Anyone want to discuss the Defense so far?

[37620VOL]

It's only Monday but the Offensive horse feels beaten and dead. So how about that defense? I'd say far from perfect but promising and quite improved from last year.

I'm hearing a lot of Beasley, Beasley, Beasley. I think he has been pretty good but he's going to have to get his missed tackle rate down below 20% before I turn into a true believer.

These are my 5 defensive top performers:
1. Wesley Walker - our safety play looks much better than last year and that's because WW has been a huge upgrade so far. He's made big stops, doesn't miss tackles. He can blitz, stuff the run, and defend the pass.
2. Omar Norman-Lott - seems we now have 2 Big Os. To this point Omar has outplayed Omari. He has 3 QB hurries, caused 5 offensive failures, when he gets his hands on you, you go down.
3. Tyler Baron - 3 sacks, 3 hurries, caused 5 offensive failures, consistently great in run defense. I suspect opponents will quit running to his side.
4. James Pearce JR - 3 sacks and 6 hurries for our young pass rush specialist. Cool thing about his sacks is that he has shown advanced technique: 1 by speed rush, 1 with an underneath swim move, 1 by a monster bull rush. He's an OT's worst nightmare.
5. Kamal Hadden - flame away, yes, he caught a couple PIs but all great CBs do occasionally. Yes, he could have turned a couple times to make a play on the ball. But so far his results speak for themselves. In 44 coverages, he has been targeted 16 times and given up only 5 receptions for an average of only 3.2 yards per reception. That's 16 yards given up total on 16 targets, add the 30 yards in penalties, and that is still incredibly good. Plus he has 5 PBUs, a great INT, and opposing QBs have a 14.6 NFL QBR against him this year. The longest reception he's given up in either game --- a 6 yarder.

 

[PEPPERJAX]

The defense is carrying the team two games into this season and I expect them to do so until (hopefully) the offense comes around to complement that unit. It is good to see that we have 11 sacks through two games with numerous TFLs. Beasley is easily the MVP of the defense.

 

[McDad]

It is a great indication of our defensive improvement when players like Aaron Beasley and Elijah Herring aren't on the list of standouts.

 

[vavolfan6]

Defense is playing very well despite being put in poor field position due to 3 - outs by the offense coupled with poor punts at times.

I think Wesley Walker really pops out on the field. Our front seven is playing very well and with good speed.

But as good as our defense has been, we really aren't setup to win defensive battles with as fast as pur offense goes. We don't attempt to run clock. Which is fine if you are scoring points. But as I alluded earlier we aren't going to win trying to get better field position if our offense goes quick 3-out and our punter doesnt improve.

I will say though that the punter looked better off his left foot against Austin Peay. But with the unconventional style, and hesitations at times, I feel we are highly susceptible to being blocked and its only a matter of time.

 

[volfan4evr]

A very good positive post, OP.

 

[Adam Sandler]

Yes I’d say pretty good so far!

 

[PEPPERJAX]

Defense is playing very well despite being put in poor field position due to 3 - outs by the offense coupled with poor punts at times.

I think Wesley Walker really pops out on the field. Our front seven is playing very well and with good speed.

But as good as our defense has been, we really aren't setup to win defensive battles with as fast as pur offense goes. We don't attempt to run clock. Which is fine if you are scoring points. But as I alluded earlier we aren't going to win trying to get better field position if our offense goes quick 3-out and our punter doesnt improve.

I will say though that the punter looked better off his left foot against Austin Peay. But with the unconventional style, and hesitations at times, I feel we are highly susceptible to being blocked and its only a matter of time.

Walker looks like the best DB in the secondary so far this year. We have playmakers at every level of the defense.

 

[TennEddie]

Much improvement from years past.
Beasley should have been the MVP in the Orange Bowl.

 

[vavolfan6]

Yes I’d say pretty good so far!View attachment 578318

The number of TFL's are really impressive. It puts the defense in good position on 3rd downs. But I will say, while not a glaring weaknesss, we could improve on not letting other offenses convert on some of those 3rd and longs.

 

[Tman44]

Defense? Needs a fresh coat of paint.

Someone had to say it. Good thing there's no "dislike" button

 

[Rocky Top T]

We shall see! Ain't played anybody yet. Check back in about 5 weeks

 

[bpalmer28]

They look much, much better than years past. Bigger test in 5 days

 

[A2K]

8 quarters of defense that looked great...Maybe they will let the offense help this out this week so they can get a breather!

 

[Other_Guy]

I can't help but think "hey, an offensive guru who actually has an elite defense"

 

[37620VOL]

Okay, here's one guy I thought would be better Gabe Jeudy Lally. Not impressed with him so far.

 

[GoVols1961]

I like what I'm seeing from Carter and Telander. For true freshmen they really get after it. I think Kurott Garland can be a force if he can stay healthy.

 

[livefaith]

Here's what my amateur eyes see ...

#1 Beasley is flat out Beastly. His TFLs are off the charts since Bryce Young exposed him badly last year. He's been lock down solid sacking QBs since. And he's still able to disguise blitzes and get home quickly. Even the mighty Clubnick couldn't get away from him. Leader out there.
#2 DL looks elite this year. Athletes and speed all over. Serious anchors in the middle. This is what you have to have to win the SEC.
#3 Hadden is one heck of a player. If he'll look for balls he could be lock down. His antics are over the top still and rub many the wrong way.
#4 That being said, are both corners better than Burrell? He was our #1 before getting injured @ Pitt last yr. I'll trust the staff 4 sure. But, having a backup like that is unheard of for us in the defensive backfield.
#5 I think Pili was missed Saturday. Youngsters look phenomenal. But LB is as much experience/ mental as athletic. They'll come along, but usually has a cost along the way.