Defensive staff

[BraveCajun]

I can't tell if that was sarcastic or not. He may know Xs and Os (I can't tell to be truthful) but his dogged determination to play press man in all circumstances, and failure to adjust after failing at it so early and so often calls your statement into question. Further, that his D lineman cannot get off of blocks makes me wonder what you are seeing that I am not.

For the life of me, I can't understand why UL constantly plays with only 3 DL. It didn't work last year when they had two of the best DL (Ringo and Juice) in ULs recent history. I thought HUD might have recognized this issue when the Cajuns switched to a 4 man front during the bowl game and wrecked shop. I understand that LB crew is suppose to be our strength but the evidence is clear to anyone with a pair of eyes. A 34 scheme only works when you a dominant NT and those players typically don't land outside a P5 school.

[ManAboutTown]

I can't tell if that was sarcastic or not. He may know Xs and Os (I can't tell to be truthful) but his dogged determination to play press man in all circumstances, and failure to adjust after failing at it so early and so often calls your statement into question. Further, that his D lineman cannot get off of blocks makes me wonder what you are seeing that I am not.

Well when Smith was hired he told you he was going to play attacking style defense. Everyone in Lafayette was calling for it at the time, including me. I like the defensive scheme a lot. And if you haven't noticed, he has mixed in zone several times this year, only to find his players are LOST and have no idea what assignment football means. And again, injuries have crippled the scheme.

The idea of the 3 down lineman is not really accurate, because we almost always use and edge rusher. So yes, it's technically a 3 man front, but no, it doesn't work like one. We simply do not have the horses at DL.

Melvin Smith knows what he's doing.

[GeauxCajuns]

Well when Smith was hired he told you he was going to play attacking style defense. Everyone in Lafayette was calling for it at the time, including me. I like the defensive scheme a lot. And if you haven't noticed, he has mixed in zone several times this year, only to find his players are LOST and have no idea what assignment football means. And again, injuries have crippled the scheme.

The idea of the 3 down lineman is not really accurate, because we almost always use and edge rusher. So yes, it's technically a 3 man front, but no, it doesn't work like one. We simply do not have the horses at DL.

Melvin Smith knows what he's doing.

who's fault is this, if it isnt his?

[ManAboutTown]

who's fault is this, if it isnt his?

Which quote are you referencing? On my phone, can't see it.

[Lexhead]

who's fault is this, if it isnt his?

I am lining up behind @GeauxCajuns on this one. What I am seeing is fundamental failures. Bad tackling (yeah, I know they were going for strips), inability to shuck blocks against some really questionable talent (there is no excuse for that), and bad bad bad coverage. Those are failures in recruiting (not Smith's fault) and/or really bad coaching (Smith's fault).

[ManAboutTown]

I am lining up behind @GeauxCajuns on this one. What I am seeing is fundamental failures. Bad tackling (yeah, I know they were going for strips), inability to shuck blocks against some really questionable talent (there is no excuse for that), and bad bad bad coverage. Those are failures in recruiting (not Smith's fault) and/or really bad coaching (Smith's fault).

Ok, this is one case study, but I think it's apt. Microcosm of the problem.

Tracy Walker suffers from what im calling the "Vaccarro effect". Walker comes, looks really good in his first year, becomes a real difference maker down the stretch of the year in '15. Then shows up this year looking like he's never played organized football before. Is that Melvin Smiths fault?

How about this one: Darzil Washington. Everyone that knew anything was telling y'all, Darzil would be the X-factor. He's been unable to stay on the field. Smiths fault?

Simien Thomas: Smith told everyone that would listen, Thomas was a key piece because he could shut down one side of the field, and would allow Smith to run his system the way it was designed to be run. Eligibility issues... Smiths fault?

Briscoe, Lee, Kidd: All were highly touted and potential was seen in all. They had never been relied upon and that was understood. The idea was that they would develop as the season progressed. Is has not happened, mostly because of self discipline issues. Smiths fault?

There are more.

[GeauxCajuns]

Which quote are you referencing? On my phone, can't see it.

MAT - " only to find his players are LOST and have no idea what assignment football means"

that was you in regards to smith.
i asked whose fault it was that his players are lost and have no idea what assignment football means

[ManAboutTown]

MAT - " only to find his players are LOST and have no idea what assignment football means"

that was you in regards to smith.
i asked whose fault it was that his players are lost and have no idea what assignment football means

Exactly. Just like last year. Or any other year under James Willis. My point is, we've had to reteach these players scheme and assignment. And many of them are not starters. That's a bad combo. And no, I'm not hanging that on Melvin Smith. If this was year 3, then absolutely I would.

[Turbine]

Which quote are you referencing? On my phone, can't see it.

A fix is coming soooomday.

[Bigbuf]

attacking style defense. Everyone in Lafayette was calling for it at the time, including me.

injuries have crippled the scheme.

We simply do not have the horses at DL.

I think that the offensive and defensive issues begin on their respective lines. The mix of injuries, unexpected non performers and youth of the team (including coaches in the sense that the player and coaches need time together) has crippled the team.

Just when they start to gel someone has to go in due to injury which throws things off.

We have talent...they just cant seem to stay on the field long enough to get the chance thrive.

I do not think this seasons issues fall on one group;HC, DC, OC, position, players, offense or defense more than another. Fans wanted the attacking D and got it, just cant keep people on the field. We all wanted the O to light it up but with a young pieced together line its hard to get in the grove.

It has been a really tough year!