Could this year's defense be even better than last year's? Last year, we had the famous blitzes - that could fool any quarterback. But there is a way around that, the 3 step drop, which teams have been trying to use on us. Florida exploited it last year and now everybody and their mother knows about it. However, Saban and Co. aren't blitzing that much this year - and I like it. Becuase it makes us unpredictable. If their QB is taking his time in the pocket, we can start blitzing again and destroy their team. However, we no longer have the down the middle, 3 step drop weakness. And I truly belive that our team has realized who they are and what they have to do. Watch out UGA, we're a comin' for you... Any thoughts?
I think I agree with you, man. This year we don't blitz every down, but we still play awesome defense. AND when we DO blitz, it is almost unstoppable. Now instead of just worrying where the pressure is coming from, offenses have to know when and where it is coming from. They might think we're blitzing, keep backs and tight ends to block, and then we drop everyone into coverage. Add all this to the fact that our pass rush isn't bad when we just rush 4 guys, and you might be able to make an argument that we just might be fielding a better defense than last year. I'd like to add that last year's defense was one of the best I've ever seen, so it will take a bit more to convince me that we're better this year, but the promise is there. I don't think we played this well this early last season. Oh yeah... While on the subject of defense, I'd just like to say that Lionel Turner is playing lights out. He's awesome.
They are on their way ahead of last year's crew ... better overall team talent ... and more experience in the system LSU could start shutting people out in the SEC if the offense stays hot early and scores often ... like they have the last couple of weeks
I think you're right about the defense. People keep focusing on the sloppy tackling---which was a terrible problem against Oregon St. and was overblown vs. Auburn, who have two pretty damn good RBs themselves---but the defense is there consistently (okay, Corey Webster didn't really decide to show up this season until last week, but I digress). Also, the line has gotten nice push, both up the middle and off the edge, since game one. Anytime you can get consistent pressure from the front four, you don't have to blitz as much/can drop more into coverage. I think this defense can be better than last years, no doubt.
I think Corey Webster was just tired. He was playing both sides of the ball, trying to give the wide receivers some seniority. I do think he will be an impact player for the rest of the seasons for sure though. I also think that the sloppy tackling was a part of our team just trying to not lose, as opposed to go out there and beat the other team.
Don't get to excited. Last year's defense was special. Last week a lot of people was dogging the defense, now we are the greatest. You are never as bad as your worst game (Auburn) nor as good as your best game(MSU)
I think it is a tough call . . . we need to see more games before saying this year's D is better. We have kept the scores low, so it seems like this Tiger D is just as good . . . but we have to see if this year's D can keep it up and get stronger as the season rolls on. We do have a couple of good tests coming up though.
I think Corey was playin with some kind of injury.....don't really know what it is though..... he said that's why he didn't play any offense against Moo state.
I don't think our pass rush has been as effective this year, nor our tackling nor our coverage but we are still not allowing points. The D will get better as the season progresses I think and may just end up being as good as last year's unit. The one thing we will need to do is make the crucial stop and we didn't do that vs Auburn although we had 3 very good opportunities to do so. The most outstanding defender I think has been Kyle Williams. Moving Highsmith to outside LB may also do for this year's D what putting in Landry and moving Travis to corner did for last year's D.
It’s way too early for me to compare the two. However, it’s a fact that last year’s D shut down Cadillac, Eli, Jason White, - two Heisman candidates (one being the Heisman winner) – David Green (twice) and Matt Jones – very nice resume. Although this team held Cadillac and Brown relatively in check, they still have to face Green, Leak and Jones on the road. If this squad can contain Leak in the Swamp we have can make this argument.
