What are your suggestions to fix our defense

[SwoopedN]

We lose 10 seniors most of them the best players we have on either side of the ball. Kupp, Hill, Wilson, Ebukom, Zamora, Wimberly, Bourne who on the current roster is going to replace them? I am much more concerned on the defensive side of the ball, our D was below average again and now we are losing the few players that made it improve slightly to mediocre.

What is Baldwins plan to fix this does he even have one?

What are the fans suggestions/ideas to fix this? We need balance to move forward.

 

[eaglesfootball]

i'm not concerned at all with the LBs. We have Calhoun, Kupp, and Kacmarcik returning who will all be outstanding players. I also think the defensive line will be pretty good with the additions of Trey Neal and Keith Moore. Also Matheney who will be a true freshmen, but not sure if he will contribute right away. I don't think there's any way to replace a player like Ebukam. I have been secretly hoping for a couple of P5 transfers on defense, but that is a sensitive subject around here.

 

[eaglesfootball]

im not sold on the 4-2-5 as a base defense and I have said this before. Im simply not convinced that it is effective enough at stopping the run consistently. we should have the 4-2-5 as a package but not a base defense.

 

[SwoopedN]

i'm not concerned at all with the LBs. We have Calhoun, Kupp, and Kacmarcik returning who will all be outstanding players. I also think the defensive line will be pretty good with the additions of Trey Neal and Keith Moore. Also Matheney who will be a true freshmen, but not sure if he will contribute right away. I don't think there's any way to replace a player like Ebukam. I have been secretly hoping for a couple of P5 transfers on defense, but that is a sensitive subject around here.

Moore is a good start but no depth behind him, its no secret we need inside guys that can eat up double teams to spring 5 tech guys off the edge if we want to get to the next level. Moore has the size but the drop off after him is significant.

 

[Seattle Eagle]

We don't know how good Moore is since he hasn't played a down of college ball yet. I think Tiuli was pretty damn good this year but he got injured yesterday and wasn't the same after that.

 

[Seattle Eagle]

im not sold on the 4-2-5 as a base defense and I have said this before. Im simply not convinced that it is effective enough at stopping the run consistently. we should have the 4-2-5 as a package but not a base defense.

We lost two of our linebackers to injury that never came back in time for the playoffs. We've also only run this defense for two seasons, so I think the jury's still out on how effective it can be.

 

[DefendtheRed]

We lose 10 seniors most of them the best players we have on either side of the ball. Kupp, Hill, Wilson, Ebukom, Zamora, Wimberly, Bourne who on the current roster is going to replace them? I am much more concerned on the defensive side of the ball, our D was below average again and now we are losing the few players that made it improve slightly to mediocre.

What is Baldwins plan to fix this does he even have one?

What are the fans suggestions/ideas to fix this? We need balance to move forward.

I think the offense will find its groove again next year so long as we get solid QB play. Wilson was a good player for us throughout his career but was relegated to third string this year. If I could make a wish on the offensive side of the ball it would be for a big bruising RB to complement our passing game. We never even tried to run the ball yesterday in the second half and that cost us the game in my opinion. Other than Zamora and Ebukam, I don't think we lose that much on defense so that unit should be able to continue to improve and maybe even be better next season.

 

[ewueagfan]

Why the focus on the defense? That is only part of the reason we lost. The offense turned over the ball twice (both of which were converted into points) and the special teams was bad all game.

 

[Seattle Eagle]

I have been secretly hoping for a couple of P5 transfers on defense, but that is a sensitive subject around here.

Why is it a sensitive subject? If there are guys available that are a good fit in the program and don't come with a ton of baggage I say why not? It just doesn't seem like CBB goes that route that often though.

 

[rickb2525]

The reason the focus on the defense is we scored 38 points in horrible weather and still lost not to mention the 10 point lead with 5 minutes to go. By the way its been the same story since 2010.The scheme does not work

 

[LDopaPDX]

Why the focus on the defense? That is only part of the reason we lost. The offense turned over the ball twice (both of which were converted into points) and the special teams was bad all game.

Fair enough, but when you score 38 points in that kind of weather, you should win fairly easily.

Mad credit to YSU and their coaches for sticking to their gameplan despite being behind. They banged away until the defense capitulated. I don't think anyone watching the game felt like the D would get a stop on that last drive.

I think part of the issue was that the Central Ark and Richmond games gave us a sort of "fools gold" view of the defense. Neither team could really throw the ball, so they were essentially one dimensional and our D has improved enough in the last year to beat up a one dimensional team. But YSU could both throw and run, and we had no answers.

I thought the LBs got totally roughed up in this one. I also didn't think it was a matter of schematics. The players were usually in the right places. Ultimately, we could get first contact behind the line of scrimmage but the plays would wind up going for 6 or 7 yards. And again, credit YSU's OL and RBs for making it tough on us. Lesser teams wouldn't have had that kind of success.

We just need to continue bringing in better athletes. I think D speed is pretty solid, we just need to get some more physical guys with the ability to tackle. Obviously, we're good now and don't need to reinvent the wheel, just find small, incremental improvements to shore up our weaknesses.

 

[grizfnz]

Here's your problem and the same problem we had while losing championship games under Hauck. The Big Sky is a high scoring, pass happy league. To get pressure on the qb you need quickness which doesn't exactly match up well with the run/TOP offenses of the other conferences. So the question is: Do you load up on beef knowing that you put yourself at risk in the Big Sky and hope that the playoff committee is kind, or do you play to win the Big Sky autobid and risk your lighter and quicker defense being exposed in the playoffs. If you look at the past 20 years of 1AA/FCS history only App St., Montana and Eastern have been of the spread/quick strike offenses. SHSU, Georgia Southern, NDSU, YSU have had power run games.

 

[kalm]

Why the focus on the defense? That is only part of the reason we lost. The offense turned over the ball twice (both of which were converted into points) and the special teams was bad all game.

Fair enough, but when you score 38 points in that kind of weather, you should win fairly easily.

Mad credit to YSU and their coaches for sticking to their gameplan despite being behind. They banged away until the defense capitulated. I don't think anyone watching the game felt like the D would get a stop on that last drive.

I think part of the issue was that the Central Ark and Richmond games gave us a sort of "fools gold" view of the defense. Neither team could really throw the ball, so they were essentially one dimensional and our D has improved enough in the last year to beat up a one dimensional team. But YSU could both throw and run, and we had no answers.

I thought the LBs got totally roughed up in this one. I also didn't think it was a matter of schematics. The players were usually in the right places. Ultimately, we could get first contact behind the line of scrimmage but the plays would wind up going for 6 or 7 yards. And again, credit YSU's OL and RBs for making it tough on us. Lesser teams wouldn't have had that kind of success.

We just need to continue bringing in better athletes. I think D speed is pretty solid, we just need to get some more physical guys with the ability to tackle. Obviously, we're good now and don't need to reinvent the wheel, just find small, incremental improvements to shore up our weaknesses.

Agreed for the most part but SDSU and SIU managed to hold YSU to 10 and 21 points and neither of those teams had a noticeably better D than we had.

Some credit has to go to YSU for making late season adjustments on O.

 

[KJEagle]

Here's your problem and the same problem we had while losing championship games under Hauck. The Big Sky is a high scoring, pass happy league. To get pressure on the qb you need quickness which doesn't exactly match up well with the run/TOP offenses of the other conferences. So the question is: Do you load up on beef knowing that you put yourself at risk in the Big Sky and hope that the playoff committee is kind, or do you play to win the Big Sky autobid and risk your lighter and quicker defense being exposed in the playoffs. If you look at the past 20 years of 1AA/FCS history only App St., Montana and Eastern have been of the spread/quick strike offenses. SHSU, Georgia Southern, NDSU, YSU have had power run games.

This is absolutely spot on.

 

[dudeitsaid]

I haven't read this thread yet, and am just reacting to the thread title, so excuse my ignorance.

But, this defense took huge strides this year as compared to the last three or four years. This may have been our best defense since 2010. We actually had better statistics in some key defensive areas than NDSU, YSU, or JMU. There were flashes of brilliance. This defense was good enough to take us to the semis, and have us in a position to win the game even while losing the turnover battle. You have to give some level of credit to YSU's offensive line, RB's and QB. Anyone that looked at game film knew they were a tough group. Heck, I watched their playoff games, and knew we were in for a battle. They only lost to an FBS team, and two MVFC teams that were seeded in the playoffs. They have a high level coaching staff. Our D had improved over the last half of the year, and had one of the best stretches of strong defensive performance in a long time. We played a very good team that was underrated. Yes, they were missing players, but great teams have depth. Great teams have coaching that knows how to gameplan around weaknesses. Great teams gameplan well against other teams. And, it seems like YSU is similar to SHSU in that they've tapped into a higher number of FBS dropdowns compared to other teams.

The defense was not good for several years. But changes were made, and significant improvements have taken place. I personally think the D will continue to evolve. I don't believe the D singlehandedly cost us this game.

 

[dudeitsaid]

Why the focus on the defense? That is only part of the reason we lost. The offense turned over the ball twice (both of which were converted into points) and the special teams was bad all game.

Fair enough, but when you score 38 points in that kind of weather, you should win fairly easily.

Mad credit to YSU and their coaches for sticking to their gameplan despite being behind. They banged away until the defense capitulated. I don't think anyone watching the game felt like the D would get a stop on that last drive.

I think part of the issue was that the Central Ark and Richmond games gave us a sort of "fools gold" view of the defense. Neither team could really throw the ball, so they were essentially one dimensional and our D has improved enough in the last year to beat up a one dimensional team. But YSU could both throw and run, and we had no answers.

I thought the LBs got totally roughed up in this one. I also didn't think it was a matter of schematics. The players were usually in the right places. Ultimately, we could get first contact behind the line of scrimmage but the plays would wind up going for 6 or 7 yards. And again, credit YSU's OL and RBs for making it tough on us. Lesser teams wouldn't have had that kind of success.

We just need to continue bringing in better athletes. I think D speed is pretty solid, we just need to get some more physical guys with the ability to tackle. Obviously, we're good now and don't need to reinvent the wheel, just find small, incremental improvements to shore up our weaknesses.

Agreed for the most part but SDSU and SIU managed to hold YSU to 10 and 21 points and neither of those teams had a noticeably better D than we had.

Some credit has to go to YSU for making late season adjustments on O.

Both of you guys are spot on. I know for the SDSU game, Wells had been benched. Don't know about SIU, but once their QB was injured and they had to go back to Wells, it made a dramatic impact on their offensive production. I wonder who would win now. YSU definitely evolved towards the end of the season.

And man! It was so frustrating to see their RB's just run through our D. I was telling people it was like they were covered in butter!

 

[Hambone]

Here's your problem and the same problem we had while losing championship games under Hauck. The Big Sky is a high scoring, pass happy league. To get pressure on the qb you need quickness which doesn't exactly match up well with the run/TOP offenses of the other conferences. So the question is: Do you load up on beef knowing that you put yourself at risk in the Big Sky and hope that the playoff committee is kind, or do you play to win the Big Sky autobid and risk your lighter and quicker defense being exposed in the playoffs. If you look at the past 20 years of 1AA/FCS history only App St., Montana and Eastern have been of the spread/quick strike offenses. SHSU, Georgia Southern, NDSU, YSU have had power run games.

I agree with this 100%. Many folks believe that we don't play any defense in the Big Sky until they play us (NDSU comes to mind). Teams in this conference throw the ball like crazy and the defenses are a reflection of that.

 

[sammamisheag]

Takes possessions away from the other team, eats up the clock, and wears the other team down in the 4th qtr.

I expect next year EWU to be much better here with the entire off line returning as well as most of the RBs.

EWU's inability to move the ball on the ground forced them to throw more which increases the turnovers.

Hope to see same year over year improvement with defense.

 

[sammamisheag]

Big Sky is a weak conference. Outside of EWU no one has had any post-season success for at least 5-6 years.

EWU just isn't battle tested enough late in the season to prepare them for the playoffs.

EWU's toughest games every year are in September.

It is what it is.

 

[luckyintheorder]

Why the focus on the defense? That is only part of the reason we lost. The offense turned over the ball twice (both of which were converted into points) and the special teams was bad all game.

Fair enough, but when you score 38 points in that kind of weather, you should win fairly easily.

Mad credit to YSU and their coaches for sticking to their gameplan despite being behind. They banged away until the defense capitulated. I don't think anyone watching the game felt like the D would get a stop on that last drive.

I think part of the issue was that the Central Ark and Richmond games gave us a sort of "fools gold" view of the defense. Neither team could really throw the ball, so they were essentially one dimensional and our D has improved enough in the last year to beat up a one dimensional team. But YSU could both throw and run, and we had no answers.

I thought the LBs got totally roughed up in this one. I also didn't think it was a matter of schematics. The players were usually in the right places. Ultimately, we could get first contact behind the line of scrimmage but the plays would wind up going for 6 or 7 yards. And again, credit YSU's OL and RBs for making it tough on us. Lesser teams wouldn't have had that kind of success.

We just need to continue bringing in better athletes. I think D speed is pretty solid, we just need to get some more physical guys with the ability to tackle. Obviously, we're good now and don't need to reinvent the wheel, just find small, incremental improvements to shore up our weaknesses.

Agreed for the most part but SDSU and SIU managed to hold YSU to 10 and 21 points and neither of those teams had a noticeably better D than we had.

Some credit has to go to YSU for making late season adjustments on O.

Both of you guys are spot on. I know for the SDSU game, Wells had been benched. Don't know about SIU, but once their QB was injured and they had to go back to Wells, it made a dramatic impact on their offensive production. I wonder who would win now. YSU definitely evolved towards the end of the season.

And man! It was so frustrating to see their RB's just run through our D. I was telling people it was like they were covered in butter!

Defense is vastly improved; our coaches were put in a situation they didn't know how to adapt too and suffered vapor lock. Could write a book on the fourth quarter alone, but will leave it to 4 plays were we either stunted the DL out of the middle and allowed the QB to pick up long 3rd downs running or kept our LB's in coverage against the RB and the TE. Any film study would have told their QB the LB's were weak in coverage, when he saw it, he made the throws. Knowing what YSU was going to do, I would have had 5 man DL sets with combinations that had size on the nose and quickness in the 1 or 3 gaps and allowed LB's, DE's or safeties to flow to anything to the outside; man and short zone coverages behind them depending on situation.

Looking forward to the improvement in 2017 of the overall defense with all those juniors and sophomores coming back and the coaches with another year under their belt to better utilize the personnel available. Early prediction: Eastern D lands in the top third in the FCS next season AND beats NDSU