Steele is being as coy as Les on how his defense will look and so are his assistants and players. But some word is coming out in practice interviews. http://theadvocate.com/sports/lsu/13121731-123/lsus-defense-under-kevin-steele The gist . . . Steele has changed Chavis' terminology but there are many similarities. The players say it is a simpler scheme, but with more formations and more linebacker emphasis. Steele plays the tackles wider and Orgeron expects them to make sacks, not just tie up offensive linemen. They will play some 4-3, some 4-2, and some 3-4. They will play a lot of nickel and dime, which they call nickel and dime. "Mustang" is out. This team will blitz a lot more and from all backfield positions. They say Steele doesn't yell as much as Chief, but is stricter.
It's definitely going to be interesting to see what happens. Linebacker play has to be on point because our defensive line is one of the least talented lines we have seen at LSU in quite some time. However, I think a guy like O can really get the most out of guys that aren't the most talented. the secondary is probably the best in the nation so locking those receivers down should give us time to get to the qb. I'm way more interested to see the defense in action than I am to see the offense.
That is kind of refreshing this guy isn't trying to throw a new system at these guys. I think we will still have a top 20 D this year. Could be top 5 if our front 7 matures. It will be interesting to see how Steele approaches these Hun/spread teams.
I'm looking forward to the start of the new season. Hopefully the new coaches bring some added fire to the D. I'm happy to hear that there will be more blitzes. I think O will get the most out of the DL, hopefully there is enough talent to work with. We know the DB's will be great. Steele puts a lot of emphasis on the LB's. Which is a concern, considering we really only have one proven LB. Hopefully Steele can coach them up better than Chavis was. I also like hearing that Steele is stricter, we need some discipline. LSU must tackle better, especially at LB.
Our defensive line will be the big question mark, simply because of the lack of experience. I feel pretty good about where we are at LB but we cannot afford many injuries there. The secondary is stacked, plain and simple. I agree that this is probably a Top 20 D but could be Top 5-10 if we get good play from the DL and our LB's stay healthy.
I'm excited about what Coach O will do with the D Line. Short on experience but loaded with talent. Not much depth so we have to hope nobody gets injured. Same with the linebackers although Beckwith is the only sure fire SEC caliber backer we can depend on. Again, hope for no injuries and hope that the other guys step up and bring their A games at crunch time. Secondary may be the most talented in college football.
Steele and O have gone back to basics, you can see this early on. Steele is more about making reads, playing the position. A lot like what Grimes did with the OL. O is about getting to the QB, RB, the guy with the ball. Pressure from the line. Having a load of DB's that will all spend time in the NFL helps.
I think this is a BIG step. Like you said, you can either play football or you can't. I will be happier than a jacked off dog if I see proper form tackles and none of that spectacular I want to be on sportscenter shit we have seen forever.
Hopefully they're teaching the DL how to shed blocks better than we have in the recent past. I'm tired of seeing the DL act as blocking sleds for opposing OL's. I'd love too see a couple tackles in the backfield and some QB pressure from the DT's. When LSU was known as DLU our DT's wreaked havoc in the backfield.
Linebacker and Safety were really bad at that. remember Karnell Hatcher? He was one of the guys arrested with the winningest loser of all time Jordon Jefferson and Badger at the apartment complex. He epitomized the desire for the big sportscenter hit and even hurt Mo Claiborne once against Arkansas I think blowing him up and giving up an 80 or even 90 yard TD at the end of a half. Lamin Barrow was bad about missing tackles, Eric Reed even sometimes, and DJ Welter was probably the worst tackler in the last century, but she did good for herself landing that job in Arizona as you all pointed out in the other thread.
