Difference between a good Defense and a Great Defense.

[MOOOOONEY]

Last year after the opener I was critical of the lack of sacks, QB pressure, and 3rd down defense vs Ball State, but what a difference a year makes.

The front 4 controlled this game from the onset. They stuffed the run all game (except for 1 drive) and continually pressured Virginia in the pass game.

Sacks:

Vs Ball State - 0
Vs Virginia - 4

3rd down defense:

Vs Ball State - 36%
Vs Virginia - 28%

Total defense:

Vs Ball State - 343 yards
Vs Virginia - 201 yards

I really like this group of linebackers. This may be the most talented group of linebackers since the early 2000’s.

The secondary looked much improved (of course constant pressure from the front 4 helps)

Kudos to Tim Banks and the defensive staff. After year 1 I didn’t think they would or could bring in the players to turn the defense around but over the past 2 years they’ve been able to bring in some very talented players both from the high school ranks and the portal and develop some of the older players on the roster into contributors. They have put themselves in a position to earn a big payday this year.

If the defense continues to jell and gets a little better each week then we beat Georgia at home to win the East.

Go Vols!

 

[AustinMem]

Need better DB performance. 0 picks, and there were a few to be had out there.

 

[Alto1]

They did bring THE PAIN!!!!!!

 

[DaddyChad]

I’m still a little concerned by how our DBs play. Not the result but the fact they never even get their head around to try to locate the ball.

 

[LittleVol]

I’m still a little concerned by how our DBs play. Not the result but the fact they never even get their head around to try to locate the ball.

Yeah.

McCullough got shook a few times

 

[lifeisdeep]

If you really want to feel less than great about our secondary, head over to the Athletic and read a quote from Walker on how the secondary relies on the front seven to lead the way and get it done. Not the attitude one wants the back end to have.

 

[MOOOOONEY]

I understand that some you are frustrated that the secondary didn’t have an interception and gave up 100 yards in the air.

I also understand that that the same folks upset with the secondary giving up 100 yards passing played high school (or lower level) football for a coach who ran a double wing or wing T that didn’t have 100 yards passing in a season.

This 2023 and some of you are so 1960. It’s very hard in today’s college football to hold a team under 150 yards in the pass game.

 

[Rocky Top T]

McCullough is still terrible

 

[McDad]

Good comparison, OP.

I agree, Our defense looks much improved.

 

[K-town Vol Fan]

If you really want to feel less than great about our secondary, head over to the Athletic and read a quote from Walker on how the secondary relies on the front seven to lead the way and get it done. Not the attitude one wants the back end to have.

That's how every secondary works. They rely on the DL to get some pressure and make the QB make mistakes. That's when a DB is most effective.

 

[Rocky Top T]

We will see about the defense later. Virginia was not good on offense

 

[cherokeeeVOL]

Only concern I have is our defensive backs still not turning for the ball.

 

[NATHAN05]

Only concern I have is our defensive backs still not turning for the ball.

This.......I get most teams are pass happy and are going to get completions and yards, it's the head around that makes no sense and I can't help but think it's taught because NO ONE seems to do it. There were INTs to be had if we got our heads around

 

[37620VOL]

If you really want to feel less than great about our secondary, head over to the Athletic and read a quote from Walker on how the secondary relies on the front seven to lead the way and get it done. Not the attitude one wants the back end to have.

Would you feel better if he said it was symbiotic?

 

[cherokeeeVOL]

This.......I get most teams are pass happy and are going to get completions and yards, it's the head around that makes no sense and I can't help but think it's taught because NO ONE seems to do it. There were INTs to be had if we got our heads around

Agreed. I don’t get it.

 

[Delmar]

Would you feel better if he said it was symbiotic?

That’s an awfully big word to use around here.

 

[KeyVol14]

I think the addition of Pili at the end of the year may be looked at as one our best transfers

 

[volroadwarrior]

Need better DB performance. 0 picks, and there were a few to be had out there.

That's for sure. DBs need to get on the JUGS machine. I know this was VA, but if they can cover as they did today and catch the football they will be awesome.

 

[901 Orange]

This.......I get most teams are pass happy and are going to get completions and yards, it's the head around that makes no sense and I can't help but think it's taught because NO ONE seems to do it. There were INTs to be had if we got our heads around

Yes its definitely taught. It cracks me up every time someone says "why won't he get his head turned around". It's actually a technique that alot of DB coaches are using. I think Hadden had 2PBU's today doing it. They're teaching them to play through the WR's hands. It's got some pros and cons just like every other technique.

 

[lifeisdeep]

That's how every secondary works. They rely on the DL to get some pressure and make the QB make mistakes. That's when a DB is most effective.

I understand the relationship. I watched the dominance of the Giants D-line when they won two Super Bowls. Would Kelee Ringo have said what Walker did? Not in a million years, just like Deon wouldn’t have, just like Ramsey wouldn’t have, etc. because any CB worth his salt thinks he can lock down any WR regardless of what the line does. The attitude was my concern.

 

[lifeisdeep]

I understand that some you are frustrated that the secondary didn’t have an interception and gave up 100 yards in the air.

I also understand that that the same folks upset with the secondary giving up 100 yards passing played high school (or lower level) football for a coach who ran a double wing or wing T that didn’t have 100 yards passing in a season.

This 2023 and some of you are so 1960. It’s very hard in today’s college football to hold a team under 150 yards in the pass game.

Maybe those of you born ten minutes ago would do well to learn the difference between defending a bottom-tier ACC team and the SEC teams that our secondary will soon be facing. Here’s a hint: it’s not a small difference.

 

[KeyVol14]

Maybe those of you born ten minutes ago would do well to learn the difference between defending a bottom-tier ACC team and the SEC teams that our secondary will soon be facing. Here’s a hint: it’s not a small difference.

I can't believe some are complaining about our defense today.

 

[iuvol]

Did any of our freshman DBs play?

 

[hardyemt_p]

Front 4 got it done most of the game. It's a damn shame our DB especially hadden can't locate the ball. He's gonna be a liability moving forward

 

[Other_Guy]

I’m still a little concerned by how our DBs play. Not the result but the fact they never even get their head around to try to locate the ball.

I'm only concerned about them in a couple games. They can manage better this year.