- Joined
- Feb 3, 2018
- Messages
- 23,911
The Aggies' passing defense was more than adequate last week against Appalachian State as they generated pressure on over a quarter of the Mountaineers' attempts and didn't allow any completions more than 20 yards down the field. Their corners ran outside receivers into the boundary on longer attempts, the back end was usually in position to deter throws, and their pass rush was...okay. The biggest issue was the lack of negative plays...one sack, no interceptions..and so A&M found itself in the same position that it often did in its losses last season...an opponent didn't make any big plays but they just kind of held onto the ball and so dictated the pace of the game of the game. That strategy was also undone by five penalties on the defensive side including a couple of key flags that kept drives alive. Some of the back end defenders for the Aggies aren't covering or tackling as well this season and if you're going to play close games then one or two missteps can be a bigger deal than what they normally would be.
Miami quarterback Tyler Van Dyke is making an adjustment to a new system in which he's having to read coverages and go through progressions much more than he did in 2021. He put the ball in danger a little too often last week against Southern Miss but the Eagles weren't able to do much with those opportunities. He was good in the middle of the field but didn't take many deep shots.
Fortunately for him, he's got a really good set of pass blockers in front of him. The interior of Miami's first five had issues in protection and so right tackle DJ Scaife might get kicked inside for Zion Nelson (who's been injured) and John Campbell Jr. They've got good feet and when they don't play out over their toes it's hard to get around them.
He also some really good slots in Brashard Smith and Xavier Restrepo. They're quick enough to get open in the middle of the field and dangerous enough to make something happen after the catch. Henry Parrish is a nice check down outlet (although he struggles in pass blocking and A&M's blitzes could create one on one opportunities for their backers to work against him). His guys also don't drop many balls.
The Aggies still prefer to create pressure via situations (getting you in third and long with a three man fronts), push, and blitzes. That means winning with pad level and get off as well as creating favorable matchups via their lineups and schemes. If they're unable to generate that kind of push, then Van Dyke is going to get more time to make throws that will allow him to move the chains. Longer yardage plays may be more difficult if he doesn't try to get it to his outside guys (and A&M gets some of its injured corners back).
Overall, the Aggies aren't likely to give up many big plays due to their scheme and experience on the back end unless Miami is very successful off of play action. However, they may not make many either which means that guys like Antonio Johnson are going to have step up on third down in coverage and get them off of the field. Otherwise, the Canes will be able to move the ball and at least and come closer to compensating for a running attack that's probably going to be problematic.
Miami quarterback Tyler Van Dyke is making an adjustment to a new system in which he's having to read coverages and go through progressions much more than he did in 2021. He put the ball in danger a little too often last week against Southern Miss but the Eagles weren't able to do much with those opportunities. He was good in the middle of the field but didn't take many deep shots.
Fortunately for him, he's got a really good set of pass blockers in front of him. The interior of Miami's first five had issues in protection and so right tackle DJ Scaife might get kicked inside for Zion Nelson (who's been injured) and John Campbell Jr. They've got good feet and when they don't play out over their toes it's hard to get around them.
He also some really good slots in Brashard Smith and Xavier Restrepo. They're quick enough to get open in the middle of the field and dangerous enough to make something happen after the catch. Henry Parrish is a nice check down outlet (although he struggles in pass blocking and A&M's blitzes could create one on one opportunities for their backers to work against him). His guys also don't drop many balls.
The Aggies still prefer to create pressure via situations (getting you in third and long with a three man fronts), push, and blitzes. That means winning with pad level and get off as well as creating favorable matchups via their lineups and schemes. If they're unable to generate that kind of push, then Van Dyke is going to get more time to make throws that will allow him to move the chains. Longer yardage plays may be more difficult if he doesn't try to get it to his outside guys (and A&M gets some of its injured corners back).
Overall, the Aggies aren't likely to give up many big plays due to their scheme and experience on the back end unless Miami is very successful off of play action. However, they may not make many either which means that guys like Antonio Johnson are going to have step up on third down in coverage and get them off of the field. Otherwise, the Canes will be able to move the ball and at least and come closer to compensating for a running attack that's probably going to be problematic.
