Secondary

[SnohomishRed]

Again a disclaimer ( I hope this staff does well)

It is fairly obvious after the first two games that our secondary is a weak area this year - I am curious as to everyones thoughts as to why.

I rememeber reading that the current coaches were intially very pleased with the talent level in the DB's - so is it talent or is scheme or coaching.

Whatever the issue we play very tenative back there and seem to more interested in not letting someone take it to the house rather than contest the pass reception in the first place

 

[cubsker]

It's been two games in a new scheme. One starter was hurt for most of fall practice, one was suspended for a game. We'll know a lot more in about 78 hours.

 

[otismotis08]

I think a lot of it comes down to player confidence. Davie usually is in decent position (although he is "in tow"). The problem is that he lacks the confidence to unhitch himself and make a play on the ball. With good coaching and enough game time, I think they'll get this fixed.

 

[leodisflowers]

It's been two games in a new scheme. One starter was hurt for most of fall practice, one was suspended for a game. We'll know a lot more in about 78 hours.

Agree 100%. We finally get to see all of the starters on the field at once. I'm not sure what to make of our D yet, but not ready to bail. Some things will take time, but I like the folks we will put on the field Saturday.

 

[jflores]

Secondary might take a little while, guys on an island, overall youthful, but showing some promise. They've broken it down on the radio and Davie clearly has been picked on. In the current season, success might rise or fail on how fast he can adjust his play on the ball, I think long term, the secondary will be fine as they mature.

 

[dockentwo]

I think a lot of it comes down to player confidence. Davie usually is in decent position (although he is "in tow"). The problem is that he lacks the confidence to unhitch himself and make a play on the ball. With good coaching and enough game time, I think they'll get this fixed.

This is a good post; Davie went through a difficult stretch last year also

 

[jimbosc]

We have alot of bodies on the roster and recruiting secondary was supposed to be Pelini's one strength. Find guys who can get it done and let 'em play

 

[nuiscool]

Or give them some safety help. I admit, I'm not very familiar with Miami's RBs. But after 2 weeks, I'd like to presume that this staff will address weaknesses when necessary. 2 or 3 deep fade routes can decide a game.

 

[Cornicator]

Its a combination of things:

1. Suspensions to Rose and Rose Ivey in week one.
2 This forced Kalu out of the Nickel and into a boundary corner. While Kalu is strong in coverage, he was a bit unclear within his role and responsibilities.
3. This forced Cockrell, who's actually a very good Strong Safety in run support and in zone coverage, to cover up the slot. He's not really built for running with an elite slot guy.
4. Keeping Cockrell at Nickel meant Aaron Williams, a true freshman had to play his first game ever at Strong Safety vs. a BYU passing game which totaled more than 160 career starts among their recievers and QB's. Aaron will be good, but he was not ready for that moment.
5. The lack of ROse Ivey hurt the blitz game, but also had Gifford's head spinning. Nearly half the passing yardage from BYU came on underneath routes. Gifford only had 1 tackle, and his man was targeted 14 times vs. the Cougars. Put that into perspective. That means he never made a single play on his man.
6. Banderas, at the MIKE, is the primary blitzing linebacker. Vs. BYU, because Gifford and Cockrell were struggling. Bando was forced to drop into more Cover 2. This limited the pressure Nebraska could apply to the QB.
7. DE's losing contain of QB's. The Huskers have actually racked up a substantial amount of QB pressures, but they haven't been finishing the plays and getting the QB on his back. In 2 games, Nerbaska has 5 sacks. That's not bad. However, the team should probably have about 10 sacks already.

8. Vs. South Alabama? I think we all should take some times to applaud a future NFL reciever and a tough QB who made some ridiculous deep fade throws with people in his face. That receiver, Magee beat Davie a bunch. He's a former Profesional Baseball player who went to Alabama after playing in the Minor Leagues. He transferred to UAB and then followed his OC to South Alabama. Maqgee will be playing in the league within the next 2 years.

I feel like no's 1 thru 7 and 8 had seperate causes and effect.

However, in the South Alabama game, with no Banderas and Dedrick Young, Nebraska didn't blitz Weber or Newby much...

Vs Miami... we will see the full extent of this defense:

- There will be more pressure than before.
- Young and Rose Ivey will be used primarily in Tight End coverage or in the flats on Zone.
- Banderas and Rose Ivey and Young will be used in a vast array of blitz packages.
- Jonathan Rose will be matched up with Stacey Coley
- I think you will see more Chris Jones in place of Davie
- Miami may actually use less Slot looks with the injury to Braxton Berrios. This may allow Banker to move Kalu over from Nickel to cover the boundary in place of Davie.
- I think they use Cockrell more in the Box and keep Gerry back as a high safety if they're concerned about Coley burning people.


The biggest key for this team will still be stopping the run. If they can keep Miami 1 dimensional, they will win.

As talented as Brad Kaaya is, and as fast the Miami receivers and backs are, Miami still does not have the same nasty passing attack as BYU. Their offensive line is not half as good either.

 

[dinglefritz]

nailed it again Cornicator.

 

[Cornicator]

nailed it again Cornicator.

I plan to use that line on my wife tonight...

#3rdPersonMessageBoardPersona

 

[leodisflowers]

I plan to use that line on my wife tonight...

#3rdPersonMessageBoardPersona

 

[Mr.Scary13]

We have alot of bodies on the roster and recruiting secondary was supposed to be Pelini's one strength. Find guys who can get it done and let 'em play

No, it's pretty obvious that Banker's philosophy is to load and stop the run and make teams beat the defense with low percentage deep balls. I'll take my chances with teams throwing 30 and 40 yard bombs as opposed to watching a guy gash the D for 400 yards in three quarters.

 

[bigboxes]

No, it's pretty obvious that Banker's philosophy is to load and stop the run and make teams beat the defense with low percentage deep balls. I'll take my chances with teams throwing 30 and 40 yard bombs as opposed to watching a guy gash the D for 400 yards in three quarters.

That's what I believe as well. Pelini just couldn't make that adjustment. It was a head scratcher.

Thanks to Cornicator for the breakdown.

 

[nothingkevin]

Again a disclaimer ( I hope this staff does well)

It is fairly obvious after the first two games that our secondary is a weak area this year - I am curious as to everyones thoughts as to why.

I rememeber reading that the current coaches were intially very pleased with the talent level in the DB's - so is it talent or is scheme or coaching.

Whatever the issue we play very tenative back there and seem to more interested in not letting someone take it to the house rather than contest the pass reception in the first place

Bring back marvin sanders.

 

[SnohomishRed]

That's what I believe as well. Pelini just couldn't make that adjustment. It was a head scratcher.

Thanks to Cornicator for the breakdown.

Cornicator did a great break down and that gives me some hope - but I do not believe we shoud accept a poor pass defense to have a good run defense. In todays CFB world both can beat you just as bad - I still remember TT putting up 70 on our defense in 2004 - I would really prefer not to have that happen again

There is no reason at all why NU can not have a consistently good defense

 

[bigboxes]

Cornicator did a great break down and that gives me some hope - but I do not believe we shoud accept a poor pass defense to have a good run defense. In todays CFB world both can beat you just as bad - I still remember TT putting up 70 on our defense in 2004 - I would really prefer not to have that happen again

I said Pelini couldn't/wouldn't make adjustments. I'm assuming that Banker can/will if necessary. TT just overwhelmed folks with 5 wideouts and quick throws. Grow through your progressions and hit the first guy that is open. That's why we changed our defensive schemes so that we could compete in the open offenses of the B12. That defense didn't work in the B1G, but Pelini wouldn't adjust when it wasn't working.

You're right. NU should be able to put up a competitive defense. We need better corners that can go man-to-man when we load the box or put pressure on the QB with a blitz. Not sure if we have the shut down corners. South Alabama was not a major test, but I liked the execution. We could cut down on penalties. It will interesting to see how our team progresses.

 

[stixon]

There are times when it seems our corners are playing too far off their receivers at the line of scrimmage.... Seems like if we're going to bring pressure we should play a little more physical at the line of scrimmage.

 

[The Tooth Fairy]

Its a combination of things:

1. Suspensions to Rose and Rose Ivey in week one.
2 This forced Kalu out of the Nickel and into a boundary corner. While Kalu is strong in coverage, he was a bit unclear within his role and responsibilities.
3. This forced Cockrell, who's actually a very good Strong Safety in run support and in zone coverage, to cover up the slot. He's not really built for running with an elite slot guy.
4. Keeping Cockrell at Nickel meant Aaron Williams, a true freshman had to play his first game ever at Strong Safety vs. a BYU passing game which totaled more than 160 career starts among their recievers and QB's. Aaron will be good, but he was not ready for that moment.
5. The lack of ROse Ivey hurt the blitz game, but also had Gifford's head spinning. Nearly half the passing yardage from BYU came on underneath routes. Gifford only had 1 tackle, and his man was targeted 14 times vs. the Cougars. Put that into perspective. That means he never made a single play on his man.
6. Banderas, at the MIKE, is the primary blitzing linebacker. Vs. BYU, because Gifford and Cockrell were struggling. Bando was forced to drop into more Cover 2. This limited the pressure Nebraska could apply to the QB.
7. DE's losing contain of QB's. The Huskers have actually racked up a substantial amount of QB pressures, but they haven't been finishing the plays and getting the QB on his back. In 2 games, Nerbaska has 5 sacks. That's not bad. However, the team should probably have about 10 sacks already.

8. Vs. South Alabama? I think we all should take some times to applaud a future NFL reciever and a tough QB who made some ridiculous deep fade throws with people in his face. That receiver, Magee beat Davie a bunch. He's a former Profesional Baseball player who went to Alabama after playing in the Minor Leagues. He transferred to UAB and then followed his OC to South Alabama. Maqgee will be playing in the league within the next 2 years.

I feel like no's 1 thru 7 and 8 had seperate causes and effect.

However, in the South Alabama game, with no Banderas and Dedrick Young, Nebraska didn't blitz Weber or Newby much...

Vs Miami... we will see the full extent of this defense:

- There will be more pressure than before.
- Young and Rose Ivey will be used primarily in Tight End coverage or in the flats on Zone.
- Banderas and Rose Ivey and Young will be used in a vast array of blitz packages.
- Jonathan Rose will be matched up with Stacey Coley
- I think you will see more Chris Jones in place of Davie
- Miami may actually use less Slot looks with the injury to Braxton Berrios. This may allow Banker to move Kalu over from Nickel to cover the boundary in place of Davie.
- I think they use Cockrell more in the Box and keep Gerry back as a high safety if they're concerned about Coley burning people.


The biggest key for this team will still be stopping the run. If they can keep Miami 1 dimensional, they will win.

As talented as Brad Kaaya is, and as fast the Miami receivers and backs are, Miami still does not have the same nasty passing attack as BYU. Their offensive line is not half as good either.

Good read. +1

 

[Cornicator]

Cornicator did a great break down and that gives me some hope - but I do not believe we shoud accept a poor pass defense to have a good run defense. In todays CFB world both can beat you just as bad - I still remember TT putting up 70 on our defense in 2004 - I would really prefer not to have that happen again

There is no reason at all why NU can not have a consistently good defense

This pass defense is nowhere near that Type of ineptitude. Back in 2004, defending the Spread was foriegn to a guy like Kevin Cosgrove. He had spent his whole career facing 2 back offenses in the Big Ten. He had rarely used a nickel, and was still using 5 down linemen into the late 90s.

 

[rrthusker]

Its a combination of things:

1. Suspensions to Rose and Rose Ivey in week one.
2 This forced Kalu out of the Nickel and into a boundary corner. While Kalu is strong in coverage, he was a bit unclear within his role and responsibilities.
3. This forced Cockrell, who's actually a very good Strong Safety in run support and in zone coverage, to cover up the slot. He's not really built for running with an elite slot guy.
4. Keeping Cockrell at Nickel meant Aaron Williams, a true freshman had to play his first game ever at Strong Safety vs. a BYU passing game which totaled more than 160 career starts among their recievers and QB's. Aaron will be good, but he was not ready for that moment.
5. The lack of ROse Ivey hurt the blitz game, but also had Gifford's head spinning. Nearly half the passing yardage from BYU came on underneath routes. Gifford only had 1 tackle, and his man was targeted 14 times vs. the Cougars. Put that into perspective. That means he never made a single play on his man.
6. Banderas, at the MIKE, is the primary blitzing linebacker. Vs. BYU, because Gifford and Cockrell were struggling. Bando was forced to drop into more Cover 2. This limited the pressure Nebraska could apply to the QB.
7. DE's losing contain of QB's. The Huskers have actually racked up a substantial amount of QB pressures, but they haven't been finishing the plays and getting the QB on his back. In 2 games, Nerbaska has 5 sacks. That's not bad. However, the team should probably have about 10 sacks already.

8. Vs. South Alabama? I think we all should take some times to applaud a future NFL reciever and a tough QB who made some ridiculous deep fade throws with people in his face. That receiver, Magee beat Davie a bunch. He's a former Profesional Baseball player who went to Alabama after playing in the Minor Leagues. He transferred to UAB and then followed his OC to South Alabama. Maqgee will be playing in the league within the next 2 years.

I feel like no's 1 thru 7 and 8 had seperate causes and effect.

However, in the South Alabama game, with no Banderas and Dedrick Young, Nebraska didn't blitz Weber or Newby much...

Vs Miami... we will see the full extent of this defense:

- There will be more pressure than before.
- Young and Rose Ivey will be used primarily in Tight End coverage or in the flats on Zone.
- Banderas and Rose Ivey and Young will be used in a vast array of blitz packages.
- Jonathan Rose will be matched up with Stacey Coley
- I think you will see more Chris Jones in place of Davie
- Miami may actually use less Slot looks with the injury to Braxton Berrios. This may allow Banker to move Kalu over from Nickel to cover the boundary in place of Davie.
- I think they use Cockrell more in the Box and keep Gerry back as a high safety if they're concerned about Coley burning people.


The biggest key for this team will still be stopping the run. If they can keep Miami 1 dimensional, they will win.

As talented as Brad Kaaya is, and as fast the Miami receivers and backs are, Miami still does not have the same nasty passing attack as BYU. Their offensive line is not half as good either.

In a nutshell I agree. This team after 2 games is far from a cohesive defensive unit because of all the lineup juggling. Once we get all the guys back,
then and only then, will we know exactly how good or how bad we are. We have yet to play our best 11 at the same time.

 

[Husker.Wed.]

Its a combination of things:

As talented as Brad Kaaya is, and as fast the Miami receivers and backs are, Miami still does not have the same nasty passing attack as BYU. Their offensive line is not half as good either.

I agree with all and one of the best posts here in 2015.

 

[Sassafras47]

I think the biggest problem is our lack of pass rushing d ends. Increased pressure has a huge impact on QB decision making and accuracy. Healthy LBs Incorporated into a blitz package will help but a guy like Randy Gregory will make a below average secondary look a heck of a lot better.

 

[redwine65]

Didn't darlington tell cb's (one on one) to watch the receiver react to the ball, then turn around and make a play on the ball? so if davis has the speed to hang with the receivers and the ability to jump, wouldn't just be a matter of him reading the receivers better? which will probably just be a matter of experience and time?
(granted it would be helpful if we can get someone in the qb's face)

 

[anon_umk0ifu6vj6zi]

Bring back marvin sanders.

Even Osborne wouldn't allow him back

 

[ncaa848]

Again a disclaimer ( I hope this staff does well)

It is fairly obvious after the first two games that our secondary is a weak area this year - I am curious as to everyones thoughts as to why.

I rememeber reading that the current coaches were intially very pleased with the talent level in the DB's - so is it talent or is scheme or coaching.

Whatever the issue we play very tenative back there and seem to more interested in not letting someone take it to the house rather than contest the pass reception in the first place

First play of the game,
Play action deep pass on Daniel Davie...........TOUCHDOWN MIAMI!!!!!

 

[huskerbaseball13]

Its a combination of things:

1. Suspensions to Rose and Rose Ivey in week one.
2 This forced Kalu out of the Nickel and into a boundary corner. While Kalu is strong in coverage, he was a bit unclear within his role and responsibilities.
3. This forced Cockrell, who's actually a very good Strong Safety in run support and in zone coverage, to cover up the slot. He's not really built for running with an elite slot guy.
4. Keeping Cockrell at Nickel meant Aaron Williams, a true freshman had to play his first game ever at Strong Safety vs. a BYU passing game which totaled more than 160 career starts among their recievers and QB's. Aaron will be good, but he was not ready for that moment.
5. The lack of ROse Ivey hurt the blitz game, but also had Gifford's head spinning. Nearly half the passing yardage from BYU came on underneath routes. Gifford only had 1 tackle, and his man was targeted 14 times vs. the Cougars. Put that into perspective. That means he never made a single play on his man.
6. Banderas, at the MIKE, is the primary blitzing linebacker. Vs. BYU, because Gifford and Cockrell were struggling. Bando was forced to drop into more Cover 2. This limited the pressure Nebraska could apply to the QB.
7. DE's losing contain of QB's. The Huskers have actually racked up a substantial amount of QB pressures, but they haven't been finishing the plays and getting the QB on his back. In 2 games, Nerbaska has 5 sacks. That's not bad. However, the team should probably have about 10 sacks already.

8. Vs. South Alabama? I think we all should take some times to applaud a future NFL reciever and a tough QB who made some ridiculous deep fade throws with people in his face. That receiver, Magee beat Davie a bunch. He's a former Profesional Baseball player who went to Alabama after playing in the Minor Leagues. He transferred to UAB and then followed his OC to South Alabama. Maqgee will be playing in the league within the next 2 years.

I feel like no's 1 thru 7 and 8 had seperate causes and effect.

However, in the South Alabama game, with no Banderas and Dedrick Young, Nebraska didn't blitz Weber or Newby much...

Vs Miami... we will see the full extent of this defense:

- There will be more pressure than before.
- Young and Rose Ivey will be used primarily in Tight End coverage or in the flats on Zone.
- Banderas and Rose Ivey and Young will be used in a vast array of blitz packages.
- Jonathan Rose will be matched up with Stacey Coley
- I think you will see more Chris Jones in place of Davie
- Miami may actually use less Slot looks with the injury to Braxton Berrios. This may allow Banker to move Kalu over from Nickel to cover the boundary in place of Davie.
- I think they use Cockrell more in the Box and keep Gerry back as a high safety if they're concerned about Coley burning people.


The biggest key for this team will still be stopping the run. If they can keep Miami 1 dimensional, they will win.

As talented as Brad Kaaya is, and as fast the Miami receivers and backs are, Miami still does not have the same nasty passing attack as BYU. Their offensive line is not half as good either.

I hope your thoughts on Miami turn out better than your opinion on our ability to run the ball against BYU.

 

[HuskerLLM]

Also, let us not forget that we have had 5 different DB coaches in 6 years (not including Bo's personal input) all teaching different styles and techniques.

 

[jeans15]

Yeah but deep ball technique is a fundamental since 8th grade.

Davie needs to be replaced.

I never see him even get a touch on a WR off the line. He's usually beat from the get go as I see.

 

[ncaa848]

Yeah but deep ball technique is a fundamental since 8th grade.

Davie needs to be replaced.

I never see him even get a touch on a WR off the line. He's usually beat from the get go as I see.

You have an NFL coach teaching your DB's. If he can't help them, then it's on the player.
Just saying.

 

[jeans15]

You have an NFL coach teaching your DB's. If he can't help them, then it's on the player.
Just saying.

I agree

 

[Nebraska Fan]

You have an NFL coach teaching your DB's. If he can't help them, then it's on the player.
Just saying.

Or maybe he has forgotten how to coach college ball and that's on Riley.

 

[otismotis08]

First play of the game,
Play action deep pass on Daniel Davie...........TOUCHDOWN MIAMI!!!!!

Shhhhhhhhhhh!!!!

 

[Tuco Ramirez]

Didn't darlington tell cb's (one on one) to watch the receiver react to the ball, then turn around and make a play on the ball? so if davis has the speed to hang with the receivers and the ability to jump, wouldn't just be a matter of him reading the receivers better? which will probably just be a matter of experience and time?
(granted it would be helpful if we can get someone in the qb's face)

My understanding is that when you don't have safety help, you don't want the corner turning for the ball unless he has very good position on the receiver. Play the man. Get a hand in his face. Rake the arms. Make him make a very difficult catch, and if he does, tackle him. Turning for the ball when you don't have the receiver basically pinned is a recipe for giving up six. I recall under Darlington that his receivers were really good at pushing the receivers out of bounds if they jumped for the ball, which you can't do if you're going for the pick.

I actually think Davie needs to be turning for the ball less. On a couple of the catches last week, he turned too late and it cost him making a play on the catch. Fortunately he had good enough position to still make the tackle. This week I would tell him I'd rather see bruises on his man's forearms than interceptions. Focus on the break-up. Make them earn their yardage.

 

[otismotis08]

My understanding is that when you don't have safety help, you don't want the corner turning for the ball unless he has very good position on the receiver. Play the man. Get a hand in his face. Rake the arms. Make him make a very difficult catch, and if he does, tackle him. Turning for the ball when you don't have the receiver basically pinned is a recipe for giving up six. I recall under Darlington that his receivers were really good at pushing the receivers out of bounds if they jumped for the ball, which you can't do if you're going for the pick.

I actually think Davie needs to be turning for the ball less. On a couple of the catches last week, he turned too late and it cost him making a play on the catch. Fortunately he had good enough position to still make the tackle. This week I would tell him I'd rather see bruises on his man's forearms than interceptions. Focus on the break-up. Make them earn their yardage.

That's just it. Davie often (not always) has good position on the receiver, but seems to lack the confidence to make a play on the ball. In time, I believe he will get there. Let's hope this week he can demonstrate improvement.

 

[Tuco Ramirez]

That's just it. Davie often (not always) has good position on the receiver, but seems to lack the confidence to make a play on the ball. In time, I believe he will get there. Let's hope this week he can demonstrate improvement.

I agree he had good position, but I thought he did try to play the ball a few times. For this game, I'd rather him focus on forcing the difficult catch than turning for the ball. Against S. Alabama, I don't have a problem with him being more aggressive, but when he hasn't been quite good enough to get that aggression to pay off, I'd like to see him more conservative against very athletic receivers in what promises to be a tight game. Maybe he just doesn't have the quick reaction/hand-eye coordination to make good plays on the ball in the air. That shouldn't prevent him from being a very solid corner. We've had plenty of good corners who didn't have a bunch of picks.

 

[nothingkevin]

Even Osborne wouldn't allow him back

#osborne is gone

 

[Archie Graham]

In a nutshell I agree. This team after 2 games is far from a cohesive defensive unit because of all the lineup juggling. Once we get all the guys back,
then and only then, will we know exactly how good or how bad we are. We have yet to play our best 11 at the same time.

I also think it's fair to say our scheme is going to naturally put more pressure on the secondary - in particular since the lack of DE pressure is going to drop more doubles to the DTs which will in turn require us to blitz more often.

 

[otismotis08]

We have got to mix it up this week. Blitzes from all angles, stunts, etc. From what we've seen so far this year, the front 4 just can't do it alone.

 

[rrthusker]

I also think it's fair to say our scheme is going to naturally put more pressure on the secondary - in particular since the lack of DE pressure is going to drop more doubles to the DTs which will in turn require us to blitz more often.

Sad but true.