Thought about Alabama defense

[Biggus Piggus]

One factor Nick Saban discussed at #SECMD15 was a sea change in his defensive philosophy, prompted by the rise of up-tempo offenses. He said that his defenses had been aligned with the NFL, where defenses are designed to employ situational specialists. Against up-tempo offenses, it is impossible for Alabama to substitute for every situation. Moreover, some types of specialists do not have a role defending against spread offenses.

Against Arkansas under Bielema, Alabama's defensive style had been well aligned. The Tide could sub in run stoppers on early downs, go for pass rush and coverage on later downs.

Saban said the Tide had changed its recruiting priorities to bring in players who could stay on the field regardless of the opponent's shifts. Also they have been trying to get DBs who are more coverage oriented. In the past, the Tide played oversized guys in the secondary to improve the run defense.

Do you believe Alabama can remain as good at running its old base defense when it is trying to work in more flexibility to deal with spread, hurry-up offenses? Can Arkansas vary things enough to reduce the effectiveness of the Tide defense on first downs?

If Bama really is attempting a philosophical change on defense, this might be good for Arkansas.

[elksnort]

It's a better opportunity to "out Alabama", Alabama, maybe.

[duckman]

It's a better opportunity to "out Alabama", Alabama, maybe.

We will and that's the plan.  A little story...  During a coaching clinic in my town in year one CBB and strength coach Hebert were in a local establishment enjoying an adult beverage.  A patron asked the question,"How can you beat Bama at their own game."  Before CBB could answer Herbert said "F*** Bama" CBB looked at Herbert, looked at the patron and said "We will do just that."  CBB had a plan then, has a plan now, and it executing it flawlessly.

[Hoggish1]

The trend we seem to be moving to is LBs who can run with the play makers.  Also, our tackling technique has improved to the point we are able to get ball carriers and receivers down on the spot, limiting YACs.

We have  mobile and fast D line.  All of this allows us to stay on the field without outrageous substitution packages.

HUNH is not a problem for us. Saban is just now figuring that our.

[HogWall Jackson]

One factor Nick Saban discussed at #SECMD15 was a sea change in his defensive philosophy, prompted by the rise of up-tempo offenses. He said that his defenses had been aligned with the NFL, where defenses are designed to employ situational specialists. Against up-tempo offenses, it is impossible for Alabama to substitute for every situation. Moreover, some types of specialists do not have a role defending against spread offenses.

Against Arkansas under Bielema, Alabama's defensive style had been well aligned. The Tide could sub in run stoppers on early downs, go for pass rush and coverage on later downs.

Saban said the Tide had changed its recruiting priorities to bring in players who could stay on the field regardless of the opponent's shifts. Also they have been trying to get DBs who are more coverage oriented. In the past, the Tide played oversized guys in the secondary to improve the run defense.

Do you believe Alabama can remain as good at running its old base defense when it is trying to work in more flexibility to deal with spread, hurry-up offenses? Can Arkansas vary things enough to reduce the effectiveness of the Tide defense on first downs?

If Bama really is attempting a philosophical change on defense, this might be good for Arkansas.

Biggus in effect what Saban has done is to recruit 2 separate Defensive Lines, one for the HUNH and one for LSU, Arkansas and GA type teams. His DBs except for his Strong Safety are all better cover guys instead of extra Tacklers. He hqas enough D-linemen to Mix N Match and to substitute by unit. Here's the Deal with Arkansas if Hunter Henry and Jeremy Sprinkle can play in a DBL TE sent much like the Patriots do while adding the passing game to include backs out of the backfield and stretching the secondary with Reed and Hatcher, he then has a whole other problem. If our OL has matured the way I believe it has, CBB hast the Tools to match up with Alabama's Defense on every Down. Our question remains just how long will it take our Defense to Re-place the 'Bermuda Triangle" and play that Excellent Defense we saw the 2nd Half of the Season last year.

I know that I have outlined a "Full Plate" for this year's team but they are achievable destinations and will be interesting to observe the progress.

[Biggus Piggus]

For Arkansas to have a really good season, some opponents are going to have to fall down. Some of these road opponents are going to have to be worse than expected. The only way I see it happening to Alabama = if the offense stumbles.

[ChiTown27]

We will and that's the plan.  A little story...  During a coaching clinic in my town in year one CBB and strength coach Hebert were in a local establishment enjoying an adult beverage.  A patron asked the question,"How can you beat Bama at their own game."  Before CBB could answer Herbert said "F*** Bama" CBB looked at Herbert, looked at the patron and said "We will do just that."  CBB had a plan then, has a plan now, and it executing it flawlessly.

Story of the month. Love this. +1

[HogWall Jackson]

For Arkansas to have a really good season, some opponents are going to have to fall down. Some of these road opponents are going to have to be worse than expected. The only way I see it happening to Alabama = if the offense stumbles.

Biggus I see us winning 9 may be 10 games. The Victims will depend on the outcome of some of those  Road Games. Bama can be had. Most Arkansas fans still do not appreciate how good this Coaching Staff is? Anyone with a Kicker in their pocket? It should be fun.

[The Kig]

Do you believe Alabama can remain as good at running its old base defense when it is trying to work in more flexibility to deal with spread, hurry-up offenses? Can Arkansas vary things enough to reduce the effectiveness of the Tide defense on first downs?

If Bama really is attempting a philosophical change on defense, this might be good for Arkansas.

Changing the foundation of what has worked for him in the past (yielded National Championships and highly ranked defenses) can't be a good thing.  I think his "rut-ro" moment came when Johnny Foozeball came into Tuscaloosa and beat them.  Having Barn beat them (even on a miracle) made him consider whether his personnel could stop that type of offense, especially since several SEC teams seem to be moving in that direction.

Their problems last year on Defense had more to do with them not having the lockdown corners necessary to run his defense effectively than some fundamental shift in philosophy to stop HUNH offenses.  Even the Sugar Bowl loss was significantly influenced by the weaknesses seen all season in the cover corners. 

I guess Bama is one place that could build separate units and still have 4-5* recruits in both schemes, but the bigger problem comes in continuity.  It would be very difficult to practice both enough to become great at both.  One of the things that has made them great in the past was their level of identity as a Defense... which was only gained through repetitions in practice that drove execution on Saturday's. 

I hope Saban is beginning to doubt his philosophy enough to change it... If he does, what I think will happen is that he will find a way to stop those teams, but lose in the long run to teams like Arkansas (LSU and Georgia) who will eventually wear down smaller safeties/LBs. 

[Pig in the Pokey]

We will and that's the plan.  A little story...  During a coaching clinic in my town in year one CBB and strength coach Hebert were in a local establishment enjoying an adult beverage.  A patron asked the question,"How can you beat Bama at their own game."  Before CBB could answer Herbert said "F*** Bama" CBB looked at Herbert, looked at the patron and said "We will do just that."  CBB had a plan then, has a plan now, and it executing it flawlessly.

love this story, Duck

[Pig in the Pokey]

The trend we seem to be moving to is LBs who can run with the play makers.  Also, our tackling technique has improved to the point we are able to get ball carriers and receivers down on the spot, limiting YACs.

We have  mobile and fast D line.  All of this allows us to stay on the field without outrageous substitution packages.

HUNH is not a problem for us. Saban is just now figuring that our.

kirby<robb

[MuskogeeHogFan]

Changing the foundation of what has worked for him in the past (yielded National Championships and highly ranked defenses) can't be a good thing.  I think his "rut-ro" moment came when Johnny Foozeball came into Tuscaloosa and beat them.  Having Barn beat them (even on a miracle) made him consider whether his personnel could stop that type of offense, especially since several SEC teams seem to be moving in that direction.

Their problems last year on Defense had more to do with them not having the lockdown corners necessary to run his defense effectively than some fundamental shift in philosophy to stop HUNH offenses.  Even the Sugar Bowl loss was significantly influenced by the weaknesses seen all season in the cover corners. 

I guess Bama is one place that could build separate units and still have 4-5* recruits in both schemes, but the bigger problem comes in continuity.  It would be very difficult to practice both enough to become great at both.  One of the things that has made them great in the past was their level of identity as a Defense... which was only gained through repetitions in practice that drove execution on Saturday's. 

I hope Saban is beginning to doubt his philosophy enough to change it... If he does, what I think will happen is that he will find a way to stop those teams, but lose in the long run to teams like Arkansas (LSU and Georgia) who will eventually wear down smaller safeties/LBs. 

So while we are discussing Saban's defensive thoughts, here is a Saban coaching clinic for DB play prior to being at Alabama. Long film, but interesting and a great teaching tool. Also clues you into his teaching of DB's (Corners/Safeties) with regard to routes and coverage techniques.

IF, you truly want to learn the theory behind Secondary play, this lays it out as well in an instructional way as I have seen in a video. It is worth your time. Provides a lot of insight into DB play and into Saban's theory as well, which should clue us in as to how to overcome his coverage principles.

https://vimeo.com/68875777

[MuskogeeHogFan]

Bump for those who want to learn about defensive secondary football. Again, this is long but if you want to learn it is worth the time and might help us all understand how we might attack the Alabama defense from an offensive standpoint and perhaps even some of the genius of Robb Smith as our DC. I am sure there are parallels that can be drawn. See the link above.

[The Kig]

Bump again... Truly exceptional. 

CRS has the potential and the stage to show what an intuitive defensive mind can do. 

[MuskogeeHogFan]

Bump again... Truly exceptional. 

CRS has the potential and the stage to show what an intuitive defensive mind can do. 

For folks who have never seen or had access to a coaching clinic where a P-5 HC breaks down his teaching philosophy/strategy, that film clip just lays it all out. We may not like Saban, but this clip reveals that he is a great defensive mind.

[Theolesnort]

Changing the foundation of what has worked for him in the past (yielded National Championships and highly ranked defenses) can't be a good thing.  I think his "rut-ro" moment came when Johnny Foozeball came into Tuscaloosa and beat them.  Having Barn beat them (even on a miracle) made him consider whether his personnel could stop that type of offense, especially since several SEC teams seem to be moving in that direction.

Their problems last year on Defense had more to do with them not having the lockdown corners necessary to run his defense effectively than some fundamental shift in philosophy to stop HUNH offenses.  Even the Sugar Bowl loss was significantly influenced by the weaknesses seen all season in the cover corners. 

I guess Bama is one place that could build separate units and still have 4-5* recruits in both schemes, but the bigger problem comes in continuity.  It would be very difficult to practice both enough to become great at both.  One of the things that has made them great in the past was their level of identity as a Defense... which was only gained through repetitions in practice that drove execution on Saturday's. 

I hope Saban is BEGINNING TO DOUBT his philosophy enough to change it... If he does, what I think will happen is that he will find a way to stop those teams, but lose in the long run to teams like Arkansas (LSU and Georgia) who will eventually wear down smaller safeties/LBs. 

Let's hope so, for sure something is going on. Doubt can be and is a killer. Saban is a aging man who seems to be faltering or at the very least is starting to falter a little now. It happens to us all. If the disparity that the recruiting services say is true that Alabama is now enjoying, then he is losing way to many red letter games the last three years or so. When he said what he said to the media about players going pro affected his game planning then to me cracks are beginning to show in his facade and frustration is mounting. Somehow Bama is not as mentally tough as they were a few years ago and it starts with Saban on down. This is what I think I have observed and I am paying more than the usual attention for more evidence this Fall. I was there to also observe the Bear at Bama and if you remember he faltered too. Yet, the Bear adapted and changed with the times and enjoyed a little more success. Can Saban be like the Bear? I have my doubts.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

One factor Nick Saban discussed at #SECMD15 was a sea change in his defensive philosophy, prompted by the rise of up-tempo offenses. He said that his defenses had been aligned with the NFL, where defenses are designed to employ situational specialists. Against up-tempo offenses, it is impossible for Alabama to substitute for every situation. Moreover, some types of specialists do not have a role defending against spread offenses.

Against Arkansas under Bielema, Alabama's defensive style had been well aligned. The Tide could sub in run stoppers on early downs, go for pass rush and coverage on later downs.

Saban said the Tide had changed its recruiting priorities to bring in players who could stay on the field regardless of the opponent's shifts. Also they have been trying to get DBs who are more coverage oriented. In the past, the Tide played oversized guys in the secondary to improve the run defense.

Do you believe Alabama can remain as good at running its old base defense when it is trying to work in more flexibility to deal with spread, hurry-up offenses? Can Arkansas vary things enough to reduce the effectiveness of the Tide defense on first downs?

If Bama really is attempting a philosophical change on defense, this might be good for Arkansas.

This has been the template for size. Do you really think that is going to change that much?

POSITION     AVG. SIZE of ALABAMA RECRUITS    AVG. SIZE of 247SPORTS' TOP 50 2014 RECRUITS
Cornerback                 6'0"/185 lbs                                         5'11"/178.2 lbs
Safety                        6'1"/196 lbs                                         6'.75"/187.6 lbs
Outside Linebacker      6'3"/229 lbs                                         6'2.25"/215 lbs
Inside Linebacker        6'3"/233 lbs                                         6'1.5"/221.9 lbs
Defensive End             6'4"/259 lbs                                         6'3.75"/241.1 lbs
Defensive Tackle         6'3"/296 lbs                                         6'2.5"/290.1 lbs
Offensive Tackle          6'5"/305 lbs                                         6'5.75"/287 lbs
Interior O-Linemen      6'3"/296 lbs                                         6'3.5"/289.5 lbs
Tight End                    6'5"/236 lbs                                         6'4.5"/224.5 lbs
Wide Receiver             6'1"/185.5 lbs                                      6'1.75"/186.8 lbs
Quarterback                6'3"/198 lbs                                         6'3"/202.4 lbs
All-Purpose Back          6'0"/195 lbs                                         5'9.5"/176.7 lbs
Power Running Back     5'11"/214 lbs                                       5'11.25"/200.7 lbs

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1649924-nick-sabans-secret-recruiting-recipe

[The Kig]

I don't think that he will actively go find shorter/lighter guys, especially on both sides of the line and skill positions. 

Where I think it would show up is in the Safeties and Outside LBs.  Again, it isn't a function of seeking out shorter/lighter guys, but in the process of getting versatility out of some positions (i.e. safeties that are less short yardage run stoppers and more open field guys) they are generally going to be leaner, faster and probably harder to keep/put weight on.