Lets talk about the secondary

[GT98]

To me, the real unknown w/this team is the secondary play. W/respect to the cushion, I think that it was more of a function of the rout being on and to keep the clock running. Yes, there were a few missed assignments, but nothing major.

Hester was/is still nursuing his leg injury. No need to play him much until the Clemson/BYU games where, incidentally, we will find out just how much our D and the secondary has improved.

Houston looked good in practices and we really need him to step up and give us a quality option there. IF Hester, Cox, Houston and ??? are able to rotate in the secondary, that bodes well for us.

This won't be popular and I may get flamed in return for this, but I am concerned about having Rhino in at nickel back. If you notice, Vandy threw in his direction and while he was there to make the play, his size did not allow him to. His heart/courage and desire are unquestionable, but Clemson/BYU and the other better passing teams on our schedule will find that matchup and exploit it repeatedly. Not matter what size your heart is, 5'6" cannot cover a 5' 10" or 6' receiver coming over the middle. I think that putting in Landry/Butler or Nathan Burton (yes, they are safeties) in as a nickel back would be a much better option since they are bigger and faster.

 

[GTTerrific]

Think it was a combination of Hester missing practice and Houston stepping up. I liked what I saw out of Davis on special teams and when he came in as DB too. Man he's got serious speed. See him run down to catch that kick on the ONE. Wow, did he look fast.

When Cox came up and made a great open field tackle on there good wide out Stricker(?) I was one happy camper. That was a good stick and great open field tackle.

They'll have a lot of film to break down and improve off of. Think our secondary has a good chance of being really improved from past years.

We missed some assignments on option a few times, but for the most part they were sharp even with 2nd and 3rd team. Showed good speed on the corner on D.

On one play where they were 3rd and somewhat long, maybe 8 yards, was glad to see Rhino come up as nickle back and hit the reciever while someone else finished him off not getting the first down. That was good D. Two people were where they should have been. Could tell that Rhino was upset he didnt' wrap up, but it was a good lick. Not sure who the other db/safety that finished off the tackle.

 

[kirbee]

Looking into the future, I think our secondary is going to be fine next year. There may be a chance to be even better. Tenuta was known for developing quality NFL DBs at Ohio State. Couple that with what looks to be better atletes, things could get good fast.

Losing those seniors (Muyres, Collins, Hester) will leave a big hole in the experience and leadership catagory. But I think guys like Houston, Butler, Landry, Burton, Cox, etc could potentially be better after they get some experience.

Thoughts? ......

 

[kirbee]

1. Does anyone know why Marvious Hester didn't start? Marvious did play. He just didn't start. Is it because he missed so much practice? Is it because Houston earned the start? Houston looked good to me, BTW.

This is a good thing/bad thing IMO. Good because we develop more depth and having more than 2 good corners is a good thing. Bad because I think Marvious is our best cover guy.

2. I loved seeing Rhino come on in the nickel package on passing downs. I guarantee you this guy is going to make some big plays this year.

The only down side I see to the package is by rotating out a DT we move Gathers inside where he will be doubled.

3. Nathan Burton made a beutiful play on that interception. I thought the pass was going to be complete when the QB threw it. Burton came all the way across the field and dove in front of the receiver to get it. He showed surprising speed. I know Muyres is the man but maybe we could see some more of Nathan?

4. Did anyone notice that neither Muyres nor Collins made a tackle or pass break up? Wow, that had to be the easiest game they ever played. I hope this continues! Let the DL and LBs take care of everything. I remember too many games where Muyres was double digits in tackles.

5. Here is my one picky comment: It seemed to me that our corners were 10 yards off too much. Maybe I don't understand coverages completely, but some of the situations were 3rd and short where maybe a QB could take the snap and throw it right to the WR for a 1st down. But what do I know?

6. Not really a DB, but D. Smith looked like one on his INT. Super athlete, I'm so glad he's back.