pass rush?

[twentythreeOh4]

I know there has been much debate on the 3-4 defense, but here's one thing that really surprised me. On his TV show, Kramer said the MSU d-line has a total of 1 sack this season. One sack after 7 games! I can hardly believe that. Obviously the NT is not going to get many sacks, but you would think the DE's would have had some at this point in the season. Yet the pass d is still ranked pretty high within the conference, which is surprising with the lack of pressure on the QB...

What about the 3-4? Keep it or can it? And do you think Kramer will keep it next season?

[gtapp]

I know there has been much debate on the 3-4 defense, but here's one thing that really surprised me. On his TV show, Kramer said the MSU d-line has a total of 1 sack this season. One sack after 7 games! I can hardly believe that. Obviously the NT is not going to get many sacks, but you would think the DE's would have had some at this point in the season. Yet the pass d is still ranked pretty high within the conference, which is surprising with the lack of pressure on the QB...

What about the 3-4? Keep it or can it? And do you think Kramer will keep it next season?

I don't believe that any of our down lineman have the speed and/or quickness to provide a pass rush. The D-Lineman we had the last 5+ years were a little smaller but much quicker.

[Cat Pride]

Well, if Kramer put any pressure on the QB from other places on the field than the DL, maybe that would create a few more sacks/ints/hurried throws/etc. If the OL is concerned with trying to figure which LB to block, or is Force coming this play or not? Then maybe that would free up a DE to get a sack. Kramer needs to let his defense become as aggressive as the offense.

What happened to that DE who had 20 sacks last year in the JC ranks. Macciolo or something like that. He has speed, and obviously can rush the QB, why not play him in passing situations? He hasnt even been given a chance. Obviously I dont see practice, but what gives? Especially with the DL needing some badly needed rest out there.

Mainly though, Kramer needs to let loose. Sure a big play will be given up now and then, but we will also make some big plays. Get aggressive defense!

[mquast53000]

Yet the pass d is still ranked pretty high within the conference, which is surprising with the lack of pressure on the QB...

What about the 3-4? Keep it or can it? And do you think Kramer will keep it next season?

The reason the pass defense is ranked so high is because our run defense is even worse then our pass defense so teams run the ball against us. Really, both our pass and run defense are weak.

From what I have heard the 3-4 will not be used again next year. The coaching staff has not been happy with the results, and they will go back to the traditional 4-3.

[Slackjaw]

Thats the best news i have heard all week.

[Born2BaGriz]

Funny, the Griz switched to the 3-4 for the Cal Poly game. No word as to if they will stick with it or not.

[Cat Pride]

From what I have heard the 3-4 will not be used again next year. The coaching staff has not been happy with the results, and they will go back to the traditional 4-3.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but from what I can tell, the 3-4 hasnt worked b/c the defense isnt let loose. The reason for the 3-4 switch was to get aggressive, blitz the QB, fly to the ball, gang tackle, get our best athletes on the field. Well, if that is what the 3-4 is aligned to do, then why arent we doing that?

When I say pressure, that doesnt mean Marudus blitzes every other play. I want Marudus AND one or two others coming hard every play. Mix up who blitzes and from different positions on the field, confusion and speed would cure a lot of what is ailing this defense now.

If the run defense is so bad, why not stack 8 in the box? Where are the run blitzes?

Why are we letting offenses dictate to us the game tempo? Why not force them to make adjustments? I see this as one of two things.

A. Kramer has overhyped exactly how good our linebacking corp and depth is... or...
B. The defense is not being allowed to get aggressive and let loose on the field.

Take your pick, I dont like either answer.

[Cat Pride]

Funny, the Griz switched to the 3-4 for the Cal Poly game. No word as to if they will stick with it or not.

Being as their LBs are the best part of their defense, I wonder why they didnt do this long ago. Besides that, the pressure they like to apply, 3-4 makes sense in Missoula.

Saying that, I think it was a one game scheme to try and corral the option game.

[grizzh8r]

From what I have heard the 3-4 will not be used again next year. The coaching staff has not been happy with the results, and they will go back to the traditional 4-3.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but from what I can tell, the 3-4 hasnt worked b/c the defense isnt let loose. The reason for the 3-4 switch was to get aggressive, blitz the QB, fly to the ball, gang tackle, get our best athletes on the field. Well, if that is what the 3-4 is aligned to do, then why arent we doing that?

When I say pressure, that doesnt mean Marudus blitzes every other play. I want Marudus AND one or two others coming hard every play. Mix up who blitzes and from different positions on the field, confusion and speed would cure a lot of what is ailing this defense now.

If the run defense is so bad, why not stack 8 in the box? Where are the run blitzes?

Why are we letting offenses dictate to us the game tempo? Why not force them to make adjustments? I see this as one of two things.

A. Kramer has overhyped exactly how good our linebacking corp and depth is... or...
B. The defense is not being allowed to get aggressive and let loose on the field.

Take your pick, I dont like either answer.

I pick B. Our linebacking core IS good AND deep. Daly came in and picked up right where marudas/lowe left off. I think it is the scheme that is holding us back.

See my thoughts here ---> http://www.bobcatnation.com/bobcatboard ... 5056#45056

[CatFamily]

Pass Defense comes down to how much pressure can you put on the QB. Most QB's at this level will pick a defense apart if given all day to throw. Cats have very solid DB's, Safeties, and Line Backers. So I think like many of you that the defense needs to get aggressive and creative with the pass rush.

[CARDIAC_CATS]

Pass Defense comes down to how much pressure can you put on the QB. Most QB's at this level will pick a defense apart if given all day to throw. Cats have very solid DB's, Safeties, and Line Backers. So I think like many of you that the defense needs to get aggressive and creative with the pass rush.

I totally agree. If you make a QB comforteable he is going to beat you. 6-7 seconds back there and ANY QB in the Big Sky Conference can beat your defense. Just way too many angles a WR can use in order to get open.

[Cat Pride]

I pick B. Our linebacking core IS good AND deep. Daly came in and picked up right where marudas/lowe left off. I think it is the scheme that is holding us back.

Totally agreee with you. I think our LBs are head and shoulders above the rest of the conference, and our depth indicates our LBs will be top notch for quite some time.

Its all in the scheme. Let those animals loose Kramer!

[gtapp]

I pick B. Our linebacking core IS good AND deep. Daly came in and picked up right where marudas/lowe left off. I think it is the scheme that is holding us back.

Totally agreee with you. I think our LBs are head and shoulders above the rest of the conference, and our depth indicates our LBs will be top notch for quite some time.

Its all in the scheme. Let those animals loose Kramer!

I am not convinced: When Lowe and Mollohan went down Kramer went with Curley, a very small scout team player over the two RS freshmen studs he recruited last year (Ashley and Mauia). Then he moved two players from offense to LB (Elliot and Gathing) who haven't played LB since HS. We have some true freshmen on the team who are small and a couple may end up at safety. Next year we lose Mollohan, Marudas, Curley. SO where is this depth you are talking about?

[mquast53000]

I pick B. Our linebacking core IS good AND deep. Daly came in and picked up right where marudas/lowe left off. I think it is the scheme that is holding us back.

Totally agreee with you. I think our LBs are head and shoulders above the rest of the conference, and our depth indicates our LBs will be top notch for quite some time.

Its all in the scheme. Let those animals loose Kramer!

I am not convinced: When Lowe and Mollohan went down Kramer went with Curley, a very small scout team player over the two RS freshmen studs he recruited last year (Ashley and Mauia). Then he moved two players from offense to LB (Elliot and Gathing) who haven't played LB since HS. We have some true freshmen on the team who are small and a couple may end up at safety. Next year we lose Mollohan, Marudas, Curley. SO where is this depth you are talking about?

I have been thinking the same thing...