Defense 2013

[mrydel]

June said it is his job to outscore the opponent.

[JasonB]

Linebacker play has been far below what was expected. I think the DL has actually been better than expected, particularly Barnes.

[dirtysouthpony]

Linebacker play has been far below what was expected. I think the DL has actually been better than expected, particularly Barnes.

Barnes is legit. I think he has more sacks than Margus had at this time last year. Zelt is beginning to come on. I think the d line is ok. JB I know you follow this a lot closer than me. Is it lack of skill? Why are our lb's out of position to make plays? Is it scheme?

[SMU404]

they shouldve scored 35. Took a knee near the goal line at the end of the game

That was only because of that ridiculous targeting penalty on the onsides kick

[PonyKai]

they shouldve scored 35. Took a knee near the goal line at the end of the game

That was only because of that ridiculous targeting penalty on the onsides kick

We gave up a 20 yard run on 1st and 20 immediately after that. Somehow I doubt the penalty is to blame.

[JasonB]

Linebacker play has been far below what was expected. I think the DL has actually been better than expected, particularly Barnes.

Barnes is legit. I think he has more sacks than Margus had at this time last year. Zelt is beginning to come on. I think the d line is ok. JB I know you follow this a lot closer than me. Is it lack of skill? Why are our lb's out of position to make plays? Is it scheme?

I think that when you take players who were undersized DE in high school and turn them into OLBs in college, sometimes no matter how athletic they might be, it just takes them time to figure out how to cover. Sanders and Seals haven't figured it out to this point. Yenga seems to have it down a little better. I think the athleticism and size is there to be successful, but they obviously just aren't ready yet. Saw the same thing when Rambo got hurt and an ex DL was put in at MLB. Couldn't figure out the spacing. Pope is going to struggle in space because of the experience thing. There is talent, but there is just a lot of inexperience in the position right now.

Beyond that, I am really surprised. The defense absolutely dominated the offense over the course of the fall, and the LBs were flying all over the place. It looks like a completely different group now.

[RGV Pony]

Isn't sanders a junior ? And pope a senior ? Exactly how long is it supposed to take?

[Stallion]

Yenga has his own deficiencies at the point of attack. He's great at pursuit though. Looking for a guy that can do both. Yenga might also grow into that role with physical development

[mrydel]

Isn't sanders a junior ? And pope a senior ? Exactly how long is it supposed to take?

Exactly.