Defensive gains

[RebelinWA]

http://philsteele.com/Blogs/2016/JAN16/DBJan25.html

Nice write up on tangibles and defensiven improvements. Had no idea we were the second most improved running defense in the nation. Seems like defense is headed in the right direction.

 

[Bullmastiff 1]

http://philsteele.com/Blogs/2016/JAN16/DBJan25.html

Nice write up on tangibles and defensiven improvements. Had no idea we were the second most improved running defense in the nation. Seems like defense is headed in the right direction.

We still struggled, especially as the year wore on. But that shows how awful we were the year prior.

I think a nice gain this year would be 50-75 total yards less per game. Shave 5-7 more points off per game.

Also find a way to generate pressure.

 

[RebelBuzz]

Also find a way to generate pressure.

I don't think I've ever seen a team worse than we were last year at generating pressure on the QB using only our front 4. I realize that getting consistent pressure without the blitz is the exception and not the rule (not everyone can do what the Broncos have done), but if we didn't bring extra pressure, you knew that the QB was going to have ALL DAY to scan the field and pick out a receiver.

Every now and then, I'd like to see our D-line make the QB uncomfortable or get a sack or two by simply overpowering the guy in front of him.

 

[ljurich]

I don't think I've ever seen a team worse than we were last year at generating pressure on the QB using only our front 4. I realize that getting consistent pressure without the blitz is the exception and not the rule (not everyone can do what the Broncos have done), but if we didn't bring extra pressure, you knew that the QB was going to have ALL DAY to scan the field and pick out a receiver.

Every now and then, I'd like to see our D-line make the QB uncomfortable or get a sack or two by simply overpowering the guy in front of him.

I actually can't recall us ever generating any pressure on the QB since I started watching and following Rebel football and that has been since about 2004. Even though are defense against the run was not the greatest last year, you could definitely see that it was improved from years past. It will be nice to have some depth on the team to see if they can maintain good run defense for a full season.

 

[RebelBuzz]

@ljurich True, there was improvement on defense, but it seemed like we just didn't have the right personnel on the d-line to get to the QB. For example, I loved what Mike Hughes brought to the defense, and it seemed like he was often in the right spot/gap to stuff run plays. Our d-line could get to the heel-line of the LOS and make plays against the run.

But we just didn't seem capable of creating penetration into the backfield to get the QB. Not enough power/explosion to get past or power through the o-line (or push them back into the pocket) to make things uncomfortable for passers. I trust that this will be an area of emphasis and improvement for next year's team.

 

[Bullmastiff 1]

I don't think I've ever seen a team worse than we were last year at generating pressure on the QB using only our front 4. I realize that getting consistent pressure without the blitz is the exception and not the rule (not everyone can do what the Broncos have done), but if we didn't bring extra pressure, you knew that the QB was going to have ALL DAY to scan the field and pick out a receiver.

Every now and then, I'd like to see our D-line make the QB uncomfortable or get a sack or two by simply overpowering the guy in front of him.

Totally agree. Pass rush has to get better. Especially from the front four.

 

[RebelinWA]

The best blitz I can remember this year was a couple of the corner blitzs and from Lotuleilei sneaking around the side. From the D line Fao and Hughes for me had the best combo. End play was terrible usually from one side or the other. I wish we could have gotten Valoanga and Sanitoa on the field at the same time.

 

[Bullmastiff 1]

The best blitz I can remember this year was a couple of the corner blitzs and from Lotuleilei sneaking around the side. From the D line Fao and Hughes for me had the best combo. End play was terrible usually from one side or the other. I wish we could have gotten Valoanga and Sanitoa on the field at the same time.

I am really interested to see how the staff gets McCoy involved. I don't think he can be an everydown defensive end, but I do think he can help us as a pass situational pass rusher.

Maybe Sam can shed a little light. Sanchez made a point to mention Gabe a couple times in interviews so I think they like him.

 

[RebelinWA]

Did Gabe red shirt? I hope he spent every minute he wasn't in class under some pig iron with Belton in one ear. McCoy is built more like a safety than an end. Nothing wrong with having a fast end though. I think they're planning on leaning on the linebacking corps this year. Can't wait for spring practice.

 

[Bullmastiff 1]

Did Gabe red shirt? I hope he spent every minute he wasn't in class under some pig iron with Belton in one ear. McCoy is built more like a safety than an end. Nothing wrong with having a fast end though. I think they're planning on leaning on the linebacking corps this year. Can't wait for spring practice.

He redshirted.

My brother and I saw him up close in fall camp last year. He really does look more like a safety than a defensive end (doesn't help he wears #25).

He actually did ok in one one one drills. He utilized a quick first step and a couple of different rush moves to beat defenders. For his size he is really strong and surprised some guys by pushing them backwards. Where he struggled was when guys got hands on him. He was giving up anywhere from 60-80lbs to most of our offensive line. In a few drills vs the run he seemed a bit overmatched.

I think a full offseason with Belton will help, but I would be shocked if he ever got past 230lbs. He just doesn't look like he has the frame.

I think he really can offer something as a situational pass rusher in obvious passing downs. I also think he may see some time as a rush OLB. As a full time hand in the dirt DE, he may not be big enough.

I am really interested in watching how the staff attempts to utilize him, because he does possess a skill in an area of the game we need to find some production.