Thanks for the write up Nick. It's a solid review. Btw, I never thanked you for the Offensive Preview. That was solid as well. I appreciate the effort and research you put into these write ups.
"That tells you that the defense kept receivers from getting behind them, but also immediately tackled anybody who caught a ball underneath." Is there a way to look at Yards After Catch of our OPPONENTS to quantify this statement? I love that it's true and you hear Coach Sirmon focus/harp on tackling drills/skills, but it seems the lack of big play could be attributed to the former (keeping receivers from getting behind them) more so than tackling quickly. Thanks.
Sadly, no. I'm not aware of any website that catalogs yards after the catch. I'm mostly extrapolating from Cal's pass defense component stats. When you allow a really high completion percentage but a really low yards/catch, that means that either you're tackling really well, or your opponent is throwing really, really short throws, or more likely both. So much of modern offenses are about getting the ball out quickly on short routes and letting receivers make plays in space, but the numbers strongly indicate Cal limited YAC damage.
First, thank you for the analysis. Needed that. Second, ugh. Makes clear what had been my suspicions. I still like our coaches better than most, but the drop off from starters to freshman will be significant, no matter the talent.
Thanks for the thorough analysis and write-up. I certainly hope we can maintain, at least, last year's level of prowess but it will be tough to replace tackling machine Evan Weaver. I think the secondary will end up being a strength as Scott and Anusiem played well towards the end of the season.
I hesitate to attach a percentage, but Cal certainly played their nickel package a ton last year. A relevant question is, when Cal plays 5 defensive backs, would you call the resulting formation a 2-4-5 or a 3-3-5? In many cases one of the outside linebackers would more or less line up as a stand-up rush defensive end. Ultimately, defenses have all evolved in this hybrid direction as modern offenses force every player on the field to defend in space.
In short, I'm sure Cal will play a 2-4-5/3-3-5 on obvious passing downs, or against air raid/spread based offenses, although they won't see as much of that with the shortened schedule this year.
Another great friggin' write-up. Thanks Nick!
Thanks for the write up Nick. It's a solid review. Btw, I never thanked you for the Offensive Preview. That was solid as well. I appreciate the effort and research you put into these write ups.
Great write up as always...Gracias! Go Bears!
Thanks, Nick!
"That tells you that the defense kept receivers from getting behind them, but also immediately tackled anybody who caught a ball underneath." Is there a way to look at Yards After Catch of our OPPONENTS to quantify this statement? I love that it's true and you hear Coach Sirmon focus/harp on tackling drills/skills, but it seems the lack of big play could be attributed to the former (keeping receivers from getting behind them) more so than tackling quickly. Thanks.
Sadly, no. I'm not aware of any website that catalogs yards after the catch. I'm mostly extrapolating from Cal's pass defense component stats. When you allow a really high completion percentage but a really low yards/catch, that means that either you're tackling really well, or your opponent is throwing really, really short throws, or more likely both. So much of modern offenses are about getting the ball out quickly on short routes and letting receivers make plays in space, but the numbers strongly indicate Cal limited YAC damage.
First, thank you for the analysis. Needed that. Second, ugh. Makes clear what had been my suspicions. I still like our coaches better than most, but the drop off from starters to freshman will be significant, no matter the talent.
Thanks for the thorough analysis and write-up. I certainly hope we can maintain, at least, last year's level of prowess but it will be tough to replace tackling machine Evan Weaver. I think the secondary will end up being a strength as Scott and Anusiem played well towards the end of the season.
No.
I hesitate to attach a percentage, but Cal certainly played their nickel package a ton last year. A relevant question is, when Cal plays 5 defensive backs, would you call the resulting formation a 2-4-5 or a 3-3-5? In many cases one of the outside linebackers would more or less line up as a stand-up rush defensive end. Ultimately, defenses have all evolved in this hybrid direction as modern offenses force every player on the field to defend in space.
In short, I'm sure Cal will play a 2-4-5/3-3-5 on obvious passing downs, or against air raid/spread based offenses, although they won't see as much of that with the shortened schedule this year.