NC Offense vs. ND Defense

[ND Lifer]

We did it again. ND made a very poor NC offense look like a powerhouse passing offense. A well below average QB throws for 3 TD's and a bunch of yards and a no-name receiver gets umpteen yards in receptions. This BS has got to stop. If not, we will have a very rough time with the AF and USC will take us downtown again. I really hope Weis does something dramatic about this situation before next season. We won't have Quinn/Shark to bail us out next year. It's a joke when you have to score at least 30 points just to give yourself a CHANCE to win against a 1 win team. It's absolutely a crime the way we play pass defense!!!!!!

I know there will be those who are looking through their rose colored glasses that say, "so what, we won". In reality, the offense won, the defense let a very, very poor team come a lot closer than they ever should have. Charlie needs to fix it NOW before the defense gives us another loss that we can't stand to have.!

 

[scooper]

This one was three broken tackles away from being over early. They didn't move the ball well. They had a couple plays break long on missed tackles.

 

[notdam4]

Charlie needs to fix it NOW before the defense gives us another loss that we can't stand to have.!

My question is... how can you fix it now? Do you really expect the defense to change before the end of this season? This game further proved to me that ND just doesn't have the horses on defense. The one touchdown they scored on Zibby and the one they scored on Lambert were just terrible plays by our DB's. The players were in position to make the plays but they just didnt.. I don't know how you expect Weis to fix that. Other than those two plays, and that fluke kick return, UNC scores 7 points. It amazes me that people post things like this.. please watch the game before posting!

 

[NDOM]

I STRONGLY agree with you ND Lifer! Well put. Something must happen in this offseason to prevent the defense from doing this same shit next year. I have said this time and time again that Rick Minter sucks people! Plain and simple. I couldnt stand him with Lou Holtz (God Bless Lou Holtz people) and I dont like him now! As my boy ND lifer put it "We wont have Quinn/Shark next year to bail us out." The offense is not going to be able to bail us out in every situation especially againts a Southern Cal Trojan team. ND MUST get that defensive scheme changed!! THATS HOW I SEE IT!

 

[scooper]

were just terrible plays by our DB's. The players were in position to make the plays but they just didnt..

Exactly. The guys were right there. This was not an issue with scheming. Guys whiffed on tackles. The DB's (especially Zibby) have been doing this all season.

 

[ND Lifer]

I watched the game. You can use all the "if's" you want and then you could say that "if" none of that crap happened, we would have had a shutout. We've had 21 games now under Weis and the defense has exhibited the same tendencies and outcomes through the whole period of time. As head coach, the buck stops there. He needs to address it decisively. I believe it's scheme and defensive game plan more than the players ability and that is a reflection on the defensive coaching staff. This wasn't a top 25 team we played, it was NC who is probably ranked about 100 out of 119. There is no excuse for how the D played!!!!!!

 

[NDOM]

Well put once again ND Lifer! Couldnt have said it better myself.

 

[scooper]

I watched the game. You can use all the "if's" you want and then you could say that "if" none of that crap happened, we would have had a shutout. We've had 21 games now under Weis and the defense has exhibited the same tendencies and outcomes through the whole period of time. As head coach, the buck stops there. He needs to address it decisively. I believe it's scheme and defensive game plan more than the players ability and that is a reflection on the defensive coaching staff. This wasn't a top 25 team we played, it was NC who is probably ranked about 100 out of 119. There is no excuse for how the D played!!!!!!

I'd give you more negative reps if I could, for the same old crybaby crap after a solid win. But, you have to spread the reps around.

 

[scooper]

Well put once again ND Lifer! Couldnt have said it better myself.

C'mon, try to say it better.

 

[notdam4]

I watched the game. You can use all the "if's" you want and then you could say that "if" none of that crap happened, we would have had a shutout. We've had 21 games now under Weis and the defense has exhibited the same tendencies and outcomes through the whole period of time. As head coach, the buck stops there. He needs to address it decisively. I believe it's scheme and defensive game plan more than the players ability and that is a reflection on the defensive coaching staff. This wasn't a top 25 team we played, it was NC who is probably ranked about 100 out of 119. There is no excuse for how the D played!!!!!!

First of all, I said nothing about "if's"... the only touchdown I will even attempt to defend is the flukey kick return and of course that wasn't the defensive scheme. The fact of the matter is Zibby was in position to make a play on the first touchdown. It was right in front of the student section and he should've made the play...he just didn't. The other touchdown was when Lambert slipped and, although it's unexcusable, it was cover-one and he just didn't get it done. Those two plays strike me as bad execution, not bad scheme. I may be crazy, but that's just how I see it.

 

[ND Lifer]

If you really believe that was a"solid win", then you'll also most likely vote for Hillary Clinton, too!!!

 

[scooper]

If you really believe that was a"solid win", then you'll also most likely vote for Hillary Clinton, too!!!

First off.....ewww. No.

Second off, it was a solid win. Winning by three scores is solid. Great? No. Solid. Yes.

 

[NDOM]

Stat of the game? 26! 26 points is the most that North Carolina has put up against any Div-I team. Need I say more?

 

[notdam4]

I still don't understand how you believe Coach Weis can fix this... isn't that what this thread is about??

 

[scooper]

They also gave up the second most they've given up all year. The most was Clemson, who up until this week was the highest scoring team in the country.

I'm not saying the defense is great. But the same old crying week after week after win after win is getting old.

Sack up and enjoy a win.

 

[Famboo28]

The fact of the matter is that the problem is not the defensive scheme created by Minter but rather the lack of execution/poor tackling displayed by the defensive players. Perhaps the poor tackling has something to do with the practice regimen that Weis has implemented where the players aren't involved in contact as much as they should.

 

[scooper]

I still don't understand how you believe Coach Weis can fix this... isn't that what this thread is about??

Right. It's late in the season. Are you going to change staff? Find new players? What good does it do to cry right now?

 

[scooper]

The fact of the matter is that the problem is not the defensive scheme created by Minter but rather the lack of execution/poor tackling displayed by the defensive players. Perhaps the poor tackling has something to do with the practice regimen that Weis has implemented where the players aren't involved in contact as much as they should.

This could be the case. But with the lack of depth, they don't have much choice.

 

[Pete]

I still don't understand how you believe Coach Weis can fix this... isn't that what this thread is about??

It seems that ND has played a bend but don't break defense for a couple of years now. Now if this is the philosophy that they prefer, or if this is because of the personnel, I don't know. All I know, is that I like the defenses that come after the opponets.

On a side note, does anybody know why Wells didn't play today?

 

[scooper]

It seems that ND has played a bend but don't break defense for a couple of years now. Now if this is the philosophy that they prefer, or if this is because of the personnel, I don't know. All I know, is that I like the defenses that come after the opponets.

On a side note, does anybody know why Wells didn't play today?

Right now, that's what the personnel dictates.

 

[Pete]

Right now, that's what the personnel dictates.

And you have to play the cards that you are dealt

 

[tedwick]

If you really believe that was a"solid win", then you'll also most likely vote for Hillary Clinton, too!!!

lmao. wtf does hillary clinton have to do with thinking this was a solid win? I think that's on par with a statement such as "If you really like bananas, you'll also most likely vote for Ted Kennedy!!!"... it really doesn't make any sense.

and it was a pretty solid win. It wasn't a shootout, and ND hung 45 on them. the defense didn't play great in the 3rd, but overall, we looked like the top 10 team that most belonged in the top 10, save for texas.

The scheme wasn't terrible. I think the worst I saw was when Lambert was left out on an island, but that play was broken, so it's somewhat forgivable. Zibby hasn't tackled well all season, and that's not forgivable, but it is what it is. When it comes down to it, ND is winning games. And on top of that, in every game we've played, ND's defense has performed better than the opponent's defense. Yes, they should be better. But I think things will get better.

And firing minter is not really an option. having a coaching change and learning a new scheme two years after having a coaching change and learning a new scheme for all the defensive players seems kind of dumb. Sure, it worked for Michigan. But chances are it doesn't turn out like Michigan. Michigan had talent that consistently underperformed. Right now, nobody really knows whether this is something that can be solved by scheming, or just a need for better talent.

 

[scooper]

lmao. wtf does hillary clinton have to do with thinking this was a solid win? I think that's on par with a statement such as "If you really like bananas, you'll also most likely vote for Ted Kennedy!!!"... it really doesn't make any sense.

and it was a pretty solid win. It wasn't a shootout, and ND hung 45 on them. the defense didn't play great in the 3rd, but overall, we looked like the top 10 team that most belonged in the top 10, save for texas.

The scheme wasn't terrible. I think the worst I saw was when Lambert was left out on an island, but that play was broken, so it's somewhat forgivable. Zibby hasn't tackled well all season, and that's not forgivable, but it is what it is. When it comes down to it, ND is winning games. And on top of that, in every game we've played, ND's defense has performed better than the opponent's defense. Yes, they should be better. But I think things will get better.

And firing minter is not really an option. having a coaching change and learning a new scheme two years after having a coaching change and learning a new scheme for all the defensive players seems kind of dumb. Sure, it worked for Michigan. But chances are it doesn't turn out like Michigan. Michigan had talent that consistently underperformed. Right now, nobody really knows whether this is something that can be solved by scheming, or just a need for better talent.

Good post, Ted.

 

[marv81s]

ND won right? Here is all you need to look at:

Team Stat Comparison
NC ND
1st Downs 10 23
3rd down efficiency 4-13 8-14
4th down efficiency 0-0 0-0
Total Yards 244 452
Passing 213 346
Comp-Att 14-24 23-37
Yards per pass 8.9 9.4
Rushing 31 106
Rushing Attempts 25 35
Yards per rush 1.2 3.0
Penalties 5-56 5-35
Turnovers 0 1
Fumbles lost 0 1
Interceptions thrown 0 0
Possession 27:47 32:13

Can we please stay off Minter's ass till after he gets his type of players into the system. If your going to give CW some slack on offense after bad performance's because he is still playing with mostly "Ty guys" then you have to do the same for Minter because he is still playing mostly "Ty guys". I was cussing out the D today too after some plays, but look at the big picture for Chrit's sakes. 240 total yards? Pretty good day at the office if you ask me.

 

[ShivaIrish]

I'm not saying Minter has to go. I also agree with better players, better results. However, I don't see that much improvement, and that is worrisome. Some of the tackling is bad, and that is partly coaching. I'm not sure what's with Ndukwe's obsession with "shouldering" the ball carrier.

My concern is that so many people thought the defense would surprise people. There are some good players on the D. However, there just doesn't seem to be much difference from last year, or from week to week. Am I wrong in this assesment?

 

[notdam4]

I believe so many people thought this defense would "surprise" because reporters said they would before the season. When it comes down to it, we have a shaky (decent at times) secondary, one linebacker that would start at another top-15 school (although he plays mike for us and would start at sam for other schools) and a d line that occasionally makes plays. This all has to do with personnel...you could say Abiamiri on the D line is a great pro prospect but he really hasn't impressed as much as he should've. Maybe I'm being harsh, but our defense lacks the talent, period.

 

[tedwick]

I believe so many people thought this defense would "surprise" because reporters said they would before the season. When it comes down to it, we have a shaky (decent at times) secondary, one linebacker that would start at another top-15 school (although he plays mike for us and would start at sam for other schools) and a d line that occasionally makes plays. This all has to do with personnel...you could say Abiamiri on the D line is a great pro prospect but he really hasn't impressed as much as he should've. Maybe I'm being harsh, but our defense lacks the talent, period.

well... actually, i'll bet all ND's linebackers could start for Louisville or WVA. (I still can't get over how poorly played that game was.)

 

[SIUIrish]

I'm so sick of hearing people jump all over our defense, especially after a win. WE WON THE DAMN GAME!!! Quit bitching and moaning about a few big plays. Every game has big plays, our defense is no different than any other. Maybe we give up more than most, but WE STILL WIN!!!

You wanna talk about poor tackling, put Smith's tackle from late in the game on video and show it to the rest of the defense. That was the best hit all year, from a freshman. That is how you tackle; hit, wrap-up and drive the other guy backwards. The best hit of the season came in the 9th game by a freshman linebacker, that gives me optimism for the future of this defense.

 

[Vince Young]

You all know my attitude about the recent pissing, bitching and moaning here on the boards. We won today. Enjoy it.

That said... I can't say I was entirely happy with giving up 26 points to one of the most inept offenses in the country. But with the offense we have, 26 points is fairly easy to overcome too.

We just don't have an elite defense right now, and nothing is going to change that until Charlie gets the recruiting pipeline running at full capacity and starts brining in some defensive studs. In the meantime, Minter seems to be doing what he can with the players he has, and Charlie's doing everything he can do on offense to make sure we score more points.

For the most part, it's working.

Making major changes right now would only make things worse. If you juggle the roster right now, you'll be playing with inexperienced players. If you change the defensive scheme right now, you'll be forced to start over on teaching the system to the players. You simply do NOT make major changes mid-season short of a series of notorious and calamitous disasters.

There will be a time for major re-tooling of the defense soon enough. It's called "February."

 

[SIUIrish]

The Pats are already losing to the Colts. They gave up a 44 yard pass play. You guys want the Pats to fire Bill Belichick because his defense gave up a big play?