Comments

we’re going to be back on track next season, just wait and see!

Richard on 12/02/2010 (9:34 pm)

As is sometimes said, statistics only tell half the story.  My question regarding our nose tackle, is what kind of stats would he have had at middle linebacker?  He seems much more suited for that position than nose tackle.  How many other coaches in America would start Whitlock at nose tackle?  I presume not many.  I for one was tired of looking down on so many plays this year and seeing Whitlock get put in the dirt at the snap of the ball.  I think that if he were able to be on his feet more, he might just best those stats next year.

Dano on 11/30/2010 (5:42 pm)

Great season wrap-up article Dan.  And I agree with everything Coach Grobe said and is planning on doing defensively with the exception of one player, Nikita Whitlock.  Nikita is the prototypical inside linebacker for the 3-4 defense; in the mold of a Zac Thomas and Patrick Willis.  The nose tackle has to be someone who is able to hold his ground at the line of scrimmage and tie up the middle of the offensive line.  That’s not Nikita.  They have to find someone with the girth and strength of a Casey Hampton.  They have size and talent at D-Tackle but they have to develop them to fit the 3-4 defesne and at the same time instill some toughness.

We’re still wondering about the coaching staff.  Obviously we didn’t expect Coach Grobe to talk about that with you but there should be some type of a shakeup.  If they’re really planning on staying with the 3-4 defense then let’s hope the defensive coaches spend some time with a Dick LeBeau or a Rex Ryan to learn how to apply pressure because the only way a 3-4 works if you’re able to apply pressure and disrupt the offense.

Again, great job Dan and Go Deacs!

Deac Fan on 11/30/2010 (8:11 am)

Dear Coach Grobe,
Please hire Randy Shannon as your DC.
Now, I know that isn’t going to happen,but wouldn’t it be nice to get a top defensive guy in here to go along with a new top OC?  I may be willing to give the DC some slack, but c’mon, we all know that the offense is too predictable, unimaginative, etc.

Jim on 11/29/2010 (4:40 pm)

Thanks, Dan.  Look forward to reading the wrap-up tomorrow.  Any idea when spring practice starts/ends in terms of dates yet?

Chris on 11/29/2010 (3:44 pm)

Dan,

Thanks for the update, and for another solid year of covering the football team.  I’m looking forward to reading your article tomorrow. 

I think that the move to a 3-4 defense was inevitable with a defense this small and (allegedly) quick.  It was a good move by the coaches, and I am glad that they showed flexibility during the season.  I am also glad to see that they’ve committed to switching to the 3-4 for next year.  The players will be much better at running it after a full offseason of practice. 

The huge x-factor remains the nose tackle position though.  Booi and/or Souza absolutely have to step up.  They are the only guys big enough to consistently keep the offensive linemen off of the middle linebackers, which is the predominant role of the nose tackle in the 3-4.  I loved Whitlock’s hustle and elusiveness, but he is not a nose tackle.  I’ll look forward to seeing him wreak havoc as a defensive end or linebacker in next year’s 3-4.

DC on 11/29/2010 (3:35 pm)