DBs seem like the past 2 games they are starting to "get it".

[dinglefritz]

Chris Jones looks like a real bright spot at corner and we've got several young DBs that look like they are going to be players. Its amazing what a little game experience will do for development. I think the only guy we lose is Cockrell from our defensive backfield this year. It could set up for a much improved pass defense next season if Collins stays. Our linebacker depth should be much better next year as well and IF they can stay healthy that should help as well.

 

[StrongArm517]

Seeing alot more confidence back there

 

[rrthusker]

They have played much better.

 

[Huskerlife39]

For all the grief they've taken, and believe me its well deserved, we have to remember that we have had like 5 DB coaches in the last 5 years. Is it really so surprising that these guys have looked clueless at times? I'm really looking forward to seeing what some of these kids are capable of with some consistent coaching.

 

[headcard]

Jones and Kalu are going to be a pretty darn good duo for the next couple years.

 

[vs540husker]

Watching Jones jam a WR, then play the ball and make the int was very refreshing.

 

[Bugeater]

Jones and Kalu are going to be a pretty darn good duo for the next couple years.

Like these guys?

 

[headcard]

Exactly

 

[yort2000]

For all the grief they've taken, and believe me its well deserved, we have to remember that we have had like 5 DB coaches in the last 5 years. Is it really so surprising that these guys have looked clueless at times? I'm really looking forward to seeing what some of these kids are capable of with some consistent coaching.

Not to mention a totally new defensive scheme that completely changed their responsibilities and the leverage they have to play with within the system.

 

[Delrayhusker]

Much Much better, and I was the loudest. I admit it. I am proud of the young guy staying with it.
We can beat Iowa, with this Defensive play.

 

[HudsonValleyHusker]

Watching Jones jam a WR, then play the ball and make the int was very refreshing.

Looks like the light has finally come on. Bodes well for the future.

 

[JHball]

This is a good call. They still make some of the same mistakes but they're contesting more balls and ae quicker to bring guys down than in the first half of the season. If we could figure out that damn deep ball we'd be pretty solid. Also, not too many penalties and the return of the TE. Carter is the real deal

 

[barney44]

You also have to credit the defensive line and blitz packages used. I think as a unit they played their best game of the season which is refreshing.

 

[GeauxBigRed]

I'm just happy we are seeing improvement with the team. Been awhile since we have been able to say that! I think when we look back at this season a few years down the road I think we will all be happy with how this team performed throughout the year.

 

[jteten]

They got to the QB today. That would make any secondary look better.

 

[HuskersMan34]

They got to the QB today. That would make any secondary look better.

They were also covering better when they didn't.

 

[Hoosker Du]

I think when we look back at this season a few years down the road I think we will all be happy with how this team performed throughout the year.

Uh....what? Let's not get carried away with things.

 

[tithay01]

They have improved. Let's hope it continues.

 

[barney44]

They were also covering better when they didn't.

Three and out city was nice too as well as all of the 4 play drives. I think 8 of Rutgers 14 drives were 4 plays and under and all ended up in a punt, turnover or turnover on downs. That's pretty damn good for a unit that struggled as bad as they have this season. If our offense could have stayed humming like they were in the first quarter then that game was going to be a bloodbath.

 

[dockentwo]

This is a good call. They still make some of the same mistakes but they're contesting more balls and ae quicker to bring guys down than in the first half of the season. If we could figure out that damn deep ball we'd be pretty solid. Also, not too many penalties and the return of the TE. Carter is the real deal

 

[Cornicator]

This scheme begins and ends with disruption at the line of scrimmage.

 

[dockentwo]

Very good post. I am hoping this and other things, represent the emergence of the coaching staff . I have not blamed the db's; they have a lot of ability, even exceptional - the concern has been how are they being coached to play the ball , contesting for the ball is like heaven to me. Teams were targeting our chasing receivers and throwing up our hands when they thought the receivers were going for the ball ( A+ as an escort service, screwed results ).
I believe we have some exceptional assistant coaches. With three defensive coaches having been coordinators; and a great young lb coach, our failures in coaching have surely been lobbied for change, it looks good. The improvement in tackling started to show up early; and is improving, exceeds the previous regime. It is so cool to see a lb or other grab a rb at the edge and take or bulldog them down. The DL is running in pursuit.
I believe the recent critics of the o-line coach ; may have accelerated all the changes we are seeing, assuming their is also more rotation. Have to say I am happy with the O overall; coaches weren't dropping balls, receivers are now stepping up a level. The TE position may emerge and Mr Carter star; this should help recruit others to showcase what these coaches can do. If TA gets over the one bad stretch a game ; we are going to be incredibly hard to beat; he certainly has the spirit.
Great posters have slowly brought up the problems some players had with the transition; these coaches have given them time and opportunities. It seems if you don't join in now, you will be offered other opportunities. I am very proud of this emerging team.

 

[TheBeav815]

8 looks like he can play.

 

[mkbrkloster]

The last two games they have been far more physical, especially at the ball.

 

[zamzman]

If Jones keeps on improving, he'll be a top corner. Kalu has great instincts which showed up last season, but this year it seems like he's been swimming in it a little bit like the rest of the DBs. That new defensive scheme has been much more difficult on our DBs than I ever expected. Their improvement at the end of this year gives a lot of hope for next year.

I think Kalu could make a good safety as well. If Lee is as good as advertised, or we end up with some JUCO like Chandler who can play right away, Kalu has versatility to play almost any position in the secondary. (And while Mosley hasn't played this year, I still hope he can find a spot. He's short, but a playmaker.)

 

[zamzman]

But if we don't get a fierce pass rush, we'll never see how good these DBs can be. When they're out on the island while the QB sits patiently waiting for the WRs to get open, no DB will look good.

 

[jackie_moon33]

If Jones keeps on improving, he'll be a top corner. Kalu has great instincts which showed up last season, but this year it seems like he's been swimming in it a little bit like the rest of the DBs. That new defensive scheme has been much more difficult on our DBs than I ever expected. Their improvement at the end of this year gives a lot of hope for next year.

I think Kalu could make a good safety as well. If Lee is as good as advertised, or we end up with some JUCO like Chandler who can play right away, Kalu has versatility to play almost any position in the secondary. (And while Mosley hasn't played this year, I still hope he can find a spot. He's short, but a playmaker.)

It sounds like Kalu may make the move to safety next year.

 

[red rover 70]

The younger players are growing up. The future is gonna be bright in Huskerland.

 

[cubsker]

was looking at some stats yesterday. coming into the game, we were recording a sack on just 4% of pass plays, which was good for around 110th in the nation.

 

[red rover 70]

was looking at some stats yesterday. coming into the game, we were recording a sack on just 4% of pass plays, which was good for around 110th in the nation.

NCAA stats don't mean anything at this point. We are finally getting pressure upfront and with well timed blitzes. People can bang on Purdue but we were getting pressure on Cook too. The younger players are growing up and the older guys are buying in.

 

[dinglefritz]

was looking at some stats yesterday. coming into the game, we were recording a sack on just 4% of pass plays, which was good for around 110th in the nation.

I could be wrong, but it seems that most sacks usually come from DEs and linebackers. That stat merely confirms what we already knew about our DEs and linebackers this year. Lots of injuries, short on depth and short on talent especially in our backups.

 

[mkbrkloster]

I am still worried about the overall speed of the backfield. It seems like WR's pull away pre and post-catch far too often.

 

[headcard]

It sounds like Kalu may make the move to safety next year.

Seems like we need him more at CB. We will have Gerry and Willimas at safety. Also Kalu is best at the Nickel. Even if we do move him to safety, I hope they keep moving him inside to the Nickle in that package.

 

[Redblood23]

I think we underestimated how much a change in philosophy can take to grasp. You can be taught scheme scheme scheme so much as in Bo's way that you lose your natural instincts. Players reacting like robots trying to be in the right spot and make no mistake's but forget to do the simple things like track the ball, bate or jump routes. The more comfortable they get with the system the more we'll start seeing player make plays. Seems like that's starting to happen..