

As would better defensive play on third down.

Lack of any offense killed this team.

I've been thinking that since early in the last season. If we don't step up our passing offense in a major way, we will continue to regress. And I'm not saying it's any one player or coach's fault, but it's the responsibility of the coaching staff to make whatever corrections are needed in this vital aspect of the game. I started wondering today if the problems we have passing are just exacerbating our red zone problems; teams putting 8 or more in the box are having less field to protect against our run and stacking it up at (or behind) the line once we're within the 20.

Oh, and sorry for being part of the hijack crew on an article about defense.

Edited November 30, 2012 by eulessismore

[slugg]

I've been thinking that since early in the last season. If we don't step up our passing offense in a major way, we will continue to regress. And I'm not saying it's any one player or coach's fault, but it's the responsibility of the coaching staff to make whatever corrections are needed in this vital aspect of the game. I started wondering today if the problems we have passing are just exacerbating our red zone problems; teams putting 8 or more in the box are having less field to protect against our run and stacking it up at (or behind) the line once we're within the 20.

Oh, and sorry for being part of the hijack crew on an article about defense.

As usual, you are In the money!!!!

[CurveItAround]

As good as Orr played this year, and he played great. Is his size better suited for the outside? It seems pretty reasonable that our rush defense was below average because we frequently had an undersized Boutwell playing DT along with an undersized middle linebacker. He would make the tackle, but if he (or someone) was playing at 245-260 in the middle, it might make some difference in the run game. The Houston game was a real eye opener for me when their RB seemed to be able to get 4-6 yds per carry anytime he ran right of the middle. Not sure what someone like Orr would be like on the outside, but I think he would be great anywhere, and playing the outside might allow him more chances to blitz.

I have wondered if any of our DE's could make the transition to MLB and provide size (as well as ability). It just seems that we were playing a few positions on defense undersized last season.

[GrandGreen]

As good as Orr played this year, and he played great. Is his size better suited for the outside? It seems pretty reasonable that our rush defense was below average because we frequently had an undersized Boutwell playing DT along with an undersized middle linebacker. He would make the tackle, but if he (or someone) was playing at 245-260 in the middle, it might make some difference in the run game. The Houston game was a real eye opener for me when their RB seemed to be able to get 4-6 yds per carry anytime he ran right of the middle. Not sure what someone like Orr would be like on the outside, but I think he would be great anywhere, and playing the outside might allow him more chances to blitz.

I have wondered if any of our DE's could make the transition to MLB and provide size (as well as ability). It just seems that we were playing a few positions on defense undersized last season.

Size was and has not been NT's problem, talent and skill are. Orr is a great middle line backer. He is smart and big enough and has good speed for the middle but not necessarly the outside. Akunne, Phillips and Wright are all faster than Orr. Orr is the best player on the NT defense who doesn't have many above average Belt players.