aThought it might be interesting to list your top 3-4 positive takeaways from the season so far and any concerns moving forward. I think the positives by far out weigh the concerns, and this thread is no way intended to be critical. Going into the season and experiencing the injuries we have had to starters (Jones, Crawford, Folston, Zaire, Smythe, Sebastian, etc.), we are in the best position we could have hoped to be. At this point in the season, what do you see as our strengths and what do you see as concerns.
Strengths
1. Talent Level - this is by far the most collective talent I have seen on a ND roster in a long time (probably since the Holtz days). It is great to see 2nd and 3rd unit players perform. Offensively we are deep at every position, and it has shown this year at RB and QB.
2. Offensive Line - the talent, depth, and potential is outstanding. The scary thing is, I think this line has quite a bit of room to get better as a unit. I hope Harry H. has many years left in the tank. He knows how to recruit and coach, and the lineman sure seem to respect him as a coach and love him as a person.
3. Running Back - it seems presumptuous to call RB a strength with so much inexperience, but I really like how the running backs are performing right now. They are playing with confidence and decisiveness, and they are only going to get better as they continue to gain reps at practice and in games. As long as Kizer can keep teams respecting the pass and not loading the box, the combination of our OL and RB are going to have a great year. Goal of 250 yds/game should be expected. (By the way, I love the addition of Autry Denson)
4. Defensive Line - baring any injuries, our D-line is capable of being solid to dominate against all our opponents (especially against the run). Depth is a concern, so injuries could change this strength to a concern in a hurry, but right now, I could not ask for much more from our front four, especially being stout against the run.
Concerns
1. Lack on Creating Turnovers (Ineffective Pass Rush) - this is a critical concern that I have because it really speaks to a glaring issue we have which is a very ineffective pass rush. Teams that create turnovers normally always have a disruptive pass rush. You cannot bank of getting many turnovers on traditional runs and special teams. An effective pass rush causes turnovers on blind site hits, QB's with the ball in a "loose" position, and forced passes leading to interceptions. Through four games, that is not happening. I'm not sure if it is more scheme issues or personnel issues (Coach D a little help please), but the end result is an ineffective pass rush leading to systemic issues with our defense.
2. Linebacker Play - specifically against the inside run. I am concerned with how frequently our inside linebackers (Schmidt and Smith) get caught up on blocks and don't get good/quick releases from the blocks. We saw that yesterday on the long TD run. Our inside linebackers and safeties (see concern #3) were horrible on that play. It highlights a significant concern moving forward. With that said, I think our run defense to the edges is better due to the speed and athleticism we have.
3. Defensive Back Play - will lump the CB's and S into one concern. First, I will preface with the fact that I think the CB play is being compromised a great deal by our ineffective pass rush. I think we are having to commit extra players to the rush (which still isn't working) leaving our CB's to play very conservative/loose in coverage. They are having to play single coverage or a loose/soft zone to try to prevent the big play because we are sending 5-6 rushers on pass plays at the QB. I would prefer more press coverage on blitzes to give our blitzers a chance to get to the QB instead of a quick 3 or 5 step pass. Safety play is not just concerning, it is alarming. Other than Shumate playing pretty well against the run versus GT, we have gotten very little out of our safeties. We have given up 3-4 big plays on trick plays this year due to the lack of discipline play from our safeties. Overall, the backend of our defense is a huge concern right now.
4. BVG Scheme - I do not know the exact issue here, but I have a few possibilities. Maybe Coach D or other staff can provide some clarity. I will start by saying I like BVG and I want him to be successful. I love his sideline presence and the passion he has for the game. My question is, is his scheme not a good fit in the college game. It seems we have a lot of miscommunication still and/or players out of position. With the talent we have on defense, I don't understand why we have so many lapses. After 17 games now with BVG as our coordinator, the sample size is enough to say consistency is still a major concern. We have veterans at LB, CB, and S, and overall about 8-9 returning starters on defense. We have the talent and experience, why so much inconsistency and why such an anemic pass rush? With a rookie QB, we are going to have a couple games where the offense is going to turn it over, struggle against a good defense (one that loads the box and plays press coverage), and have to rely on the defense to keep us in games (like the 2012 defense). I just don't see that kind of consistency yet which causes me concern for making a championship run this year.
So, those are the strengths and concerns that I see in our team after 4 games this year. I could be very wrong, so I would enjoy reading what other ND fans on this board think. I know Coach D and staff that you are busy, but I would love to hear what you all feel our teams strengths and concerns are at the 4 game (1/3) mark of the season. Thanks!
Strengths
1. Talent Level - this is by far the most collective talent I have seen on a ND roster in a long time (probably since the Holtz days). It is great to see 2nd and 3rd unit players perform. Offensively we are deep at every position, and it has shown this year at RB and QB.
2. Offensive Line - the talent, depth, and potential is outstanding. The scary thing is, I think this line has quite a bit of room to get better as a unit. I hope Harry H. has many years left in the tank. He knows how to recruit and coach, and the lineman sure seem to respect him as a coach and love him as a person.
3. Running Back - it seems presumptuous to call RB a strength with so much inexperience, but I really like how the running backs are performing right now. They are playing with confidence and decisiveness, and they are only going to get better as they continue to gain reps at practice and in games. As long as Kizer can keep teams respecting the pass and not loading the box, the combination of our OL and RB are going to have a great year. Goal of 250 yds/game should be expected. (By the way, I love the addition of Autry Denson)
4. Defensive Line - baring any injuries, our D-line is capable of being solid to dominate against all our opponents (especially against the run). Depth is a concern, so injuries could change this strength to a concern in a hurry, but right now, I could not ask for much more from our front four, especially being stout against the run.
Concerns
1. Lack on Creating Turnovers (Ineffective Pass Rush) - this is a critical concern that I have because it really speaks to a glaring issue we have which is a very ineffective pass rush. Teams that create turnovers normally always have a disruptive pass rush. You cannot bank of getting many turnovers on traditional runs and special teams. An effective pass rush causes turnovers on blind site hits, QB's with the ball in a "loose" position, and forced passes leading to interceptions. Through four games, that is not happening. I'm not sure if it is more scheme issues or personnel issues (Coach D a little help please), but the end result is an ineffective pass rush leading to systemic issues with our defense.
2. Linebacker Play - specifically against the inside run. I am concerned with how frequently our inside linebackers (Schmidt and Smith) get caught up on blocks and don't get good/quick releases from the blocks. We saw that yesterday on the long TD run. Our inside linebackers and safeties (see concern #3) were horrible on that play. It highlights a significant concern moving forward. With that said, I think our run defense to the edges is better due to the speed and athleticism we have.
3. Defensive Back Play - will lump the CB's and S into one concern. First, I will preface with the fact that I think the CB play is being compromised a great deal by our ineffective pass rush. I think we are having to commit extra players to the rush (which still isn't working) leaving our CB's to play very conservative/loose in coverage. They are having to play single coverage or a loose/soft zone to try to prevent the big play because we are sending 5-6 rushers on pass plays at the QB. I would prefer more press coverage on blitzes to give our blitzers a chance to get to the QB instead of a quick 3 or 5 step pass. Safety play is not just concerning, it is alarming. Other than Shumate playing pretty well against the run versus GT, we have gotten very little out of our safeties. We have given up 3-4 big plays on trick plays this year due to the lack of discipline play from our safeties. Overall, the backend of our defense is a huge concern right now.
4. BVG Scheme - I do not know the exact issue here, but I have a few possibilities. Maybe Coach D or other staff can provide some clarity. I will start by saying I like BVG and I want him to be successful. I love his sideline presence and the passion he has for the game. My question is, is his scheme not a good fit in the college game. It seems we have a lot of miscommunication still and/or players out of position. With the talent we have on defense, I don't understand why we have so many lapses. After 17 games now with BVG as our coordinator, the sample size is enough to say consistency is still a major concern. We have veterans at LB, CB, and S, and overall about 8-9 returning starters on defense. We have the talent and experience, why so much inconsistency and why such an anemic pass rush? With a rookie QB, we are going to have a couple games where the offense is going to turn it over, struggle against a good defense (one that loads the box and plays press coverage), and have to rely on the defense to keep us in games (like the 2012 defense). I just don't see that kind of consistency yet which causes me concern for making a championship run this year.
So, those are the strengths and concerns that I see in our team after 4 games this year. I could be very wrong, so I would enjoy reading what other ND fans on this board think. I know Coach D and staff that you are busy, but I would love to hear what you all feel our teams strengths and concerns are at the 4 game (1/3) mark of the season. Thanks!
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