boring defensive post

[jkm, the stolen pifwafwi]

So my philosophy on defense can be boiled down into 4 simple points:

1. Do not go where the blocker/receiver wants you to go
2. Contain
3. Rally to the Ball
4. Make a Play

To put this in football speak -> the goal is to disrupt the timing of the play, shrink the field, overwhelm the talent of the ball carrier with numbers, and then turn it into as favorable play as you can (for example, strip the ball, tackle for loss, etc). Over the last half dozen years, I've felt that we are consistently failing on point 1 which has caused us to fail on point 2 and 3 and inevitably on point 4.

So since all we have is the spring game, we'll use it to see how our fundamentals look.

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay1-1.png

4-2-5 man to man - curiously it looks like alignment determines who has what assignment instead of them being assigned to a position pre-snap. Not a fan of allowing the offense to get favorable matchups by alignment. Most important man on the screen is Ndulae at tackle (underlined).

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay1-2.png

Zone blocking and Ndulae starts to slide inside (ie going where the blockers want him to go). Linebackers look good in pass coverage although that top corner is absolute toast (taking inside leverage on a cover 2 and allowing the guy to get outside and above).
http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay1-3.png

So this is subtle, Ndulae has only slid inside 2 yards and Grissom has slid outside by 1 yard but it looks like you have a HUGE hole forming. Grissom is trying hard not to go where the blocker wants him to, but he is also in an awkward spot with regard to his leverage. Because he is outside, he has to contain the running lane and trust the linebackers to fill it. Kudos to both linebackers on recognition as they both realize that the QB pulled the ball down and now are in pursuit mode.

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay1-4.png

And Grissom loses contain. You applaud the effort, but he has to have the discipline and trust to do his job and funnel guys to the 3 guys in the middle. Of course, I find it hard to blame him when I see that Corey Nelson still hasn't committed to going after the tackle. What he should be doing is flying at the hole and using the trash to contain the QB as he tackles him. Because he is waiting instead of rallying to the ball, he is allowing the QB to have more options than he should. In other words, what we see here is Grissom rallying to the ball and Nelson acting like he has contain. The last problem is Shannon. The ball is in front of him, but he is already taking a pursuit angle that is going to get him blocked.

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay1-5.png

QB makes the cut and everyone is walled off

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay1-6.png

Furthering our keystone cops routine, one guy blocks 3. He is holding one of the guys but anyway

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay1-7.png

And last, notice that the guys with the motors. Ndulae should be pretty good after some seasoning (if he can get some size).

more to come later

[badger]

On an unrelated note, I still love how that old school OU helmet looks painted on center field :)

[TheUnnamedSooner]

Very interesting and informative. Thanks.

[NormanPride]

So with a couple years and new personnel we are still having the same basic issues. Is it recruiting tactics? Teaching?

Do we at least have more motor guys on d that can make up for poor technique?

[SCOUT]

Excellent info JKM, thanks for posting this.

[badger]

And yes, our defensive issues are very head scratching. It seems like we were winning first and second downs and then giving up long yardage (or at least first down yardage) on third down a lot last season. :(

[KantoSooner]

As always, JKM, I learn something from almost all your posts. Quit your day job and become the football advisor on my kitchen cabinet.

[jkm, the stolen pifwafwi]

Next play - This illustrates why just improving the DL isn't going to get as much success as some seem to think. This run is played perfectly by the DT/DE and it ends up a 4 yard gain. With stronger linebackers, this results in a minimal gain. The problem is that the DL normally have craptacular angles for instant stops (as you will see).

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay2-1.png

Same D but a little heavier offensive alignment.

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay2-2.png

So I guess this is technically a triple option that we will probably see this fall. Option 1 - WR, Option 2 QB Keeper, Option 3 RB. The fullback on the DE is important here as it will come up later. Depending on who we are facing this is a tough assignment for anyone not named Milard.

Nelson keys - The first key is the WR, if he takes the ball then Nelson has to pursue as it is his responsibility inside out. If not then he has to close down the inside gap for the QB and the running back.
Shannon keys - If the WR takes it then he has cutback and reverse. Otherwise he has outside to inside for both the QB and the RB as Nelson should be closing down the inside.

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay2-3.png

No WR handoff so we have to go with QB/RB keys. Nelson has cement shoes instead of closing down the inside gap, Shannon is moving to grab outside contain. Key part of this picture is all of the 1 on 1 battles. To be a good defense you have to win 1/2 of your 1 on 1 battles on the line.

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay2-4.png

Ndulae forces the running back off of the left side with good leverage. Grissom stonewalls the FB. This is expected and I'm at least a little concerned about it from an offensive perspective without Milard.

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay2-5.png

The running back is cut off from outside by Shannon and just tries to make due by going up the middle. This is the 2nd bad read by the RB (the first was in the previous pic, Ndulae would never have gotten him had he went right).

Note - this is the 2nd play in a row where one of our defensive players blocked his own man.

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay2-6.png

Nelson finally starts to move. The running back tries to split Ndulae and Grissom.

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay2-7.png

So we make contact but the problem here is that the running back got deep into Grissom and Ndulae so he is going to be tough to stop. A linebacker fill at this point stonewalls him, as it is the next frame shows how many yards he gets after contact.

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay2-8.png

The first line is the point of contact (1/2 yard in the backfield) the 2nd blue line is where he was tackled (4 yard gain). Nelson does get the forced fumble on this play, but the problem is that he isn't trying to put the guy on the ground, just strip the ball.

[8timechamps]

Next play - This illustrates why just improving the DL isn't going to get as much success as some seem to think. This run is played perfectly by the DT/DE and it ends up a 4 yard gain. With stronger linebackers, this results in a minimal gain. The problem is that the DL normally have craptacular angles for instant stops (as you will see).



I'm not convinced the DTs played that very well. In the first image, the outside DT (can't read the #, but it could be Phillips) looks like he is slanting on the play, but none of the other d-linemen show that. So, he's already a step behind and has ZERO chance to get penetration.

I'm really hoping we saw very basic packages in the spring game. I'm not a huge fan of the 4-2-5, but it appears that's what we are going to be seeing next year. Hopefully, the summer helps get the defense tuned in.

[jkm, the stolen pifwafwi]

I'm not convinced the DTs played that very well. In the first image, the outside DT (can't read the #, but it could be Phillips) looks like he is slanting on the play, but none of the other d-linemen show that. So, he's already a step behind and has ZERO chance to get penetration.

I'm really hoping we saw very basic packages in the spring game. I'm not a huge fan of the 4-2-5, but it appears that's what we are going to be seeing next year. Hopefully, the summer helps get the defense tuned in.

He isn't slanting, he's reading the QB. The physics of the situation illustrate that the direction the QB faces for the handoff is where the running back has to go. By going across the OL onto that side, he forces the cutback and the running back loses all of his momentum.

I still can't believe that Nelson stood in the same spot for 3 seconds.

[hawaii 5-0]

I'm happy with a 4-2-5 if the '2s' can shed a block now and then, and occasionally cover someone.

5-0

[jkm, the stolen pifwafwi]

one more

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay3-1.png

Straight read option, nothing fancy. I do like the way Saunders is selling the pass though.

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay3-2.png

The first thing you see is the cut block which is unusual in the spring game but common throughout the season. What the DT needs to do is close down the gap and force the running back to cutback. Instead, he pushes up the field and out of position. The other DE is held by the QB but needs to be aware that he needs to close down.

I want you to notice how far back the linebackers are from the LOS. The running back is at full speed and 4 yards back. They are barely moving and 4-5 yards deep. This is a positive gain no matter what.

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay3-3.png

Running back gets the ball, at this point the DE needs to start thinking pursuit angle. The DT pushed up the field and basically lost contain, total stonewall on the left side. On HolaKyle's highlights, this is the 3rd straight running play against these guys. The linebackers have been effectively blocked on all 3. I'd be surprised if our OL does that 5 times all season (block both linebackers effectively out of the play).

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay3-4.png

The OL on Shannon slips and throws a wing out. That wing will hit Shannon around the knee and he flips to the ground. Its the spring game so I can see not wanting to get hurt, but he barely gets touched and is blocked.

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay3-5.png

Shows the chicken wing on Shannon's leg

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay3-6.png

Aftermath of the flip. 35 yard gain.

[8timechamps]

He isn't slanting, he's reading the QB. The physics of the situation illustrate that the direction the QB faces for the handoff is where the running back has to go. By going across the OL onto that side, he forces the cutback and the running back loses all of his momentum.

I still can't believe that Nelson stood in the same spot for 3 seconds.

You're right, however, in the example you've shown, he's making his first move off of the snap (you can tell by the positioning of the other 3 DL). Also, look at the last series you posted (although he is playing a slightly different technique), he is facing off with the guard off of his first step (which, in my opinion, is the correct technique). I just don't think the first instance was a read by Phillips, I think it was either A)a missed call, or B)a bad decision, either way he has taken himself completely out of the play.

As for Nelson, that is a little concerning. As much as he has played, he should be more instinctive than that. Do you think it's taking him that long to read the play, because I've never seen a defensive call in which he should remain stationary (other than a QB spy, and even in that instance, he should be able to identify the play much quicker).

[8timechamps]

I'm happy with a 4-2-5 if the '2s' can shed a block now and then, and occasionally cover someone.

5-0

I've always viewed the 4-2-5 as a "situational" defense. I think it's asking a lot of this team to operate out of a nickle as a base defense. If we had 5 proven DBs, I wouldn't be so skeptical, but seeing that we only have 1, I'm a little nervous. However, I'm pretty sure that Mike Stoops doesn't give a rat's *** what I think. :)

[jkm, the stolen pifwafwi]

You're right, however, in the example you've shown, he's making his first move off of the snap (you can tell by the positioning of the other 3 DL). Also, look at the last series you posted (although he is playing a slightly different technique), he is facing off with the guard off of his first step (which, in my opinion, is the correct technique). I just don't think the first instance was a read by Phillips, I think it was either A)a missed call, or B)a bad decision, either way he has taken himself completely out of the play.

The first series is a mistake by Ndulae. The encouraging thing is that he doesn't let it happen again on the next 2 plays. I'll run through some more and see if we see anything different later.

Your guess is as good as mine on Nelson. I just know that a) he is the projected starter and b) Kish said the linebackers played well during the spring game.

[jkm, the stolen pifwafwi]

I've always viewed the 4-2-5 as a "situational" defense. I think it's asking a lot of this team to operate out of a nickle as a base defense. If we had 5 proven DBs, I wouldn't be so skeptical, but seeing that we only have 1, I'm a little nervous. However, I'm pretty sure that Mike Stoops doesn't give a rat's *** what I think. :)

Personally, I'm more comfortable with a base 4-2-5 with a situational 4-3 than the other way around. The goal should be to get as much speed on the edges and as much beef in the middle as you can. With the exception of the few teams that run power offenses, that SLB ends up being a tweener on the field.

Your point about our returning DBs is noted however. The key to a 4-2-5 is having DBs that can put guys on the ground. We just don't have anyone around that has proven they can do that.

[jkm, the stolen pifwafwi]

gah, there are a couple of good defensive plays on blitzes that the stupid field angle makes impossible to screenshot :(.

[8timechamps]

Personally, I'm more comfortable with a base 4-2-5 with a situational 4-3 than the other way around. The goal should be to get as much speed on the edges and as much beef in the middle as you can. With the exception of the few teams that run power offenses, that SLB ends up being a tweener on the field.

Your point about our returning DBs is noted however. The key to a 4-2-5 is having DBs that can put guys on the ground. We just don't have anyone around that has proven they can do that.

I have to remind myself that defenses need to match up with the offenses in the Big XII. Also, given that OU doesn't appear to have 3 guys that can play a consistent role at LB, the 4-2-5 probably makes as much sense as anything. Good point jkm.

[jkm, the stolen pifwafwi]

So there are a couple of series where they blitz the linebackers to really good effect. This play illustrates what happens when you have an aggressive D that disrupts the plans of the Offense. What we've seen so far is that we just sit back and let the offense set up their schemes. On this one we force the issue with 2 player coming free as the offense ends up not being able to react.

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay4-1.png
http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay4-2.png
http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay4-3.png
http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay4-4.png
http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay4-5.png

[jkm, the stolen pifwafwi]

Next play on that series. Once again, they get off of the ball quickly. Nelson and Shannon have gone 2 yards before Finch even gets the ball. Aggression typically pays big dividends against the run game. This play perfectly illustrates the four points I put above. Nelson hits a blocker at the point of attack but instead of getting blocked out of the hole, he forms a pile there. This and the contain from the DEs forces Finch into the middle of all of the shirts rallying to the ball.

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay5-1.png
http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay5-2.png
http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay5-3.png
http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay5-4.png
http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay5-5.png
http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay5-6.png

[8timechamps]

Would love to see a more aggressive defense this year. Like you said, it typically pays dividends against the run.

Is it just me, or does the first play in the "bunch" formation just scream pass? The defense drops one safety, but the short side middle would be perfect for a TE to sit down and catch a TD. I'm thinking it's going to be a little tougher to defend OU this year (which seems strange, since we're so inexperienced at QB).

[birddog]

perhaps, we have the best offensive line in history!!! huh? yeah. mull that around. nice work, jkm

[NormanPride]

Do you think the aggressive lb play is from the proximity to the goal line or from something else?

[okiewaker]

Not boring,, to me. I will be interested in seeing what the D will look like this coming up season.

[jkm, the stolen pifwafwi]

Do you think the aggressive lb play is from the proximity to the goal line or from something else?

The first one looks like a run blitz. The second one looks like the formation simplified the assignments so that they just crashed. In the first 2, if you think about it there are like 10 options for them to go through (with each one of them having the QB pull it down and pass the ball). It just looks like they don't know what to do until they get a definitive key.

[starclassic tama]

As for Nelson, that is a little concerning. As much as he has played, he should be more instinctive than that. Do you think it's taking him that long to read the play, because I've never seen a defensive call in which he should remain stationary (other than a QB spy, and even in that instance, he should be able to identify the play much quicker).

i think he has been playing out of position his entire career. the guy is 210 soaking wet. i think he should be used as a fire zone blitzer, and a situational blitzing nickelback a la brandon shelby. he has never proven to be an effective linebacker in my opinion.

[8timechamps]

i think he has been playing out of position his entire career. the guy is 210 soaking wet. i think he should be used as a fire zone blitzer, and a situational blitzing nickelback a la brandon shelby. he has never proven to be an effective linebacker in my opinion.

I want to disagree with you, but I just can't. Maybe it goes back to Stoops declaring Nelson as "the best player on the team", but I keep waiting for his greatness to show up...and it hasn't happened yet.

Supposedly, the defense is going to be more physical and aggressive this year, so maybe that will change the way he plays. I hope so.

[C&CDean]

Vire Fulnerables!!1!

[SoonerStormchaser]

Him too!

[jkm, the stolen pifwafwi]

This next play outlines some of the problems with having attacking DL when your linebackers aren't very good. This is that split screen with Stills so I can't see the numbers on these guys so we'll do this one anonymously.

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay6-1.png
4-2-5 - offense is going light with no tight ends and the double slot

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay6-2.png

DT just blows up the center driving him back 2 yards. Linebackers are waiting to see if it is a boot or a handoff. One DE isn't blocked at all by design with the QB bootleg meant to hold him.

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay6-3.png

At this point, Shannon has waited way too long and now has an OL within lockup distance. Yes its a broken record, but these guys just stand there until the OL are on them. I just can't help but think we have a key problem here (in that they don't even see the OL because they are focusing on what is going on in the backfield). Our offside linebacker still can't see who has the ball so he is standing in the same spot. To me, the guy on this play that is hung out to dry is #40 (PL Lindley). His job is to contain on the weak side. Thus he has to get out a few yards deeper to turn the play up inside (since there is literally no one outside of him). Personally, I think his positioning from a contain perspective is pretty good.

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay6-4.png

Our DT doesn't even get a chance at the ball carrier (not sure if he doesn't even see him or what). Our other DT gets a nice shove in the back and our linebacker is locked up with an OL. Our other LB is just now figuring out he has to close. Special note to the 3 jerseys at the top within 3 yards of each other especially the one that has no clue its a running play.

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay6-5.png

Running back slips through, dude still has no clue its a running play

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay6-6.png

That safety does a very nice job of coming up and attacking the ball carrier at a steep angle.

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay6-7.png

Puts him on the ground and that one dude finally figures out its a run. No clue who the safety was, but that was a nice closeout that kept a long run down to 9 yards.

[8timechamps]

In the last series of plays, the center (can't tell, but I'm assuming Darlington since Ikard wasn't playing) did an excellent job of recovering. Even though he was blown up off of the snap, he kept near-perfect hand position and was able to hold the DT long enough to free the back. Nice work.

If you look at picture #3, the offensive line has great position, except for the DT running unblocked (not sure why he wasn't able to close quicker).

The two positives to take away from that series of images (on the defense) is the initial burst by the DT, and Lindley's containment.

Certainly a lot of work ahead of this defense.

[Tulsa_Fireman]

As to the unblocked DE, it's simple numbers on the run portion.

Looks like they're actually optioning off that DE on the keeper if not optioning the whole look. If you get him sucked down, you've got the keeper (or the flat) with leads in shadow already extended to the deep third and the split can crack on the pursuit from the second level. If he stays home for contain, you pop the flat again with shadow blocking in the third and the X only needing to beat the in-out pursuit of a LB. Beautiful playcall. What I'd really like to know is whether the initial exchange is optioning off a pre-snap read or if that's a hard call.

You can't bash Frank Shannon too much on this. He HAS to stay high for just a little bit here. If they run stretch from this, or even a C gap iso, he's the guy on an island without a really athletic play from the containing DE because the backside CB is off. TONS of space for that weakside CB to close for secondary contain, so it's on the DE and horizontal pursuit from the weakside LB. Hence the point of building it with the boot look, because it freezes that LB until he can make the read. If Shannon steps up too early to seal, the VERY NEXT PLAY as an OC I hit the exact same look and stretch. And giggle as we scratch our heads as to why Frank Shannon is always getting knotted up in the trash at the line of scrimmage and can't go sideline to sideline.

Did he stay high too long? Yeah, a little, and it resulted in a pretty nice pop for the offense. But the offense is doing what we want it to do, taking advantage of mismatches and numbers to be successful.

[jkm, the stolen pifwafwi]

So this next one is one where Nelson does a really, really good job. The key is that he gets moving before the OL gets into lockup distance. Can't emphasize enough that the Achilles heel of an OL is mobility in space and you can get around them 100% of the time if you use it.

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay7-1.png

Note that we are pinched inside at DT. This presents a problem for the OL and ends up in a holding call (something to look for in the fall).

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay7-2.png

So earlier I was talking about key problems. Notice if you look in the backfield for your run key, it still hasn't happened yet. If you look at the OL coming out to get you though, you see that run (or behind the LOS pass has already been tipped). What we've seen in the previous non-goal line plays is that our linebackers don't move until they determine where the ball is going. This puts us in a weird position in that the slower the play is to develop the better chance you have to eliminate our linebackers.

It also puts up an interesting corollary with respect to our run game. Basically, most of our running plays are slow developing which tends to work well on our D because of our backer play. However, against other opponents with better backer play, that effectiveness isn't going to be there since they aren't going to stand in one spot and wait to get blocked.

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay7-3.png

Key points here, Nelson is moving and the DE has pretty good contain. The DT in the hole is being held (since the center had to do a reach block) and the other DT is sliding decently down the hole. The blocking assignments are odd - starting from right to left (OT - LB, OG - Reach DT, OC - Reach DT, OG - LB, OT - DE). Personally, that is just asking for trouble.

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay7-4.png

Because Nelson is moving, he is able to juke the OL. He is a little close honestly, but its better than being locked up. Note the hold.

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay7-5.png

Gets past the OL but his lack of weight hurts a little here as a glancing blow almost knocks him off his feet. The DT has Clay dead to rights, but his head is going to hit on the wrong side. On a personal note, the guys at the bottom of the screen are really bothering me. On one hand, I understand that the flea flicker is still in play here, but I just do NOT like the idea of guys being "blocked" by you running a half hearted flare to the sidelines.

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay7-6.png

DT pays the price for bad form. Shannon does a good job of juking his guy, Nelson doesn't go to the ground.

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay7-7.png

Nelson meets the running back for a 1 yard gain.

Notes: I subscribe to the Tecmo bowl philosophy of play detonation. When you do everything right there should be negative yards and maybe a fumble. We did everything right in this sequence and they still gained positive yards. Our DTs have got to put running backs on the ground.

To illustrate my philosophy I give you the 2000 team

http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay7-8.png
http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay7-9.png
http://www.ouportal.com/screenshots/SpringGamePlay7-10.png

[8timechamps]

jkm, can you find anything with a TE set? I'd like to see what the defense looks like in that situation.

[KantoSooner]

anyone else notice the difference HD teevee has made in our lives?

[jkm, the stolen pifwafwi]

jkm, can you find anything with a TE set? I'd like to see what the defense looks like in that situation.

This is one of those heh moments. I counted 11 TE sets - all were passes. We can go over a few of them, but they are a mixed bag - you have a lot of Metoyer picking on that poor walkon from Frisco. You also have the walkon from Muldrow making some nice plays against starters.

[8timechamps]

This is one of those heh moments. I counted 11 TE sets - all were passes. We can go over a few of them, but they are a mixed bag - you have a lot of Metoyer picking on that poor walkon from Frisco. You also have the walkon from Muldrow making some nice plays against starters.

So, nothing really enlightening, huh? Don't worry about it, I'd rather look more at these type setups than a few TE sets that don't show anything.