Yeah we had a little bit of trouble with a couple certain routes, and got burned by the TE a few times, but it never approached looking like a Cosgrove defense. Here is why:
1. when we stopped a guy behind the backfield early in the game, all 11 people were there making the tackle, I can't even remember the last time I have seen that
You're right and it is encouraging, it's been awhile.
That was nice too.
3. DL's that do something other than act like they are blocking the O linemen
Yes, they played better, but not awesome.
4. CB's that try to make plays on the ball more than the reciever
That is certainly refreshing.
That is misleading because 2-3 were in mop-up duty on the last series. There still was not a ton of pressure generated on the QB from the front 4, better than last year, but they still need to be able to get to the QB more.
6. 2 turnovers (left a few on the field, too)
Glenn created that turnover, that is a TO that would not have happened last year. The West INT was gift wrapped.
7. and most importantly people acting excited- even coaches (lol @ ekeler).
Kinda neat to see Ekeler get excited, but why were the backup LB's never used? The players like him and he is an intense coach, but can he manage his personnel?
yeah we held Nevada to 185 yards last year, but had we played them later in the year when things were clicking and they had Kopernick starting, it would have been different.
Very possibly, but all I am saying is that last year, the defense came out and dominated for the most part and look what happened the rest of the year. I hope this defense will grow from week to week and get better and better. Seeing the same play being successful over and over again was just a painful throwback to having Cosgrove calling the defense and I hope that gets fixed. That is why I made that reference, everyone can put away their swords for me using the 'C' word.