Ask and you shall receive, Derrick Smith to LB???

[Coach Macho]

Do you think this is more of a schematic problem or a "position coaching" problem? In other words, is Diaz's scheme predicated on the LBs peeking at the QB, or are they supposed to be matching the WRs and just aren't doing it? If it's a scheme issue, is there a defensive philosophy/scheme similar to Diaz's zone that DOES implement pattern-matching?

Definitely a scheme thing IMO. I'm sure that's what Diaz teaches.

The only time I see our LB's match with WR's is when we run a "trap" coverage. The Sam OLB matches the #2 (slot) WR if he runs vertical.
We ran it a ton earlier in the season. (think back to when we blew a coverage against Toledo for a TD)

It's really just a philosophical preference. Some DC's prefer to have their LB's spot-drop and watch the QB, some DC's prefer their LB's to eye the WR's and flip their eyes towards the QB at the apex of the route.
IMO there's absolutely no benefit to spot-dropping and looking at the QB. The QB's not throwing YOU the ball, he's throwing it to the WR's. (so why not go cover the WR instead of grass?)
Plus, QB's today are too good at looking you off and WR's are taught to find vacancies in the zone. They'll hitch-up 4 feet next to a LB and the QB will fire the ball in there.

There's guys who are further along than me who still incorporate spot-dropping so maybe there's something I'm missing. I can't see the benefit though. I go to a lot of clinics and most of the younger coaches, whether it's college or high school, are using match coverage these days.

 

[brock]

I have a feeling that we are going to be blowing out a lot of teams which means the second string LBs may get as much playing time as the starters most of the season.

It is a great feeling really.

The kid can bang. Is he able to get good weight on?

He’s cams int

Yes sir!

You ever watch our LB's in coverage? They stare at the QB. It's nauseating.

thats why someone is always open , dropping to a spot of the defense instead of actually playing the receivers.

 

[brock]

One of McCloud flaws in his game is that he goes for the kill shot like every play. It's either kill shot or whiff, which is the reason why he's out of position on most plays. He over pursues at a 1000 miles per hour. Once he can settle down in that area, he'll be okay. His athleticism is off the charts, but he has to stop playing the guessing game with tackles, which I'm sure they express that to him multiple times.

FSU had a bunch of rushing yards due to him missing tackles and not wrapping up or taking the wrong angle. He has to fix it

 

[423Hurricane]

Definitely a scheme thing IMO. I'm sure that's what Diaz teaches.

The only time I see our LB's match with WR's is when we run a "trap" coverage. The Sam OLB matches the #2 (slot) WR if he runs vertical.
We ran it a ton earlier in the season. (think back to when we blew a coverage against Toledo for a TD)

It's really just a philosophical preference. Some DC's prefer to have their LB's spot-drop and watch the QB, some DC's prefer their LB's to eye the WR's and flip their eyes towards the QB at the apex of the route.
IMO there's absolutely no benefit to spot-dropping and looking at the QB. The QB's not throwing YOU the ball, he's throwing it to the WR's. (so why not go cover the WR instead of grass?)
Plus, QB's today are too good at looking you off and WR's are taught to find vacancies in the zone. They'll hitch-up 4 feet next to a LB and the QB will fire the ball in there.

There's guys who are further along than me who still incorporate spot-dropping so maybe there's something I'm missing. I can't see the benefit though. I go to a lot of clinics and most of the younger coaches, whether it's college or high school, are using match coverage these days.

I'm no expert by any stretch, but it seemed to me that many times in pass coverage the LB's looked lost. And in some instances, the DB's as well. Almost like they missed the call. Am I way off base here?

 

[Samson Doyo]

One of McCloud flaws in his game is that he goes for the kill shot like every play. It's either kill shot or whiff, which is the reason why he's out of position on most plays. He over pursues at a 1000 miles per hour. Once he can settle down in that area, he'll be okay. His athleticism is off the charts, but he has to stop playing the guessing game with tackles, which I'm sure they express that to him multiple times.

This is one of the main reasons why I think Steed will be a stud. His tackling fundamentals are crazy good. Breaks down, squares to the LOS, and most importantly WRAPS UP! It stands out on the film of him from high school. All of LB's and DB's could learn something from him when it comes to tackling.

Go Canes!

 

[CaneSince4Ever]

Well that would lead me to ask...

Why are they reading the QB? (instead of matching and apexing WR's)

If I'm the MLB and I'm "apexing" a WR's route then he can't run away from me or sit in a vacancy.

This is my biggest pet peeve with our defense. It's prehistoric and flawed.

Exactly...it's the scheme that's making McCloud look ineffective in coverage, not vice versa like some posters would have you believe. I see no difference between what D'Onofrio did on the back end, and what Diaz is doing.

 

[TheMatador]

Who?