12-29-2017, 11:11 PM
WIM, I don't disagree with you. The defense did disappoint, full stop. It is fair to point to injuries as a contributing factor; after all, the starters are starters for a reason. That being said, I agree with you that injuries do not explain the degree to which the defense disappointed. This really felt like a defense that was less than the sum of its parts, didn't it?
The things that stood out to me: 1) the tackling seemed wanting on many key occasions (too many broken arm tackles), 2) too many players seemed to get caught out of position (witness the number of big plays). I have a feeling that some of that is guys trying to do too much and not trusting their teammates to be in the right place at the right time and make the play. The two issues feed off each other; being out of position leads to poor tackling, and when you see guys whiffing on tackles, you press to try to compensate.
I also think that the lack of depth at DL hurt us everywhere; while Phillips was amazing, the other defensive linemen didn't do enough to clog running lanes and pressure the QB. The result was QB's with too much time to throw (which made our DB's look worse), and running backs that would easily make it 4 to 5 yards downfield before first contact, plus linebackers being blocked out of the play.
I think you are a bit pessimistic on your assessment of next season, even without Phillips. Obviously, we will have holes, but looking up and down the Pac-12, it is hard to find a team that won't, unless Darnold and Jones decide to both come back for SC.
BC
The things that stood out to me: 1) the tackling seemed wanting on many key occasions (too many broken arm tackles), 2) too many players seemed to get caught out of position (witness the number of big plays). I have a feeling that some of that is guys trying to do too much and not trusting their teammates to be in the right place at the right time and make the play. The two issues feed off each other; being out of position leads to poor tackling, and when you see guys whiffing on tackles, you press to try to compensate.
I also think that the lack of depth at DL hurt us everywhere; while Phillips was amazing, the other defensive linemen didn't do enough to clog running lanes and pressure the QB. The result was QB's with too much time to throw (which made our DB's look worse), and running backs that would easily make it 4 to 5 yards downfield before first contact, plus linebackers being blocked out of the play.
I think you are a bit pessimistic on your assessment of next season, even without Phillips. Obviously, we will have holes, but looking up and down the Pac-12, it is hard to find a team that won't, unless Darnold and Jones decide to both come back for SC.
BC