I thought the linebackers were much worse than the dline especially after Shemar went down. Linemen can only do so much without linebackers making a difference behind them. To me, dline should open up plays for linebackers but it was rare for a linebacker to make the difference making plays. Without that, no defense can be good. Every good defense in the history of ever has a linebacker that was the star of the defense.
You are spot on, crusher. Highly recommend everyone take 30 minutes to watch the video in post #83 in “get excited about the defense” thread - it addresses this exactly and talks about how our new coaches/players will be much more prepared for run heavy teams like Kentucky… (And you don’t have to sit and watch it, I just listened while I was washing dishes/doing chores) Definitely got me hyped up and optimistic for a much improved defense this year!
The linebackers weren’t in those holes. Where the hell were they. And if you’re going to play nickel, star has to have some of that responsibility.
And in the event they both are good, a couple more guys have to play significant snaps. There’s only so many big hits in a guy each week. It can’t be all on two guys.
Bottom line is they couldn't stop a UK run attack with 6 in the box or even 7 in the box with the Star moving up. It was a poor defensive plan....and they stayed in it until too late. Did the players execute poorly, sure, but the initial scheme and lack of immediate adjustment was the primary reason for the embarrassing performance.
It was a cluster all around. I just have the play burned into my head where the rb runs straight off the left gaurd untouched and there wasn’t a linebacker anywhere to be found. I can’t think of any reason that someone is not in that hole at least attempting to make a tackle. Show me that defensive play on paper, it just can’t exist. No coach is that inept.
It happened in more than one game- a LB standing behind a mass of OL/DL engaged, waiting where there couldn't be a ball carrier, seemingly ignoring the wide gap their entanglement made.
Agreed. We were only playing only 2 LB's early on. They either filled the wrong hole or got picked off by the OC or OG and the Safety was late (or didn't) come up. Its a lot easier to block 6 in the box than 7 or 8.
I would still like another OL from the transfer portal. I'm expecting the TE's to up their games this year-that will help, for sure. That new dude (WR) from Wisconsin will hopefully be good, Mertz suggested bringing him over. And, as mentioned, Mertz should be improved as well. I'm afraid to anticipate DJ making a difference this year. Not that he can't, it's just coaches seldom do that kind of thing unless we really have to. Coaches typically keep the Srs. in even if they suck. The good news is Mertz doesn't suck. I still want Lagway to step in and toss a 60 yarder for posterity! Simple logic would say age, maturity, transfers, better coaching and development, would have the defense stepping up this year. I'll peek through my fingers until it happens. Gators, surprise the college football world!! Go Gators.
Hello malscott and I hope you and yours are doing well. I hope that DJL can (at the very least) have some PT packages planned for him, in situations the coaches trust him in. Get garbage time PT one way or another (if you know what I mean). I suspect the coaches plan on using him enough that the red shirt will be burn't. If not, then it's troubling considering the hype. Gator Nation may see ALOT more of him than expected if Mertz goes down with injury. That reality (Mertz hurt) did happen last year regrettably. Given the schedule, that would be tough on everybody. Early word out of fall camp seems generally good. I'm not real happy about the linebacker situation with the injuries (Graham), the one kid not reporting until the fall, and so forth. Obviously that room will have some "catch-up". Keeping my fingers crossed no season ending injuries happen this spring (and fall too). Talk seems positive about the OL and DB's, of course I always take spring and fall reporting with a grain of salt. I imagine the spring transfer portal will tell us more about the reality of the roster, (who's really expected to contribute) than all these spring reports and podcasts, some of the players not seeing PT coming, transfering out, or those finding UF is not their cup of tea. Pretty disappointing that Watson can't get his weight under control. I'm no doctor but it seems he may have health concerns that transcend football at his young age. He needs to get that under control. The flip side of that is some of the defensive line information seems positive. Anyway - Go Gators!
It's all good. AFter reading every bit of Gator news possible (I think I reached the end of the internet) I'm convinced that the defense will be better. Serviceable would be a huge step as last year it was really an embarrassment. I can think of three games we would have won last year if the defense just did 'something'; anything! After the last decade or so getting too excited is not good for our general health and wellbeing. But, currently, I think we have the kids, a shift in attitude and the coaches to make a difference. Let's hope a few great surprises await us. Lord knows we're about due! And then, God shined down on the Gators... Go Gators. Beat everyone!
It takes no more energy to be positive rather than negative. And feels better. A lot of change has been made. A ton of it known and needed. A lot of it new and unforseen. Progress will have to be shown on the field and I believe it will.
IF there is no down field passing again this year the offense itself won't win us many games. I'm not getting my hopes up fwiw.
beech, unless one runs the wishbone 70's and 80's Oklahoma style, I'm with you, if you can't stretch the field in todays game, well, that gives the defense so many advantages. But I'm hearing UF has more speed, the addition of the Whiskey kid and supposedly Andy Jean may be looking good, "well until the recent injury" which should not keep him out extensively. I'm Keeping positive. Go Gators!
Napier recently told Mertz he wants him to "take calculated risks" throwing the football. I am interpreting that as BN is asking him to use his judgment to be less of a game manager and open up the passing game more. They probably could mean more big plays, more interceptions, or maybe both. It may get interesting this fall!
