Question about our defense in a 4-3 look...

[jetsh8r]

Watching our defense this year, I noticed how often our Dline is getting blocked out of the play with their back turned to the offensive line. Often Odrick is is a spin move, along with at least one other Dlineman and we get run all over. It happens a lot on what are likely run plays because of down and distance. There is where little gap control, which I thought was a tenet of a 4-3 front. Granted we dont always run a 4 man front, but when we do, the linebackers get exposed to a couple of lineman and there is little that they can do about it. I don't blame the linebackers at all for not being able to get off the block because I see very few other linebackers on other teams getting used that way. We play a very high risk style of defense or we have no discipline on defense where every player thinks the other guys are holding things down and they are the free player to make the play. I just want other peoples thoughts because I cant evaluate it from the couch often enough and I had little time this year to go back and analyze our defense.

 

[gofins60]

I have no technical knowledge of the game, but overall I've seen that the defense has been getting worse in a lot of areas ever since Philbin/Coyle took over and changed the defensive schemes and philosophy (with some help from Ireland swapping LBs). This team will never be better than mediocre as long as Philbin and Coyle are running things. Actually, the same thing has happened on offense, too. While the offense may have improved on scoring TDs, the percentage of TDs once they reach the red zone is pathetic. Add to that a passing game limited to 25 yards or less and a running game that has a decent yards per carry average but can't be counted on to run out the clock when leading and you have a team that has no business being in the playoffs. Very few players on this team show heart, desire, and the ability to make a big play when it's needed. Philbin's legacy is leading a team that chokes when the stakes are high. Ross is an idiot for keeping Philbin.

 

[artdnj]

I like the offense although by adding a player or two including OL improve and we're good. I even like yhe d scheme but need studs in the middle. We get zero push inside. A beast like Suh Would Make US A Lot Better Although That Won't happen.

 

[thaemcee2]

the problem is our interior D line sucked last year...same can be said with out interior O line...its no secret everything in football starts from the line...
that is why our D regressed down the stretch...our D line was getting 0 push, making our LBs look bad and our secondary look even worse...any qb with time to throw will eventually score...
we need a stout top tier run stuffing gap holding double team demanding defensive lineman and we need a steamrolling guard or 2 on O...lets fix the lines first and then get a solid mike

 

[Pat-London]

Gap control is fundamental to any defense - no matter how you line up. If a DLman is getting turned about face, then he's either poor at his job or the OL is a beast - or a bit of both.

 

[vagrantprodigy]

The other issue is that we stunted way too often. There were some stretches where it seemed we were stunting every play, and the opponent knew it was coming.

Coyle gets cute way too often, and really hurts us.

 

[gdiaz0358]

I've always liked Odrick, he was great when Soliai and Starks were here, but i never pinned him as a #1 DT, he always came across as a rotational DT.

 

[Coach_Rob]

As a DC myself the dl is about discipline. You cant get up field unless your key gives you high hat. The dt's were getting washed to easy at the end of the year. they weren't discipline and were me players, and looked to get beat off the snap. The linebackers should be freed up in a 43, but still have to be able to get off a stinking block. to me, we were always out of position. and that's coaching.

 

[ITS!MATEO]

Cut Starks and sign Langford. That guy is a run stuffing machine.

 

[jetsh8r]

Thanks for the insight everyone. I was thinking we need a couple of new LBs but if the Dline is playing selfishly then it wont matter who the linebackers are. I was thinking we were stunting way too much last year as well. Sad that we do that with the ends that we have that can beat a tackle without the gimmicks.