You know, maybe I’m projecting a bit, but it seems Zeise is a little more down on the defensive coaching in his weekly chat after the UConn game. Not so much of the players so much as the schemes, calls and general competence.
pittfan: Do you think that LB’s cover the wr’s too often in this defense?
Paul Zeise: Yes and I think this defense plays too many soft coverages and it is evident when you see the same routes working in the same spots every single week.
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Tired_of_Losing: Paul, I thought that the defense would come through vs. UCONN, and was very surprised by the performance. 1st half drives of 15, 8, and 9 plays, as compared to the previous week vs. Mich St. Any opinions on what led to what I saw as a breakdown on D?
Paul Zeise: Yes, I thought that Pitt got caught in several coverages and defensive calls that were bad given what Connecticut is capable of doing. I also can’t understand, after last year, how the quarterback scrambling thing wasn’t rectified because that was a big part of it too. The sad thing is, a very good effort by the defensive line was wasted because the back end didn’t take care — or in some cases wasn’t put in position to take care of — its business. Again, this team seems to never be able to do everything well at the same time and that’s a problem.
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Run_the_Ball: Should we be concerned that there were signs of the bad tackling returning last week?
Paul Zeise: Yes, as well as the quarterback scrambling and the fact that second and third and long seem to be very manageable downs for opposing teams again. All of that stuff could have been just a bad game or could be a sign of things to come.
Of course, the issue isn’t whether the beat writers are starting to see the incompetence of Rhoads as no longer acceptable despite his being a “good guy,” but whether Coach Wannstedt does.
This year, Virginia seems to have a much better O-line to allow it to run more effectively.
The line, which has four returning starters and features five players with significant experience, is big and powerful. It is also is mobile and athletic, which means the Panthers could have their hands full trying to stop Virginia’s running game.
And while size usually gives the Panthers trouble, it is the athleticism of the Cavaliers’ offensive line that has Pitt’s defensive coaches most concerned.
Defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads said the Cavaliers are able to do so many different things when they are run-blocking because their linemen move so well. That is why the Panthers not only will have to play physical football, but also smart football.
“That is a huge offensive line,” Rhoads said. “The key to dealing with that offensive line, and really the key to having a chance to be successful against their running game, is how well you can defeat blocks in the open field, especially against 300-pounders that run like skilled athletes.
“They will cut you, they will get on you. If you are going to stop that running game, you will have to get off physical blocks in order to do so.”
Left Tackle Greg Monroe is still questionable for the game, but seems more likely to play now.
The Cavs running game is vital because they still don’t have any receivers. They do have good tight ends, so the safeties and the coverage is going to have to key on them since the TEs have more receptions than the WRs.
This might be the game where the field position works for Pitt. The Cavs punt coverage has been shaky. Not a lot of hang-time on the punts so there is a chance to have some good returns.
Some more love for LeSean McCoy as Gameday lists him #2 among rookie RBs.
