Nose Tackle/ D-Line Discussion

[Luckylucci]

Great post Whiskey, I was thinking the exact same thing. Just hadn't put my fingers to the keyboard yet.

[NDhoosier]

I agree with Whiskey as well, i think guys are overreacting... you seem to think after we lose Nix, it is destined that we go to a 4-3 defense. We are stacked at LB and that is Diaco's specialty, ND will stick with the 3-4. Just because we might not have a dominate NT like Nix, doesnt mean, the 3-4 is useless. Nix is a special talent, and there are plenty of teams that do well without a Nix-type of talent. Calm down guys, Nix is very good, but its not the end of the world without him.

[Rhode Irish]

Originally Posted by Whiskeyjack

Would you consider 'Bama's 3-4 to be elite or just "very good"? Because their NT, Jesse Williams, is not much of a pass rusher. His 2012 stats: 36 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 1 sack, 2 PBU and 4 QB hurries.

The point is that having a NT that can pass-rush is a luxury. Yes, it makes your defense better, because you can still generate pressure while leaving an extra guy in coverage, but the scheme doesn't depend on it.



I'm certain a mod would never post off-topic, particularly in a recruit's thread.

I agree, and just to add: Vince Wilfork is an elite NT and possibly the best in the NFL. He is incredibly athletic for his size and can get into the backfield on passing and running plays when he is asked to do so. And guess what? The Patriots 3-4 defense would hardly be described as "great." The overall quality of a defense is not based on what one guy does at one position. That is greatly oversimplifying it. Nix is an awesome player and is a big reason why the defense is so good, but if the next generation Irish defense doesn't have a Nix clone they can still be good - they will just need to get elite performances from another position. There is more than one way to skin a cat.

[Irish#1]

Originally Posted by Whiskeyjack

Would you consider 'Bama's 3-4 to be elite or just "very good"? Because their NT, Jesse Williams, is not much of a pass rusher. His 2012 stats: 36 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 1 sack, 2 PBU and 4 QB hurries.

The point is that having a NT that can pass-rush is a luxury. Yes, it makes your defense better, because you can still generate pressure while leaving an extra guy in coverage, but the scheme doesn't depend on it. The 3-4 depends on its OLBs for pass rush; if your ROLB and DOLB can't get pressure on the QB, then you've got serious schematic problems.



I'm certain a mod would never post off-topic, particularly in a recruit's thread.

Very good, but not elite. I understand that a 3-4 is designed for the OLB to be the pass rush. All I'm saying is when you get a guy at NT that can pass rush it can malke a significant difference because you have to use extra bodies to stop him which takes protection away from some place else or keeps the RB from being a safety valve forcing the QB to throw across the LOS.

[Whiskeyjack]

Originally Posted by Irish#1

Very good, but not elite.

How about Florida's 3-4? The Gators' defense is the only one FEI rates better than ours. Their starting NT, Omar Hunter, isn't much of a pass rusher either. His 2012 stats: 39 tackles, 4 TFL, 4 PBU.

By design, a 3-4 defense needs two things-- (1) big, strong DL that can two-gap, and (2) athletic OLBs who can both pass rush and drop into coverage. Any pass rush your DL can produce, particularly from the NT, is just gravy; it obviously makes you better, but it's not a prerequisite for the scheme.

It's sort of like QB mobility. Most offensive schemes don't require it to be successful, but it's certainly nice to have.

[Cackalacky]

Whiskey,
Are you like a cyborg programmed full of useful information and great posts?

Just curious.

[Emcee77]

Originally Posted by NDhoosier

I agree with Whiskey as well, i think guys are overreacting... you seem to think after we lose Nix, it is destined that we go to a 4-3 defense. We are stacked at LB and that is Diaco's specialty, ND will stick with the 3-4. Just because we might not have a dominate NT like Nix, doesnt mean, the 3-4 is useless. Nix is a special talent, and there are plenty of teams that do well without a Nix-type of talent. Calm down guys, Nix is very good, but its not the end of the world without him.

Right. I think this discussion started when someone asked if we would have to switch from a 3-4 to a 4-3 when Nix leaves. The answer is no. Nix has done more than the system requires him to do this year. That doesn't mean that the system won't work without him.