Based on freeman’s in game interview and post game comments i
Think this zone defense is his choice and his hiring of ash was based on this new approach. The old ‘keep it in front of u and not get beat with so many blitzes’ attitude . And get to the QB with front 4. Might be directly related to the issues we had against USC and OSU last season.
I am not sure that ash deserves all the crap he is getting, my gut tells me he was hired to do exactly what we are struggling with at freeman’s direction. And that ash and freeman are struggling to implement it for whatever reason.
Freeman’s reaction and frustration suggested this, not sure if it’s true.
Replies to: Based on freeman’s in game interview and post game comments i
Agreed.
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I think it's been pointed out that the stats don't backup that Ash's defense has been zone-heavy ...
compared to last year.
I think the main problem has been that the "Oline & Dline-based, physical football team" hasn't materialized. The Oline may be getting there ... gradually, but the failure of the Dline to get pressure along with a depleted (missing Moore and the Alabama transfer, DeVonta Smith) and largely inexperienced secondary doesn't sound like a recipe for success. What do you do? Before the season Freeman said one group he had no concerns about was the DL. It was a misappraisal. Trying to create more pressure by rushing 4+ leaves that inexperience in the secondary exposed if it doesn't get to the QB. And, boy, have they been exposed.
Another possible consideration for hiring Ash is his background as a DB coach given the inexperience behind Gray & Moore and the loss of leadership with Watts. I have wondered, though, how Ash's and Mickens's approaches are meshing, or if there is some conflict there.
Can't argue with results or lack thereof. Let's hope he's right. If not, it's on him.
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I read into his comments that the cohesion between the front and the back are the issue.
He said something like: if we're in zone, 4 man rush, the coverage has to allow time for the rush to get home. If we're sending 5, they have to get home before the coverage breaks down.
Blows a hole in the execution comments. This points out the scheme is too complex if they can't
execute as a cohesive unit.
As always people point the finger at the first or second derivative. Not the fundamental root problem.
Yes and saying the coverages were wrong for the rush we were bringing.
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That’s either communication or execution. Maybe too complicated? Either way
Freeman has endorsed this. It’s his to own. Let’s hope they fix it.
No I think it is Ash's defensive play calling.
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I have had that crazy feeling too. Especially listening to Hyde's commentary.
Why MF would want to screw around with something that was working, IDK.
I think I saw a stat we are playing the same amount of zone vs m2m.
I can also understand more zone with 2 true freshman and one RS DBs out there vs Purdue.
Freeman is the head coach-fix it.
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