Im no expert, but it seems to stop the run we need to get back to fundamentals;
“3-4 Defense
The 3-4 defense has three defensive linemen and four linebackers. The linebacker positions in the 3-4
Outside Linebackers - These two linebackers play on opposite sides of the field. They are like small and fast defensive ends. They often rush the passer and cover the edge keeping the running backs from reaching the corner.
Inside Linebackers - These two linebackers cover the middle of the field. They fill in the gaps and make tackles on running backs who make it through the defensive line.
Gap Responsibility
The linebackers work with the defensive line on gap responsibility. The space between each offensive lineman is called a gap. Between the center and the guards are the A gaps and between the guards and the tackles are the B gaps. The linebackers are to fill in the gaps. As the running backs try to get through gaps in the defensive line created by the blockers, the linebackers fill in the gaps and make the tackle.
Defending the Run
The linebackers are the main tacklers and run defenders on the team. The defensive linemen take on the blockers and keep the linebackers free to move and tackle the running backs”
In moving forward, there are 2 primary ways to improve your Run D that make sense to me.
Modify schematics.
a. Change the default defense structure.
b. Have additional Run heavy packages
c. Better training and implementation of a counter strategy.
d. Be more proactive/aggressive (there needs to be better anticipation and less dancing, shoot a LB early and bring SS up to cover that hole in the LB’s wake etc..)
Change personnel
a. Bring in more talent by trading, draft, FA
b. Look internally for better prospect fit
c. Better training/clarification through film and adapting to the known strengths of the above personnel.
There are better Run Defenders already on the 2019 depth chart. Rashan Gary is just one example of a player with a clear propensity to shore up the Run, how quickly we forget that Gary’s first season was practically a Redshirt type year and his much of his already limited usage was glimpses of him rushing on passing downs. Granted, he was rightfully overshadowed by Kyler Fackrell, who was peaking and coming off a double digit Sack season. However, Fackrells is the past and the future is now Gary.
Let’s take a look at the
Fackrell analysis going into the draft by “Draftwire”.
Cons
-
Doesn’t possess an overly explosive first step off the snap
-
Struggles to find the football quickly from an off-ball position at times
-
If his initial move stalls out, struggles to win
-
He’s not a pure power player, and won’t blow anyone away with his frame, but Fackrell sets a stout edge and has the functional strength to redirect runs back inside. I love his fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker
who can be a productive in a heavier pass-rush role.
-The Aggies defender bounced back from an ACL injury to post an impressive senior season, but the durability factor remains, and
teams may want Fackrell to bulk up some at the next level.
Pros
-He’s a really solid football player
who can cover, set the edge and get after the passer.
- I think he’s a better pure pass rusher than he gets credit for
Rashan Gary
Cons:
-Production as
rusher failed to match traits and talent
-
Rush plan is somewhat basic at this stage of development
-Long-arm bull rush is his only real
rush tool
-Hands lack skill and have yet to be unlocked as
rush weapon
-Lacks classic hip bend to dip and run the arc when
rushing
-Lacks instincts and awareness for misdirections and counter
-Doesn't come to balance consistently as open-field tackler
Pros:
-“His size, strength and motor could make him a plus run defender in short order. He has elite potential if a defensive coordinator can harness the energy and focus his approach”
From Lance Zerlein:
- Freaky triangle of height, weight and speed
- Active and strong with NFL size
- Has all the tools to set a strong edge
- Forceful into initial contact at point of attack
- Good contact balance, thanks to sturdy base
- Has disruptive qualities when he bends and plays low
- Very good pursuit speed from backside and makes tackles down the field
- Fires out of a track stance with energy and twitch
- Can make conversion of speed-to-power look easy
- Uses long-arm bull-rush to collapse the edge into quarterback
- Strong enough to overtake tackles in late phase of the rush
- Quick laterally and it shows up on twists
Now which of these two prospects would you use for fixing a Run Defense issue?? It’s clear to me GB needs to focus on stopping the Run. Having essentially a 6.8 draft grade DE who’s strength is in the Running game sitting on the bench is not the answer. One mistake that was made as we look back is Pettine should’ve lobbied to phase Fackrell out and phase Gary in late in the season. There needs to be specific focus and attention by the coaches at
- Modify (b, c and d)
- Personnel (b and c)
