We're losing almost our entire D-line and possibly both of our corners. The LB corps should be much improved, but that's not much consolation considering they were our weakest link this year. Any and all positive input would be appreciated, because I just don't see how we're not going to be much worse on D next year.
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Someone talk me off the ledge RE: next year's defense
- Thread starter BigSpur
- Start date
I think we'll be okay at corner. We won't be nearly as good as this year, but I think we'll be good enough to scrape by. Not world-beaters, but good enough to handle most receivers and situations. Defensive line, on the other hand, is going to see a major drop off.
I would expect us to do one of two things next year: either play lots of zone and drop all our linebackers into coverage, or rush an extra linebacker or two to try to bring pressure/occupy blockers. Both options have obvious flaws. If we drop into zone, we may not get any pressure and a good quarterback will pick us apart. On the other hand, if we send linebackers, we'll get eaten up by screens and short passes.
Personally, I see us rushing linebackers more often next year. I've seen enough improvement over this year to trust them to make tackles one-on-one in the running game next year, and if we send them to the right spot at the right time, our pass rush could be devastating. It'll be up to Ward and the other defensive coaches to get that right, and I trust them to do a good job.
So while I don't think our defense will be a Top 10 (or even Top 20) unit next year, I think they'll be good enough to take care of business against most opponents. The seriously good offenses, though, we might have trouble with.
I would expect us to do one of two things next year: either play lots of zone and drop all our linebackers into coverage, or rush an extra linebacker or two to try to bring pressure/occupy blockers. Both options have obvious flaws. If we drop into zone, we may not get any pressure and a good quarterback will pick us apart. On the other hand, if we send linebackers, we'll get eaten up by screens and short passes.
Personally, I see us rushing linebackers more often next year. I've seen enough improvement over this year to trust them to make tackles one-on-one in the running game next year, and if we send them to the right spot at the right time, our pass rush could be devastating. It'll be up to Ward and the other defensive coaches to get that right, and I trust them to do a good job.
So while I don't think our defense will be a Top 10 (or even Top 20) unit next year, I think they'll be good enough to take care of business against most opponents. The seriously good offenses, though, we might have trouble with.
