D-Line Rotation - underrated and underappreciated

[Gopher Bandanna Guy]

Gotta say - I'm pretty pleased with how the D-line as a unit is shaping up over the first half of the season. Nearly every one of the guys in the rotation has made big tackles at some point this season.

Brown, Moen, Kirksey, Jacobs, Small, Edwards, McKinley, Onuwachi, and Wilhite have all shown us good things this year. And by and large, they're keeping our LBs free to roam and make plays.

Even though we lose Brown and Small to graduation this year, I'm pretty excited to watch this d-line develop over the next 1-2 years. At this point, their one weakness seems to be pass rushing during obvious passing downs, as we don't seem to get a lot of pressure on 3rd and longs.

For me - the best play of the Purdue game had to be Anthony Jacobs bulldozing a hapless Ralph Bolden right into Elliott for the sack. Outstanding.

Just wanted to give these guys some props.

[frozengopher]

For me - the best play of the Purdue game had to be Anthony Jacobs bulldozing a hapless Ralph Bolden right into Elliott for the sack. Outstanding.



That was sheer awesomeness.

[parkinglotgopher]

Brandon Kirksey has already developed into quite a player on the inside. If we can continue to back-fill with DT depth (I think the great rotation with Small, Brown and Edwards has played a big part in his success), Kirksey has the potential to be an all-conference level guy.

[oleboy41]

DTs are solid, DE's need a lot of work. Wisconsin obliterated our DE's and we've struggled getting pressure on the QB all year. Teams aren't even running up the gut on us they're going off tackle and daring our DE's to do something about it

[Schnoodler]

I think this is an important thing to remember. Everyone is worried about the departing seniors but I think overall the D-line improves.

[Gopher Bandanna Guy]

DTs are solid, DE's need a lot of work. Wisconsin obliterated our DE's and we've struggled getting pressure on the QB all year. Teams aren't even running up the gut on us they're going off tackle and daring our DE's to do something about it

Wisconsin did manhandle our ends, you're right there. Purdue did not however, and the DEs had an effective contain on Bolden most of the game. I don't recall too many runs off tackle going anywhere.

[Bayfieldgopher]

DTs are solid, DE's need a lot of work. Wisconsin obliterated our DE's and we've struggled getting pressure on the QB all year. Teams aren't even running up the gut on us they're going off tackle and daring our DE's to do something about it

Our backside DT's were not much help and got sealed off repeatedly on with that counter play that Wisky ran umpteen times.

[Troy McClure]

The DT's have been pretty good and it was nice to see D.O. back in action last Saturday. Kirksey showed some flashes last year and has played well when he's had the chance this year. I don't think there's much of a drop off when Edwards and Kirksey come in. They could be a force the next two years.

[bankonit]

I don't think there's much of a drop off when Edwards and Kirksey come in. They could be a force the next two years.
Edwards and Kirksey are better than Small and Brown and have much better upside, however I am a fan of Garrett Brown seems like a great kid besides

[gopher7]

DTs are solid, DE's need a lot of work. Wisconsin obliterated our DE's and we've struggled getting pressure on the QB all year. Teams aren't even running up the gut on us they're going off tackle and daring our DE's to do something about itAgree, overall our defensive ends are doing next to nothing in the way of putting pressure on the QBs. As far as run support, I think they're middle of the road. They'll do well against weak offensive lines but struggle badly against good OLs like Wisconsin's.

[Gopherprof]

Glad to see Jacobs stepping up especially.

[Schnoodler]

During Brewster's dismal inaugural season I spotted glimpses of Brown that really had me excited. I predicted he'd start the next year and would do well for us. Everyone thought I was nuts. Turned out they were right, I am nuts. But I was also right. It does happen.

But outside of the strain from patting myself on the back, the point I'm going to make, is that I'm seeing very similar things out of Jacobs. Except I think Jacobs may be a better overall athlete. We may make mistakes next year, but if Hageman can get on the field we may have a very talented and athletic front four. Exciting stuff.

[bankonit]

Garrett Brown started as a freshman under Mason, so predicting that he would be starting as a junior is not really a bold prediction. He was starting as a sophomore during Brewsters 1st season

[Schnoodler]

2006 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Appeared in nine games as a true freshman before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury • drew four consecutive starts against California, Temple, Purdue and Michigan • made six tackles (four solo) on the season • participated in 219 plays • scholar-athlete award winner • earned first letter.

2007 • SOPHOMORE SEASON: Earned playing time in 12 games with three starts • emerged midway into the season in the Gophers’ defensive line rotation and started the final three games of the year • Collected 24 total tackles

Not as you would have it pictured. And if you were on this board then you'd know he wasn't expected to be the starter in 2008.

[oleboy41]

Our backside DT's were not much help and got sealed off repeatedly on with that counter play that Wisky ran umpteen times.

the backside DT generally won't have much of an impact on an off tackle play unless he just blows everything up. In addition to that they were doubling the nose on that play and just going man up on everyone else and nobody could beat a block and the DE's weren't bouncing the play further outside or turning it back in. The DTs played ok against Wisky and they were directly challenging the edges of the D and we couldn't stop them

[bankonit]

Brown started as a freshman and started as a sophomore so it was a real stretch that he would start as a junior?

Last year I predicted that Decker would not only be starting this year but he would also be Webers favorite target

[Schnoodler]

I predict you'll find away to make an even bigger ass of yourself.

[bankonit]

I am just confused as to how predicting a 2 year starter would start in his 3rd year is somehow an outstanding prediction and we should be bowing down to your talent evaluation skills? Can you tell me what the chances are that Adrian Peterson will be starting for the Vikes next year? I think I've seen glimpses of what he can do but people think I am nuts

[Schnoodler]

And I'm right yet once again. And now for another prediction. You'll continue to make an ass out of yourself.

[bankonit]

good one

[GopherinPhilly]

And I'm right yet once again. And now for another prediction. You'll continue to make an ass out of yourself.

Effing Brilliant Post...

[paulser21]

I predict a lot of anger and whiny posts from the newbie.

[Bayfieldgopher]

the backside DT generally won't have much of an impact on an off tackle play unless he just blows everything up. In addition to that they were doubling the nose on that play and just going man up on everyone else and nobody could beat a block and the DE's weren't bouncing the play further outside or turning it back in. The DTs played ok against Wisky and they were directly challenging the edges of the D and we couldn't stop them

I disagree. When I played and coached, the backside DT was taught to read & follow the pulling lineman and provide backside pursuit. Fight or spin out of the pressure/block and release down the LOS as best possible. Wisky did a lot of damage running inside the DE's. Our backside DT wasn;t there or way late.

Same with the SS if he was keying on the two pulling linemen.

[NewEngland_Gold]

since the opening game at Cuse. During the game, I was very impressed by the constant DL rotation by Cosgrove which kept the line fresh in a very hot environment...the line had a lot of energy throughout the game and really wore down the Orange OL during the 2H and the Gs held them scoreless. As I recall, Syracuse did essentially no platooning of personnel, probably a reflection of lack of depth. Brew's approach reminded me a lot of Tubby repeatedly platooning nearly an entire new five during many G BB games last year.

When I got home, I viewed the DVR'd ESPN-cast to get their commentary etc and realized that nearly all the platooning had occurred during time-outs etc which were cut to TV ads. Thus, none of the rotation so obvious to me in the Dome was apparent to fans watching on TV and the ESPN play-by-play crew didn't focus on the personnel changes as they called the game. This might be one reason GHers haven't focused that much on the impressive depth the Gs have been developing in this area.

When I was at the game, I thought the platooning was very NFL-like and demonstated that Brew & Co were determined to develop a good deal of DL depth and that strategy has continued throughout the season to very positive effect. Having fresh legs up front really grinds down an opponent's OL deep into the 3Q and throughout the 4th and makes their qb much more vulnerable...very smart.

[Zeppelin Gopher]

Thanks for ruining the thread guys.

[oleboy41]

I disagree. When I played and coached, the backside DT was taught to read & follow the pulling lineman and provide backside pursuit. Fight or spin out of the pressure/block and release down the LOS as best possible. Wisky did a lot of damage running inside the DE's. Our backside DT wasn;t there or way late.

Same with the SS if he was keying on the two pulling linemen.

you're very right about the backside DT pursuing but my thoughts are that there is a reason teams pull their guards and that's because generally the backside DTs won't be able to make that play down the LOS. I haven't re-watched the Wisky game so I'll take your word for it that they were doing damage inside the ends since I mostly remember them running off tackle on us.

[monk10]

There should be a block back by the center to cut off the angle of the backside DT. Pulling back side linemen should give you the advantage of leverage. The backside DT has to be better at getting on the hip of the pulling guard then the center trying to cut him off.

I'm guessing footwork in college by a center is better then high school, so the DT has to basically beat his block. That isn't too easy when the center has the advantage.