Does defense catch up to offense next year?

[GOLDENISTHYTATE]

The defense just does not seem to excude the confidence that our offense does. Even when the offense was bad, Clausen and Tate wanted the ball because they thought they could do something with it. Robinson said he was ready to fill in for Stewart when he went down with an injury and he filled in wonderfully as a freshman. Rudolph was told he would play all snaps as a freshman because we had no other options and he got better every week.

The defensive guys just have never showed that swagger. B. Smith, Gray, Neal,Fleming, Johnson, Filer, Blanton, Filer, McDonald, Slaughter, D. McCarthy, H. Smith, KLM, Newman, Cwynar, all players who were heavily recruited 4-stars that were top-25 players at their position and none have stepped up to that reputation to lead this defense. We have recruited just as well on the defensive side of the ball, they just haven't developed like our offensive guys have. I don't like using inexperience or young as excuses becauase Rudolph and Floyd made an impact the minute they got here. Teo and Riddick (Motta on special teams) are making impacts immediately.

Our defense just doesn't seem angry, and I want an angry defense out there. I can't tell you how embarrassed I was to watch McCoy, Usc's TE, brush off our linebackers and then carry our safeties for 25 yards before finally being brought down. I am not even asking for an elite defense, just a fundamentally sound one. Intercept balls that fall into your hands. Don't leave players unmarked (watching one db cover three WRs in that USC game almost made me run onto the field to line up where they should have been). And for God's sake, learn how to tackle. We have to be near the top of country in tackles broken and it is just shameful. If we just did those things we would be that much better, and then we can work on all those small things that make defenses go from good to dangerous. We intimidate no offense, and I don't like knowing that teams are confident they are going to score on us. That has to end now.

 

[irishfan]

I think Top 50 (barely) next year, and if Clausen/Tate come back then that's probably good enough.

 

[bert2834]

I didn't read all posts so I don't know if someone already said this.

But there was a lot of talk this offseason on this site about how our O-line would still suck cause it has the same guys, look at how good they are doing.

What makes you think the defense can't make the same strides this offseason?

There is a difference between being a homer and loving your team. I love this team and am the first to criticize the bad playcalling(offense and defense). And bad play. But to think we are going to lose BEFORE the game is even played sounds like someone who is not even a fan of THE FIGHTING IRISH OF NOTRE DAME!!!!

GO IRISH!!!!!!!!!
Time to step it up D and show people you know what the hell you are doing finally!(please!!!)

 

[kmoose]

I didn't read all posts so I don't know if someone already said this.

But there was a lot of talk this offseason on this site about how our O-line would still suck cause it has the same guys, look at how good they are doing.

What makes you think the defense can't make the same strides this offseason?

There is a difference between being a homer and loving your team. I love this team and am the first to criticize the bad playcalling(offense and defense). And bad play. But to think we are going to lose BEFORE the game is even played sounds like someone who is not even a fan of THE FIGHTING IRISH OF NOTRE DAME!!!!

GO IRISH!!!!!!!!!
Time to step it up D and show people you know what the hell you are doing finally!(please!!!)

It's not that I don't think they can, it's that I think it is highly unlikely. If it was just one aspect of the defense, i.e.: just the defensive line, or just the linebackers, or just the secondary, then I would feel alot better about it. But, in order for this defense to be a top 20 or so defense, all three of those units are going to have to vastly improve.

And the thing that no one has mentioned, yet......... Do you think that ND will be only team to improve? If you look at our two biggest rivals; Michigan and USC... Both of them are starting freshman QBs that have looked alot like what we all expected from Jimmy Clausen, in his freshman year. Those offenses are going to improve, as well.

 

[CuerVo0220]

It's not that I don't think they can, it's that I think it is highly unlikely. If it was just one aspect of the defense, i.e.: just the defensive line, or just the linebackers, or just the secondary, then I would feel alot better about it. But, in order for this defense to be a top 20 or so defense, all three of those units are going to have to vastly improve.

And the thing that no one has mentioned, yet......... Do you think that ND will be only team to improve? If you look at our two biggest rivals; Michigan and USC... Both of them are starting freshman QBs that have looked alot like what we all expected from Jimmy Clausen, in his freshman year. Those offenses are going to improve, as well.

That's why I'm hoping the experience the SOPHOMORE SLUMP!



GO IRISH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[BeatSC]

really wasnt trying to be a "credible" source of info. just commenting on their play and i think they will play in the nfl some day.

why does everybody have the urge to want to tell someone "youre stupid!" on this site?

if you dont like the thread than dont comment.

And if you've looked at our defense linebackers are probably our best unit.

I like the thread and you must be a very positive thinker watching through rose colored glasses (I do the same). With that said I don't think McCarty plays on Sundays uless that's the day the CFL plays and the jury is out on IAn, KLM and even Ethan. Alot of gross will need to take place. Teo probably, Smith maybe, Blanton no way unless he moves to Safety and adds 15 pounds of muscle. I think the 2007 defense is better than what we have this year although this defense comes vary clos eto making alot more plays every week but still mamages to fall just short.

 

[BeatSC]

Defense begins and ends at the D-line. A top D-line will make any LB or DB corp look that much better. Our DB's have had to stay on their WR that much longer and Safety's have had to rpovide alot of run stop support. Do we think the blitz packages are weak because of our players or because they are shitty blitz packges (I think shitty BP's). You can't tell me that Sergio isn't quick enough to get in on a play. DL can imporve year to year. It isn't all about experience alot of it is about strength, growth, size and speed. If these guys get bigger, faster and stronger we will be better. It's takes alot more than experience to get better. If that were the case Kamara would be the best WR we have.

 

[GoIrish41]

We have a lot of players that ND fans seem to gush over that are simply just average. Remember when CW said that B. Smith and K. Neal would be household names? That's not going to happen. Neither are any better than average players. I had high hopes for Walls, but he's been a bit disappointing this year. Hayseed has certainly had his issues this year. EJ is playing out of position, but could probably be an great DE. He'll never be more than an average DT. Ian W. is a big body, but far from a great DT. Flemming has potential, but hasn't turned the corner yet. I'd like to see what Filer can do, so the jury is still out there. KLM shows flashes and the arrow is pointing up for him. Kyle is a pretty good college safety by any measure, and although he is clearly our best defensive player, he'll be a late-round draft pick at best next year. Teo certainly has great potential, but isn't there yet. I think my point is that we have unrealistic expectations of what these players are capable of. I might even argue that they are playing above their potential in some instances. Next year, the defense will still be light years from the offense, but the offense (so long as Jimmy and Tate come back) will be light years ahead of most college defenses. ND's D just needs to keep getting better. I'd be happy if they were in the top 30 or 35 defenses in the country next year -- I think that is enough to get this team to the national championship.

 

[BeatSC]

This d should be able to dominate some of the weeker opponents though and they can't even do that. Each week they seem tomake an inferior offense look top 25. This has beena constant theme of CW's teams. Even Ty and Davie had some pretty good defenses.

 

[TDHeysus]

This d should be able to dominate some of the weeker opponents though and they can't even do that....

I dont necessarily agree with this..I think the talent lvl on the defense is not where it needs to be, we got no pressure from the Dline. thats unacceptable. then when we blitz, we still dont get the pressure. thats doubly unacceptable.

I see undersized players on the defense, plain and simple. Look at #93 on USC, that is what a dlineman should look like. Brian Smith, has played very well all year, but I think he lacks size and could use more speed. Fleming, lacks size too (and has bad footwork, needs to learn to watch the belt buckle of the runner, not the helmet). I've said from the nevada game, our defense lacks size.

 

[fightinirish68]

brian smith lacks size????????? he's like 6'3 245.... hes ranked the 8th best mlb this season on nfl draft boards

 

[GoIrish41]

brian smith lacks size????????? he's like 6'3 245.... hes ranked the 8th best mlb this season on nfl draft boards

c'mon. in your heart of hearts, do you REALLY think Brian Smith is great? He's OK, but there are a ton of LBs better than him in D1.

 

[irishfan]

c'mon. in your heart of hearts, do you REALLY think Brian Smith is great? He's OK, but there are a ton of LBs better than him in D1.

Hes not great by any means, but i think he'll do a lot better the second half of the year with Te'o taking over outside and moving Smith to the inside. He plays pretty smart and seems to love the game so it wouldnt surprise me to see him on an NFL roster, even if he goes the undrafted free agent route. Our improving D-Line should definitely help him out in terms of his stats for the rest of the year and next year too...

 

[GoIrish41]

Hes not great by any means, but i think he'll do a lot better the second half of the year with Te'o taking over outside and moving Smith to the inside. He plays pretty smart and seems to love the game so it wouldnt surprise me to see him on an NFL roster, even if he goes the undrafted free agent route. Our improving D-Line should definitely help him out in terms of his stats for the rest of the year and next year too...

I will agree with that.

 

[irishtrain]

really wasnt trying to be a "credible" source of info. just commenting on their play and i think they will play in the nfl some day.

why does everybody have the urge to want to tell someone "youre stupid!" on this site?

if you dont like the thread than dont comment.

And if you've looked at our defense linebackers are probably our best unit.

Agree- but they play on Sundays with more maturity and football saavy-but I take your point as you meant it there is ability there. Teo of course is a stretch right now but he will play on Sunday if he wants to go that way. I think the defense has all it needs except more heavys on D line and get the other guys (Moore/Johnson) back on the edge where they belong

 

[jason_h537]

My thought is.........you have the 100th ranked defense, right now. You bring the same 11 guys back, next year.........why should you expect anything much more than the 100th defense again? Same players, same coaches, same system........what will change?

This is college. Which means that guys are still growing and learning. If you bring back all 11 they will improve even if its just a little bit.

 

[jason_h537]

exactly Moose.

DT Williams - Junior, 2-year starter
DT Johnson - Soph, 2-year starter
DE Neal - Junior, 2-year starter, 3 yr. extensive play
DE Ryan - Senior
MLB - Junior Smith - 3-year starter
OLB - Flemming - Soph, 2-year starter
OLB - Teo - Freshman (inexperienced, I'll give you that)
SS - McCarthy - Senior, two-year starter
FS - Smith - Junior, two-year starter (albeit one at OLB)
CB - Gray - Junior, two-year spot player, recent starter
CB - Walls - Senior - three-year starter
CB - Blanton - Soph - two-year starter

everyone but Teo has at least a full year of playing time under his belt. This is not an inexperienced defense at all.

This defense is young and a year behind the offense

Ethan Johnson- sophmore, (first year starter got PT last year not a regular starter)
Kapron Lewis Moore- Redshirt Freshman (first year starter)
Manti- Te'o- Freshman (2 career starts)
Darius Fleming- Sophmore (first year starter got pt last year)
Robert Blanton- Sophmore (started 2 games a s a freshman and has split time this year)
Gary Gray- Redshirt Sophmore (1 career start)
Harrison Smith- Redshirt Sophmore (6 career starts at FS)

That leaves Brian Smith, Ian Williams, Kyle McCarthy, and John Ryan.

Now go look at Iowa, OSU, Alabama, USC, Florida, and LSU, who are considered elite defenses. None have more than 2 guys in their 1st or 2nd season. We have 5.

Not saying we will have an elite defense but i believe it will definitely be improved.

 

[Dacian_Irish]

I am willing to bet the Defense improves a lot by the first game of next year! Why?

2006 recruiting class = zero DL. and one LB That hurt us!

Because of this the LB's this season are commiting to stop the run most of the time! This is leaving our DB's in a bad situation. Our DB's are also not living up to the recruiting hype.

I think our defense will be top 50 next but does that really matter?

If our offense holds on to the ball and lets our defense rest that could help also.

One year will make a huge difference!

 

[GoIrish41]

This defense is young and a year behind the offense

Ethan Johnson- sophmore, (first year starter got PT last year not a regular starter)
Kapron Lewis Moore- Redshirt Freshman (first year starter)
Manti- Te'o- Freshman (2 career starts)
Darius Fleming- Sophmore (first year starter got pt last year)
Robert Blanton- Sophmore (started 2 games a s a freshman and has split time this year)
Gary Gray- Redshirt Sophmore (1 career start)
Harrison Smith- Redshirt Sophmore (6 career starts at FS)

That leaves Brian Smith, Ian Williams, Kyle McCarthy, and John Ryan.

Now go look at Iowa, OSU, Alabama, USC, Florida, and LSU, who are considered elite defenses. None have more than 2 guys in their 1st or 2nd season. We have 5.

Not saying we will have an elite defense but i believe it will definitely be improved.

A redshirt soph is a junior, and a redshirt freshman is a soph. EJ played a lot last year even the games he didn't start - same with Blanton. You can make it sound as dire as you want, this defense has plenty of experience.

 

[tankjeep]

Well, tank. I'm sorry to have disappointed you. It was an honest question. It's not like there will be new starters, new coaches, or (likely) new schemes. I really was trying to get at whether or not he expected the experience that they gained, this year, to make that much of a difference, or if he was looking at some other factor to play a big role. It wasn't a sarcastic "what will change?", it was an honest quest for input.

what is gained in a year? experience in the system, knowledge of the system, confidence in the system. more reps in practice and the rest of this season plays a big factor in what i've pointed out.

the problem is not necessarily in the system unless the coach just makes boneheaded decisions during the game. most of the time, it's in the execution. small mistakes can lead to glaring success for the opponent. especially with the speed of the college game these days.

once the players get used to the system, they can just play without thinking. any time a player gets caught thinking instead of reacting or anticipating, then they slow down their execution.

with the rest of this season and the boys coming back next season, i believe this defense will get better. practice makes perfect and instills confidence. one year makes a big difference and i believe it will help tremendously.

 

[jason_h537]

A redshirt soph is a junior, and a redshirt freshman is a soph. EJ played a lot last year even the games he didn't start - same with Blanton. You can make it sound as dire as you want, this defense has plenty of experience.

ok take away redshirts and again we still have 5 starters in their 1st or 2nd year. thats not young?

 

[GoIrish41]

ok take away redshirts and again we still have 5 starters in their 1st or 2nd year. thats not young?

USC has only 3 returning starters from last year and they seem to be doing OK.

 

[kmoose]

This is college. Which means that guys are still growing and learning. If you bring back all 11 they will improve even if its just a little bit.

But won't the offenses they face, also improve?

 

[kmoose]

ok take away redshirts and again we still have 5 starters in their 1st or 2nd year. thats not young?

Young is one thing...............inexperienced is another.

 

[Guest]

Young is one thing...............inexperienced is another.

Young has to do with physical and emotional development. That's why JR and SR defensive lineman seem to break out. I don't care how much PT a DL gets, they don't seem to reach their potential until their 3rd and 4th years.

We have Cwynar, Williams, Newman, and Stockton that are all very young. The defensive line recruits are already here, but yes, they are all young. So next year they should make a leap, and then two years from how they will hit their sweet spot.

 

[jason_h537]

USC has only 3 returning starters from last year and they seem to be doing OK.

True but they replaced there starters with guys like Gallipo who spent 2 years in the system learning and working on technique before becoming a starter. Experience with talent is a deadly combination. That is the reason Alabama and USC look so fast, they know the defense, are great athletes, and have seen enough to react to plays quickly. Brian Smith and Ian Williams would probably have been better suited sitting and learning. Not every guy is a Michael Floyd or Manti Te'o