Bringing the heat in 2010

[StatTiger 3,188]

Because of depth issues, the Auburn Tiger defense did not blitz very often in 2009, so look for Coach Ted Roof to be a little more aggressive in 2010. With the addition of a few high profile LB’s and the return of a couple of key defenders in the secondary, Roof will likely pull the trigger more often, when it comes to blitzing. I previously focused on “impact” plays by the Auburn offense but it should be noted the defense is capable of making impact plays on the other side of the field.

  Impact plays on the defensive side of the football are identified as sacks, tackles behind the line of scrimmage and forced-turnovers. One method of generating additional impact plays on defense is applying more pressure in the backfield. This translates to gambling more often by bringing extra defenders than the opponent can block. The key to blitzing involves timing and the ability to disguise the point of attack.

  On this particular play, the Kentucky Wildcats pick up the additional defenders come from the perimeter, overlooking the actual pressure coming inside.

The play…

  Kentucky faces 3rd & 6 on this play as Auburn attempts to disguise the intent of their OLB’s. At the snap, Auburn blitzes their OLB’s, creating a 6 on 6 battle with Kentucky keeping their RB in for pass protection. Josh Bynes will come on a delay after the Wildcats commit to the 4 linemen and the 2 OLB’s. Auburn’s corners and safeties play tight coverage, jumping the short routes as Bynes comes on a delayed blitz. With Kentucky focused on the initial 6 Auburn defenders, Bynes is left with a quick path to the quarterback.

  Bynes is left unaccounted for and he’s able to register a sack on the play. The combination of great coverage and a deceptive look, allows the play to be successful, especially against an inexperienced quarterback.

[guerra aguila 0]

Stat,

I expect a brand new start with this defense in 2010. Neiko Thorpe and Demond Washington are going to have help behind them, with a lot of veterans.

The DT situation looks good, more bodies rotating throughout the game and allowing for less poundage.

Linebackers have plenty of young fresh legs that are ready to chase the football. Stevens and Bynes could be freaks, and if Eltoro can continue to develop, hes going to be a nice addition to stopping the run.

Roof has his defense installed now, so the starters will go out there and play football and make plays rather than think first, and then react.

The offense is going to establish more consistency which will allow the d to rest more.

All of these signs certainly point to some improvement on the defensive side of the ball, I expect the sacks and INT's to go up this year.

It doesnt have to be a whopping number... just any kind of improvement will always help.

[AuburnNTexas 7,350]

One or two more impact defensive plays a game (Sack, interception, or failed third down play due to pressure). Along with one or two more drives per game changes the defensive numbers dramatically.

Our weakness last year was basically in the second half when players got tired.  The more consistemt offensive drives that I expect this year (keeping defense off the field) an infusion of young talent used judiciously will allow us to be fresher in the second half.  Along with the impact plays discussed here and I expect huge imporvement this year.

[wareagle529 0]

Stat, do you foresee more improvement next year in our offense or defense? TIA.

[StatTiger 3,188]

Stat, do you foresee more improvement next year in our offense or defense? TIA.

In terms of national rankings, I would say defense because the offense was already in the top 15 last year. In terms of consistency, I would say offense.

[StatTiger 3,188]

One or two more impact defensive plays a game (Sack, interception, or failed third down play due to pressure). Along with one or two more drives per game changes the defensive numbers dramatically.

This is so true. It might not seem like one or two impact plays per game would make a difference but it would. If Auburn shaves off about 3-yards per possession from 2009, they will be in the average range of the 2004 defense.

[AUrealestate 0]

StatTiger,  I have really, really enjoyed reading your breakdowns over the past several months. 

There has been a lot of talk about our defense giving up a lot of yards/points toward the end of games last year due to lack of depth and fatigue from starters players higher than desired snaps. Do you have stats that can breakdown how many points/yards we gave up  per quarter in each game last year to illustrate this point?

Thanks in advance!

War Damn Eagle!!

[guerra aguila 0]

StatTiger,  I have really, really enjoyed reading your breakdowns over the past several months. 

There has been a lot of talk about our defense giving up a lot of yards/points toward the end of games last year due to lack of depth and fatigue from starters players higher than desired snaps. Do you have stats that can breakdown how many points/yards we gave up  per quarter in each game last year to illustrate this point?

Thanks in advance!

War Damn Eagle!!

Stat will do a better job at this than me, but just a few points.

Against UT, we led 23-3 at one point heading into the fourth quarter... we won 26-22.

Held UGA to 10 points with 10:21 seconds left in the 3rd quarter... lost 31-24. Offense just didnt move the ball enough.

Ole Miss game... Led 31-7 at one point... won 33-20.

I think from just a final score point of view... you can see that the defense weakened as games progressed.

Keep in mind that we led Northwestern 21-7 all the way through the 3rd quarter.

The defense gave UGA and BAMA problems in the first half of both games, but it was the offense that became stagnant at times and the d was on the field too long.

I point the blame at both units... they need to play together and at a high level all the time.

If this happens in 2010.... we might just take the Western Division.

[mejgoau 0]

GA I agree with everythig you said but we will WIN the west.

[AU1941 6]

One or two more impact defensive plays a game (Sack, interception, or failed third down play due to pressure). Along with one or two more drives per game changes the defensive numbers dramatically.

Our weakness last year was basically in the second half when players got tired.  The more consistemt offensive drives that I expect this year (keeping defense off the field) an infusion of young talent used judiciously will allow us to be fresher in the second half.  Along with the impact plays discussed here and I expect huge imporvement this year.

Another thing that must improve, IMO is penalties.  We had 97 penatlies for 847 yrs compared to our opponent having 59 penalties for 466 yrs.

That's horrendous and just shooting ourselves in the foot.  Tired players make mistakes and that was evident in the # of penalties we had last year.

[Lynx34 0]

One or two more impact defensive plays a game (Sack, interception, or failed third down play due to pressure). Along with one or two more drives per game changes the defensive numbers dramatically.

Our weakness last year was basically in the second half when players got tired.  The more consistemt offensive drives that I expect this year (keeping defense off the field) an infusion of young talent used judiciously will allow us to be fresher in the second half.  Along with the impact plays discussed here and I expect huge imporvement this year.

Another thing that must improve, IMO is penalties.  We had 97 penatlies for 847 yrs compared to our opponent having 59 penalties for 466 yrs.

That's horrendous and just shooting ourselves in the foot.  Tired players make mistakes and that was evident in the # of penalties we had last year.

Very true, and I believe it's a point of emphasis this fall straight from Chizik.  Regarding the opponents' penalties though, I find that awfully weird.  I'm not a conspiracy theorist saying everyone is out to get Auburn.  Just that, it seemed like opponents' played some of their most disciplined games when they played us, and it's just weird.  Kentucky didn't have any called against them, if I'm remembering correctly.  I hope that doesn't happen again this year.