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question:
How good is your defense this year?
— David Carpenter (@DCinLF) August 18, 2022
Obviously the answer to this question depends a lot on your definition of “respectable”. Last year, Ohio State ranked him 59th in the nation in ERA (he was 38th in scoring, 28th in rushing, and 96th in passing). I think at least the rushing defense, and maybe even the scoring, is admirable, and the defensive total straddles the line between middling and disappointing. Clearly, that pass defense was irreparable.
However, to me, whether the defense is “respectable” has little to do with that number, so even if the Buckeye D falls 10 places in the national rankings, the bottom line is somehow more consistent . Good at preventing yardage situations and long passing plays (in the air he ranked 119th nationally in plays giving up 10+ yards), I’m relatively happy with it.
But honestly, a large part of the Buckeyes’ success in Ohio State football in 2022 will depend on whether CJ Stroud and the offense can get anywhere near their 2021 performance highs. in yards and points.
But while the unit was just as historic as last year, its performance saw the team win over its rivals, win a conference title, make it to the college football playoffs, and make it to the national championship. So a return to defensive honor is imperative if OSU wants to achieve some or all of these goals this new season. Luckily, I think Jim Knowles and the rookie defensive coaching staff can make it happen.
On Monday, head coach Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Knowles met with the media after practice as the team moved from a camp mentality to a more in-season approach to practice and preparation. He said he expects the season opener to be ‘go all out’ Notre Dame This should go a long way in starting the season on your right foot.
But as Knowles becomes more detailed about his side of Ball, a clearer picture of what to expect, at least in philosophy, perhaps rather than his still vague general approach and nomenclature, comes into focus. I think we’ve come together.
Knowles said he was able to install about 75% of his defenses during camp, which was more than he expected. He said he doesn’t want to throw everything in pre-season to keep his opponents looking fresh throughout the season.
The new coordinator attributed the quick install to how quickly defensive players were able to pick things up. “They want to be great,” he said. And trust me, Jim.
Knowles is a bit of a bubbly guy, but he’s never struck me as someone prone to exaggerating or blowing smoke for the sake of blowing smoke. His ability was impressive, he says, because I believe in him, and it excites me.
For the past two seasons, the Ohio State defense has felt like it’s in a dead end playing a game of two-handed touches following a very heavy Thanksgiving dinner when the tryptophan effects started to take full hold. rice field. It didn’t seem to be a perfectly formed structure for what they were going to do, and everyone seemed to be a step or two behind or completely out of alignment.
I don’t think that will be the case this season. are they perfect? of course not. Will it take time for the defense to fully adapt to the new system and how the offense will attack it? , I’m not going into the season expecting to be under-planned. In my opinion, it’s a big step towards publicity.
Another thing Knowles discussed at Monday’s press conference was that while defensive line coach Larry Johnson was happy to rotate players up front as usual, when it came to linebackers and (especially) the secondary. , was that he wants the top. Everyone gets the lion’s share of the action.
Certainly, 2021 LB and DB forced some youngsters into action much earlier than they had in the past. In some cases (Denzel Burke, Steele Chambers, Tyrek Williams) it didn’t work out (especially some of them are no longer in the program so I’m not going to call them here ).), but beyond those circumstances, the former coaching staff echoed Johnson’s philosophy, sticking to getting as many players into the game as possible, ready or not. There seemed to be
It often puts people on the field who don’t have the business of playing competitive snaps in unprepared conditions, and it’s much more a coach’s responsibility than a player’s.
Knowles said on Monday it was essential to have the best defensive back in the game to “see it all” from behind the D. Given the circumstances, it’s clear at this point that Knowles believes in putting the best players on the field.
Does all of this warrant a return to Buckeye’s defense in good standing? You will definitely feel better.
Throughout his career, Jim Knowles has been known as the thinking man’s defensive coordinator, so if he’s impressed that a new player understands his defensive plan, that’s good. If is dedicated to sticking with the most prepared and talented players for the majority of the defense’s meaningful snaps, how much more can one ask for to right the wrongs of the previous defensive staff? I don’t know if it’s possible.
So, to answer your question, @DCinLF, I really believe the Buckeye defense is going to be respectable this year. It’s great to boot.
