[cardcrimson]

Frankly, I can't remember seeing as many missed tackles in one game. Stunning. What happened to fundamentals?

Wondering, is the new targeting rule making a difference in the way we attempt to tackle?

[cardcrimson]

Frankly, I can't remember seeing as many missed tackles in one game. Stunning. What happened to fundamentals?

Wondering, is the new targeting rule making a difference in the way we attempt to tackle?

[Goose]

Frankly, I can't remember seeing as many missed tackles in one game. Stunning. What happened to fundamentals?

Wondering, is the new targeting rule making a difference in the way we attempt to tackle?

There is no question it is, and not just for us. Remember the JJAW play play against ASU where he broke the tackle for extra yardage? You could see the gears grinding in the ASU defensive back as he approached the initial hit. He could have blown JJAW up, but he didn't. He basically tried to hug him, and that didn't work. Before the rule changes, no hesitation. Things may improve as the players adapt, but I do think that right now it is a big issue for all defensive players. They have to decide how to attack, not just "do it".

[Goose]

Frankly, I can't remember seeing as many missed tackles in one game. Stunning. What happened to fundamentals?

Wondering, is the new targeting rule making a difference in the way we attempt to tackle?

There is no question it is, and not just for us. Remember the JJAW play play against ASU where he broke the tackle for extra yardage? You could see the gears grinding in the ASU defensive back as he approached the initial hit. He could have blown JJAW up, but he didn't. He basically tried to hug him, and that didn't work. Before the rule changes, no hesitation. Things may improve as the players adapt, but I do think that right now it is a big issue for all defensive players. They have to decide how to attack, not just "do it".

[OutsiderFan]

No, the rules aren't impacting tackling.  Not practicing them is the culprit.

This may come as a shock, but the #1 pass defense in the Pac-12 is Cal.  They might also have the best defense period, right up with Utah and Washington.

One of the reasons is because Cal has improved its tackling so much since Wilcox became head coach. Cal does a team tackle drill every practice, to emphasize how important tacking is.  And it's not just the defense that does it.  The whole team, including the offense, participates in what Wilcox cals "Team Tackle."  It's amazing how when the leader emphasizes something, the team is good at it.

[OutsiderFan]

No, the rules aren't impacting tackling.  Not practicing them is the culprit.

This may come as a shock, but the #1 pass defense in the Pac-12 is Cal.  They might also have the best defense period, right up with Utah and Washington.

One of the reasons is because Cal has improved its tackling so much since Wilcox became head coach. Cal does a team tackle drill every practice, to emphasize how important tacking is.  And it's not just the defense that does it.  The whole team, including the offense, participates in what Wilcox cals "Team Tackle."  It's amazing how when the leader emphasizes something, the team is good at it.