I apologize if this has been hashed and rehashed, but I do not see discussed anywhere. Just as with Callahan, I am beginning to tire of Pelini stating "we didn't execute" after losses. I remember Callahan was nearly lynched for this crap, but I don't really see Pelini get called out for doing this. I am not calling for anyone's blood here, but just an observation I had. As a leader you cannot continually blame your team for failure to execute without having to look in the mirror and eventually "point the thumb." At some point their lack of execution, is a reflection in coaching, development and communication. Perhaps I am drawing a comparison that is not there, but after listening to some snippets from the post game press conference, I felt like I was having déjà vu. I do however feel that Pelini is not beyond hope as Callahan was, but feel that how he rallies this team will show what kind of leader he really is. Thoughts?
I hear ya. Execute basically means they had a game plan, they worked on it in practice until they did it right, and the results were different in the game. Funny though, you would think against this D in practice, executing would be a snap
As for the defense, there is no earthly way this scheme will ever work consistently. No matter how well they execute in practice and reps and preparation. Sad to say, but until they go with a traditional 4-3 that focuses on stopping the run first, putting teams in 2nd and long, 3rd and long, so they can then drop into nickel and peso (Pelini's speciality), we need to kick ourselves to think we will see different results. That my friend, is on the coaching.
Our defense does not have an identity, except for the "bend don't break" philosophy. It's tailored to stop the big passing plays. And when we are giving up chunks of yardage at will, we are also losing the field position battle. Sometimes we execute better as the other teams approach the red zone. But if they put 3 or 7 on the board, it does put pressure on our offense to stay on the field and get those points back and not go 3-and-out.
With this style of defense, they can execute all they want until they are blue in the face, and the results will be up and down like a roller-coaster. We've seen that for several years now. It's just not a style that screams tough interior defense.
I don't think Pelini gets a true pass on this. If you look at LSU defense, shoot they seem to do just fine without him. And if it's because they have better talent, then our guy isn't as brilliant as expected. You don't become a great defensive mind because of the sheer talent you have year after year. But then again, LSU isn't trotting around with 5 DB's and their LBs (or "linebacker") running around with their heads cut off like a chicken.
As for the right guys being in the right spot/position? So many things can go wrong with this theory. How about 2 tackles that get leverage, 2 defensive ends that explode with power and quickness, and three linebackers that will make offensive coordinators think twice about running? That's the key. You can run or throw. This defense doesn't focus on stopping one or the other particularly well. Although the pass coverage is better then stopping the run. For sure.
Don't like to pick on players at all. I just don't think our starting DEnds have nothing more to offer than making initial contact and lateral movement. Our lineback (I only see one out there in the middle of the field, have no clue where they slide the other one to) is going to lead the USA in tackles because he's out there on an island. He might even lead Mars in that category. But that doesn't mean he is doing anything phenomenal other than what they draw up on the chalkboard. That's great if you like seeing your defense in 2nd and 4, series after series. If they execute, then maybe 2nd and 5, hopefully 2nd and 6. Execute lol.
A change has been needed for some time on the defensive side. We do not have SUH anymore to save the day and get other players playing incredible to match his intensity and determination (see Gomes, Hagg, etc). Those dudes fed off each other. Our guys since then, not seeing it so much unfortunately.
Okay not at all a rant. But just my thoughts with some salt and pepper, and lots of babble
