[bdgetiger]

Didn't see this posted and thought it was some good stuff from our new DC as he answers questions concerning the defensive side of the ball.

http://www2.oanow.co...ipt-ar-3243148/

[autigeremt]

Good Q and A.

[kingfish]

I like what I read. Good read.

[Tigerguy]

Looks like we're in good capable and experienced hands. WDE Coach !

This post has been edited by Tigerguy: 16 February 2012 - 04:53 PM

[Raven_tiger]

I guess that addresses an area that we had concerns about last year...undersized LBs. We cant (and didnt last year) stop the run with undersized LBs.

[metafour]

Raven_tiger, on 16 February 2012 - 05:21 PM, said:

We cant (and didnt last year) stop the run with undersized LBs.

That had nothing to do with size. Our linebackers last year were more or less the same size as LSU's...did LSU have trouble stopping the run? By the end of the season Bates was arguably our best linebacker and he was by far the smallest.

Talent, scheme, fundamentals, and execution were a much bigger problem than "lack of size".

[ChrisH]

metafour, on 16 February 2012 - 08:12 PM, said:

Raven_tiger, on 16 February 2012 - 05:21 PM, said:

We cant (and didnt last year) stop the run with undersized LBs.

That had nothing to do with size. Our linebackers last year were more or less the same size as LSU's...did LSU have trouble stopping the run? By the end of the season Bates was arguably our best linebacker and he was by far the smallest.

Talent, scheme, fundamentals, and execution were a much bigger problem than "lack of size".

I think Bates was our best LB because he is one of the best football players on that side of the ball. He goes to the ball and makes plays but he also lacks strength I feel like. I would give up a little speed to have a bigger stronger LB. Do I want to see some guys out there playing LB at 260? No, but I do want to see some bigger guys than what we have put on the field. I hope CM turns out the way we hope he will and maybe put on about 20 pounds over the next 3 years.

Great interview though. Im excited about defense for the first time in a while.

[Raven_tiger]

metafour, on 16 February 2012 - 08:12 PM, said:

Raven_tiger, on 16 February 2012 - 05:21 PM, said:

We cant (and didnt last year) stop the run with undersized LBs.

That had nothing to do with size. Our linebackers last year were more or less the same size as LSU's...did LSU have trouble stopping the run? By the end of the season Bates was arguably our best linebacker and he was by far the smallest.

Talent, scheme, fundamentals, and execution were a much bigger problem than "lack of size".

Wrong, to an extent. how about comparing our LBs with UATs, notice the size difference now? UAt didnt seem to have a problem stopping the run either. Having a sub 6' 207-225lb LB forced to take on pulling OL is a losing proposition. And I would image that Freeman listed at 225 may have been generous. Great player, but small for the position. BTW, Hightower goes 6'4" 260lbs there is a big difference between 5'11"/220 and 6'4"/260, just ask the RB that is hitting the hole or FB (remember LSU FB comments???) that has to block the LB. While I do agree that defensive coaching and execution were subpar for the past 3 years, having undersized LBs was problem.

[bigsixfive]

How many 260 lb linebackers did Tuberville have on his defenses? Not many. The highest paid linebacker in the NFL was only 235 his senior year at Auburn.

Its a difference in scheme. Saban plays more out of a 3-4, and bigger LBs are necessary because they're going to take on the blocks. The 4 man front we run frees up the linebackers more. The pulling guard is likely to take on a DT or DE in a 4-3. If linemen consistently get to the linebackers in a 4-3, then odds are the DL isn't doing their job.

And linebackers aren't our only deficiency when comparing our D to Alabama's D. The 3-4 naturally creates pockets that yield chunks of 3-5 yards to RBs... unless your two inside LBs can play the run aggressively because the secondary is so good.

All three phases of our D were inconsistent, and times when the three played well simultaneously were few and far between. That's what makes a solid defense. Individual talent alone won't suffice.

[metafour]

Raven_tiger, on 17 February 2012 - 08:26 AM, said:

Wrong, to an extent. how about comparing our LBs with UATs, notice the size difference now?

Why would I compare the linebackers of a team that plays a 4-3 defense versus a team that plays a 3-4 defense? I compared us to LSU because we both at least run a 4-3 base defense.

[kingfish]

Q: Talk about incoming freshman Cassanova McKinzy and what have you been able to see on film?
BVG: I think what he does is, he gives us some size and some girth in our defense. If you look at good defense, normally through the middle of your defense, you’ll have size, whether that’s through defensive tackle, linebacker and at least a safety. That’s how, philosophically, I’ve always kind of viewed football. I’m excited about his size, I’m excited about his strong sprit leadership quality that I’ve noticed with him. He’s excited about Auburn. We need some size at linebacker.

Q: Would you like to move to getting bigger at linebacker all the way across?
BVG: Yeah, I just think in our sport, bigger is better. But I’ve had 5-foot-10 and a half linebackers that were great. A Zach Thomas in the NFL – there’s exceptions to the rule. But the starting line is bigger is better. Bigger, stronger defenses, that’s a good thing.

The preceding is BVG's comments taken from the interview that began this topic.

[WarEagleReedle]

Very candid, that was a refreshing read in comparisson to a q&a with, oh say CGC. Good to have balance!