I could probably make this about mostly all our DBs (inclusive of Corners, sans Couch), but there’s enough of that going on. I’ll focus on the Safeties right now because I’ve been a big supporter of some of them, been hard on some others, and it’s the position group I watch most on Defense.
They had a tough time last night on multiple levels. I want to be clear that how we play defense does the individual Safeties close to zero favors.
Bolden - he’s been hailed as the boss back there and many have him leaving to be a Top 3 round pick in the NFL draft. He’s had some issues getting guys on the ground in key moments two weeks in a row. If he were to leave now, I think it’d be a mistake. But, since supposedly that’s his plan, he needs to turn it around fast in the last 5 games.
Hall - Most of you know this is a guy I’ve had high hopes for. Before yesterday’s game, I told D$ I didn’t understand why he sometimes seemed hesitant. He was far from a hesitant player coming in. On a TD yesterday, he let the eligible receiver cross his face and didn’t move till it was too late. Almost like he would be punished otherwise. I don’t get it.
Carter - I’ve been hardest on Amari because I think the coaches often have him playing in spots poorly suited for Amari’s attributes. You got a glimpse of it last night when he covered an inside WR and basically couldn’t change direction quickly enough so he put both hands on him (call wasn’t made and pass went to another WR down the sideline). That being said, he was actually MORE solid last night than the others. And, congrats on not getting a targeting call, I guess. They need to use Amari in subpackages and get him blitzing and rolling downhill into runs. Playing in Palms against spread formations means he has to basically play Corner sometimes against a really quick inside WR. That’s not the kid’s fault when he’s unable. That’s a playcall issue.
Frierson - sure ‘striker,’ but many times in a SS or Rover role, so lumping him in here. One of the few dudes making football plays and made a couple to the sideline yesterday to save much bigger gains. Would love it if we celebrated less, but whatever. Do you.
K. Smith - if I were running the defense, id create more than a couple packages to keep him and Frierson in the game together as much as possible. NC state actually gave us this opportunity last night by repeatedly splitting out their TE, etc. Use this dude as a spy, as a blitzer, and any position where he can just make football plays for a defense that desperately needs it.
All in all, these players are playing beneath what I believe is their potential. I’m not in the Hecht, so I have no idea if it’s preparation or mindset or the fact the defensive calls put incredible pressure on the Safety position.
Something has to give soon. The defense needs a reset. Hope to see it this upcoming week against VT. Hope it begins with letting our Safeties use their instincts or whatever helps them snap out of that zombie look that is sometimes apparent.
