[OutsiderFan]

Since interceptions are generally tied to QB pressure and Stanford's pass rush isn't generating too many sacks, that explains lack of interceptions a bit.  Off the top of my head I can think of four very close to sacks by the defense this year, so it's not like QBs are being given all day to throw either.

To me, forced fumbles are the measure of a team that is good at forcing turnovers.  If the defense forces fumbles, its generally aggressive.  Defenders are making concerted efforts to strip the ball, get their helmets on them, and when a ball carrier is wrapped up by a teammate, they attack they go for the ball.

What I notice from Stanford is an effort to play sound, fundamental defense.  Everyone does his job and nobody tries to be a hero leaving his responsibility to make a play he doesn't trust a teammate to make.  Stanford's defense keeps things in front and forces an offense to execute all the way down the field. 

It would be nice to see maybe a smidgen more risk taking, either send more blitzers, or a little more effort to attack the ball.  But hard to complain with the results the defense has produced to date.  There is no reason to take more risks on defense when the offense is scoring like it is.  Playing sound is enough to win games.

[OutsiderFan]

Since interceptions are generally tied to QB pressure and Stanford's pass rush isn't generating too many sacks, that explains lack of interceptions a bit.  Off the top of my head I can think of four very close to sacks by the defense this year, so it's not like QBs are being given all day to throw either.

To me, forced fumbles are the measure of a team that is good at forcing turnovers.  If the defense forces fumbles, its generally aggressive.  Defenders are making concerted efforts to strip the ball, get their helmets on them, and when a ball carrier is wrapped up by a teammate, they attack they go for the ball.

What I notice from Stanford is an effort to play sound, fundamental defense.  Everyone does his job and nobody tries to be a hero leaving his responsibility to make a play he doesn't trust a teammate to make.  Stanford's defense keeps things in front and forces an offense to execute all the way down the field. 

It would be nice to see maybe a smidgen more risk taking, either send more blitzers, or a little more effort to attack the ball.  But hard to complain with the results the defense has produced to date.  There is no reason to take more risks on defense when the offense is scoring like it is.  Playing sound is enough to win games.