Josh Dooley
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You’re Nuts: Creating specific defensive packages for Ohio State
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Buckeyes’ base defense should be excellent, but there is too much talent on this roster to not experiment a little.
As preseason camp begins this week, Land-Grant Holy Land is diving into its final theme every week of the off-season. This week is all about making predictions that may or may not be reasonable, in fact, some might say they are bold. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ”Bold Predictions” articles here.
Everybody knows that one of the best parts of being a sports fan is debating and dissecting the most (and least) important questions in the sporting world with your friends. So, we’re bringing that to the pages of LGHL with our favorite head-to-head column: You’re Nuts.
In You’re Nuts, two LGHL staff members will take differing sides of one question and argue their opinions passionately. Then, in the end, it’s up to you to determine who’s right and who’s nuts.
As the Ohio State football team kicks off its second full week of fall camp/practice, Ryan Day and his staff are likely nearing decision time on or as it pertains to a handful of key position battles.
Quarterback is the most talked about and perhaps most important of said battles, however, I would argue that January’s “acquisition” of Will Howard kinda, sorta pre-determined the outcome. Day and Co. just needed confirmation, which seems to have been provided by Howard throughout the spring and early summer via his work ethic, leadership, and increased/improved knowledge of Chip Kelly’s offense.
That leaves questions along the offensive line (insert “it’s been 84 years” meme from Titanic), as well as at tight end and linebacker. And while it can be fun to debate or discuss these battles, at some point, doing so just seems redundant. Plus, I am of the opinion that OSU will be fine regardless of who wins some of these position battles.
Gene may or may not share the same opinion, but my writing partner at least agreed with the redundancy piece, which led him to suggest a spin on the ol’ position battle argument. And I was more than happy to oblige. He basically asked, “What if we forget about which players will win predetermined roles, and instead discussed changing or tweaking those roles?”
He then drilled down further and focused on the Buckeyes’ defense. He said, “Forget about which guy(s) you think wins the current LB2 or backup Nickel battle... Who would you put where, if you had the option to determine depth AND tweak any or all roles?”
This was music to my ears, and hopefully I haven’t lost you. Essentially, Gene and I decided to discuss who we would choose for, or insert into, Ohio State’s starting defensive lineup in a specific package or role. I don’t think either one of us wants to fundamentally change what Jim Knowles has implemented in Columbus, but who knows. Maybe Gene wants OSU to run a traditional 3-4. Let’s (finally) dig in.
If I were making defensive decisions – or acting as Knowles’ Co-DC, with freedom and influence – I actually wouldn’t change much at all. I love what the Buckeyes are doing. However, I would like to see a super-charged pass rush from time to time. A real “Rushmen” front, combined with Knowles’ (current) preferred alignment.
Without further ado, my contribution to today’s installment of You’re Nuts, is a plea for Knowles, Larry Johnson, and Ohio State to put six of its biggest, fastest, freakiest “big men” on the field... At the same time. This proposed group might not be the most disciplined or most experienced group of all time; however, I think it would be fun as hell on occasion. For the Buckeyes and their fans, not opponents.
To begin forming this lineup or special package, I would move J.T. Tuimolou inside. He has flashed occasional brilliance as a pass rusher, but 10 sacks in three seasons isn’t enough for me to keep him on the edge. Plus, I genuinely believe that Tuimoloau could and would be an absolute menace inside, next to a guy in Tyleik Williams who consistently requires double teams.
With Tuimoloau and Williams forming my DT duo, I would look to put Kenyatta Jackson and/or Caden Curry on the outside, opposite (obviously) Jack Sawyer. I’m high on both third-year players, so I don’t really have a preference. I think either is capable of replacing Tuimoloau’s pass rush presence, and that’s all I really care about with this group. Jackson and Curry would not be asked to set the edge and/or play contain in this scenario. Their one job would be to get after the opposing quarterback.
At linebacker, I’m just going with the two freakiest, most athletic options. Sonny Styles and C.J. Hicks would be by guys, experience be damned. Because remember, this is a special, situational sub-package. And I would still have five studs in the secondary acting as our last line of defense.
Top subs for my sub-package would be guys not currently projected near the top of Ohio State’s depth chart. This is no shot at Cody Simon and/or Ty Hamilton, but I am going pure upside. DE is covered by the trio I mentioned earlier, so at DT3 (behind Tuimoloau and Williams), give me Jason Moore. The latter has apparently had a great offseason, and at 6-foot-6, 305 pounds, he’s exactly the type of freaky athlete I’m looking for.
And then at LB3, I’m rolling out Arvell Reese. Another guy who has apparently had a strong year plus in the program, I would feel confident throwing him out there and just saying “see ball, get ball”.
Of course, this group would probably miss some assignments and be prone to the occasional big play, but OSU still has the luxury of the best secondary in college football! And we’re talking about a fake scenario, so I can do whatever I want.
I believe that the group above would be an absolute nightmare for opposing offenses. They are, pound-for-pound, nine of the best athletes on Ohio State’s entire roster. They would pack a ferocious pass-rushing presence, while also giving the Buckeyes flexibility to defend the run, option, short passing game, etc.
All freaks, all the time, Gene. That’s my motto in life and football.
This idea for a topic came to me after reading through a bunch of the preseason coverage of Ohio State’s camp thus far. While some of the big names you’d expect have shown out in the early goings of practice, there have also been some standouts among guys that aren’t expected to be in starting roles this season. The two in particular that have caught my eye are C.J. Hicks and Jermaine Mathews Jr., so I wanted to create a package to get them both on the field at the same time.
In doing so, I have created what I believe would be the Buckeyes’ ideal sub package on a third-and-long. This package could be used on really any obvious passing down, and would give Ohio State both a dominant pass rush as a well a shutdown secondary. It would also incorporate the JACK position that we have yet to see with any sort of consistency during Jim Knowles’ tenure in Columbus.
Starting up front, this package utilizes three down linemen in J.T. Tuimoloau, Tyleik Williams and Jack Sawyer. No slight to any of the defensive tackles here, but I’m taking one of them off the field in order to play Hicks at the JACK position lined up either next to Tuimoloau or Sawyer. Hicks, whom coaches have said is potentially one of their best pass rushers, would be able to get after the quarterback, or in certain situations drop back into coverage to further confuse opposing offenses.
Since this is a package to prevent the pass, there will be just one true linebacker on the field in addition to Hicks, who if dropping back acts as your second linebacker. That player could be either Sonny Styles or Cody Simon — the expected starting duo at the position — although I'd give the nod to Styles as he as gotten more reps in coverage having come over from the safety spot.
This then allows me to put six defensive backs on the field, with the usual three safety spots manned by Caleb Downs and Lathan Ransom with Jordan Hancock at the nickel. At corner, the starting duo of Denzel Burke and Davison Igbinosun are accompanied by Mathews Jr., who after getting reps this offseason at the nickel can play coverage both on the inside and outside. Goodluck to any quarterback attempting to complete a pass against this large group of extremely talented DBs.
I would love to see this package from Ohio State on obvious passing downs, and I don't think it is out of the realm of possibility that we do see something like it this season. The Buckeyes are at least two deep at virtually every position on the defense, and it would make little sense not to try and make the most of it by utilizing multiple different packages to get everyone on the field. Hicks and Mathews, especially, are too good not to play, and this type of scheme could put both of their skillsets on display.
Continue reading...
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Buckeyes’ base defense should be excellent, but there is too much talent on this roster to not experiment a little.
As preseason camp begins this week, Land-Grant Holy Land is diving into its final theme every week of the off-season. This week is all about making predictions that may or may not be reasonable, in fact, some might say they are bold. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ”Bold Predictions” articles here.
Everybody knows that one of the best parts of being a sports fan is debating and dissecting the most (and least) important questions in the sporting world with your friends. So, we’re bringing that to the pages of LGHL with our favorite head-to-head column: You’re Nuts.
In You’re Nuts, two LGHL staff members will take differing sides of one question and argue their opinions passionately. Then, in the end, it’s up to you to determine who’s right and who’s nuts.
This week’s topic: Creating specific defensive packages for Ohio State
Josh’s Take
As the Ohio State football team kicks off its second full week of fall camp/practice, Ryan Day and his staff are likely nearing decision time on or as it pertains to a handful of key position battles.
Quarterback is the most talked about and perhaps most important of said battles, however, I would argue that January’s “acquisition” of Will Howard kinda, sorta pre-determined the outcome. Day and Co. just needed confirmation, which seems to have been provided by Howard throughout the spring and early summer via his work ethic, leadership, and increased/improved knowledge of Chip Kelly’s offense.
That leaves questions along the offensive line (insert “it’s been 84 years” meme from Titanic), as well as at tight end and linebacker. And while it can be fun to debate or discuss these battles, at some point, doing so just seems redundant. Plus, I am of the opinion that OSU will be fine regardless of who wins some of these position battles.
Gene may or may not share the same opinion, but my writing partner at least agreed with the redundancy piece, which led him to suggest a spin on the ol’ position battle argument. And I was more than happy to oblige. He basically asked, “What if we forget about which players will win predetermined roles, and instead discussed changing or tweaking those roles?”
He then drilled down further and focused on the Buckeyes’ defense. He said, “Forget about which guy(s) you think wins the current LB2 or backup Nickel battle... Who would you put where, if you had the option to determine depth AND tweak any or all roles?”
This was music to my ears, and hopefully I haven’t lost you. Essentially, Gene and I decided to discuss who we would choose for, or insert into, Ohio State’s starting defensive lineup in a specific package or role. I don’t think either one of us wants to fundamentally change what Jim Knowles has implemented in Columbus, but who knows. Maybe Gene wants OSU to run a traditional 3-4. Let’s (finally) dig in.
If I were making defensive decisions – or acting as Knowles’ Co-DC, with freedom and influence – I actually wouldn’t change much at all. I love what the Buckeyes are doing. However, I would like to see a super-charged pass rush from time to time. A real “Rushmen” front, combined with Knowles’ (current) preferred alignment.
Without further ado, my contribution to today’s installment of You’re Nuts, is a plea for Knowles, Larry Johnson, and Ohio State to put six of its biggest, fastest, freakiest “big men” on the field... At the same time. This proposed group might not be the most disciplined or most experienced group of all time; however, I think it would be fun as hell on occasion. For the Buckeyes and their fans, not opponents.
To begin forming this lineup or special package, I would move J.T. Tuimolou inside. He has flashed occasional brilliance as a pass rusher, but 10 sacks in three seasons isn’t enough for me to keep him on the edge. Plus, I genuinely believe that Tuimoloau could and would be an absolute menace inside, next to a guy in Tyleik Williams who consistently requires double teams.
With Tuimoloau and Williams forming my DT duo, I would look to put Kenyatta Jackson and/or Caden Curry on the outside, opposite (obviously) Jack Sawyer. I’m high on both third-year players, so I don’t really have a preference. I think either is capable of replacing Tuimoloau’s pass rush presence, and that’s all I really care about with this group. Jackson and Curry would not be asked to set the edge and/or play contain in this scenario. Their one job would be to get after the opposing quarterback.
At linebacker, I’m just going with the two freakiest, most athletic options. Sonny Styles and C.J. Hicks would be by guys, experience be damned. Because remember, this is a special, situational sub-package. And I would still have five studs in the secondary acting as our last line of defense.
Top subs for my sub-package would be guys not currently projected near the top of Ohio State’s depth chart. This is no shot at Cody Simon and/or Ty Hamilton, but I am going pure upside. DE is covered by the trio I mentioned earlier, so at DT3 (behind Tuimoloau and Williams), give me Jason Moore. The latter has apparently had a great offseason, and at 6-foot-6, 305 pounds, he’s exactly the type of freaky athlete I’m looking for.
And then at LB3, I’m rolling out Arvell Reese. Another guy who has apparently had a strong year plus in the program, I would feel confident throwing him out there and just saying “see ball, get ball”.
Of course, this group would probably miss some assignments and be prone to the occasional big play, but OSU still has the luxury of the best secondary in college football! And we’re talking about a fake scenario, so I can do whatever I want.
I believe that the group above would be an absolute nightmare for opposing offenses. They are, pound-for-pound, nine of the best athletes on Ohio State’s entire roster. They would pack a ferocious pass-rushing presence, while also giving the Buckeyes flexibility to defend the run, option, short passing game, etc.
All freaks, all the time, Gene. That’s my motto in life and football.
Gene’s Take
This idea for a topic came to me after reading through a bunch of the preseason coverage of Ohio State’s camp thus far. While some of the big names you’d expect have shown out in the early goings of practice, there have also been some standouts among guys that aren’t expected to be in starting roles this season. The two in particular that have caught my eye are C.J. Hicks and Jermaine Mathews Jr., so I wanted to create a package to get them both on the field at the same time.
In doing so, I have created what I believe would be the Buckeyes’ ideal sub package on a third-and-long. This package could be used on really any obvious passing down, and would give Ohio State both a dominant pass rush as a well a shutdown secondary. It would also incorporate the JACK position that we have yet to see with any sort of consistency during Jim Knowles’ tenure in Columbus.
Starting up front, this package utilizes three down linemen in J.T. Tuimoloau, Tyleik Williams and Jack Sawyer. No slight to any of the defensive tackles here, but I’m taking one of them off the field in order to play Hicks at the JACK position lined up either next to Tuimoloau or Sawyer. Hicks, whom coaches have said is potentially one of their best pass rushers, would be able to get after the quarterback, or in certain situations drop back into coverage to further confuse opposing offenses.
Since this is a package to prevent the pass, there will be just one true linebacker on the field in addition to Hicks, who if dropping back acts as your second linebacker. That player could be either Sonny Styles or Cody Simon — the expected starting duo at the position — although I'd give the nod to Styles as he as gotten more reps in coverage having come over from the safety spot.
This then allows me to put six defensive backs on the field, with the usual three safety spots manned by Caleb Downs and Lathan Ransom with Jordan Hancock at the nickel. At corner, the starting duo of Denzel Burke and Davison Igbinosun are accompanied by Mathews Jr., who after getting reps this offseason at the nickel can play coverage both on the inside and outside. Goodluck to any quarterback attempting to complete a pass against this large group of extremely talented DBs.
I would love to see this package from Ohio State on obvious passing downs, and I don't think it is out of the realm of possibility that we do see something like it this season. The Buckeyes are at least two deep at virtually every position on the defense, and it would make little sense not to try and make the most of it by utilizing multiple different packages to get everyone on the field. Hicks and Mathews, especially, are too good not to play, and this type of scheme could put both of their skillsets on display.
Continue reading...