2019 Defense - Finally Legit after 5 years in the making?

[tylersmyth]

When Duzz came into Pitt we all know about what his defense was at MSU and was supposed to be at Pitt.

Is this the year it finally becomes a top defense in the division 1?

All the players are his and have developed under his watch.

Will Pitt put up a Top 25 Overall Defense this year?

 

[Zeldas Open Roof]

When Duzz came into Pitt we all know about what his defense was at MSU and was supposed to be at Pitt.

Is this the year it finally becomes a top defense in the division 1?

All the players are his and have developed under his watch.

Will Pitt put up a Top 25 Overall Defense this year?

I remember Michigan state fans coming on here after we hired duzz. they said that his defense would give up big plays in the passing game and you'll guys pull your hair out for a few years until he gets his players in the system and you'll love him..

so yeah, they kind of nailed that one perfectly.

 

[Las Panteras]

I must say,

This defense appears to be ready to take the next step.

Hamlin as a seasoned leader. I love Mathis athleticism. We finally have a run stuffer in Reynolds and Paris is.........

Well, Paris has finally arrived.

Let's hope.

 

[pittdan77]

When Duzz came into Pitt we all know about what his defense was at MSU and was supposed to be at Pitt.

Is this the year it finally becomes a top defense in the division 1?

All the players are his and have developed under his watch.

Will Pitt put up a Top 25 Overall Defense this year?

That answer may have more to do with the offense staying on the field.

 

[anon_vmuicqnzlyp3u]

This is the first year where I am actually optimistic about the defense. It's been quite some time. If we get even decent LB play we could have a very stout defense

 

[itsnillertime]

I have a feeling at the peak strength, Pitt’s defense is going to be right up there with Miami and Clemson.

If the offense can show balance then we will be watching Pitt play on championship Saturday again.

 

[PittFanDan17]

We realistically might not give up more than 21 points the entire year. From top to bottom we are stacked with playmakers. Good luck to opposing offenses against us.

 

[Zeldas Open Roof]

the next "step" or evolution of this defense is getting turnovers.. Fumbles are fluke, not sure we have the pass rush yet to get QB sacks/fumbles but I optimistically expect us to finally have the talented DBs to get a few interceptions..

with college football the way it is, I think we can still have opposing qbs put up some passing yards against us.. not the end of the world as long as you stop the run and get turnovers. Make a team one dimensional and get turnovers, you'll win in the ACC coastal..

 

[RaleighPittFan]

We realistically might not give up more than 21 points the entire year. From top to bottom we are stacked with playmakers. Good luck to opposing offenses against us.

I'm guessing you're in either Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, or DC.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legality_of_cannabis_by_U.S._jurisdiction

 

[thebadby2]

That answer may have more to do with the offense staying on the field.

That's certainly a very big part of it. We also have some questions at one DE and all 3 LB spots. Then there's the issue of DL and LB depth.

As usual for Pitt football fans in the offseason, cautious optimism is the right play.

 

[Mr. Monaca]

I'll believe it when I see it. I don't want to hear any promises of how things are going to be different this year. I need to see it. It has been so disappointing watching this defense get shredded and gashed.

IMO the main problem from a personnel standpoint has been the lack of linebacking play. Narduzzi simply hasn't recruited a game-changing athlete at the LB position. Remember last year's starters? A former walk-on, a converted wide receiver and a 1-star. All of them 5th year seniors and all of them Chryst recruits. (All of them apparently really great kids BTW). I don't know why he hasn't been able to recruit at this position b/c he's done fine with defensive linemen and DBs.

Also IMO from a schematic standpoint the problem has been Narduzzi's stubbornness in not deploying nickel and dime configurations in the secondary. That changed a little bit last season, but not enough in my opinion. Also I still think the corners generally play too far off the line of scrimmage in many cases giving up way too much cushion to receivers. And then there's the difficulty we have covering running backs and tight ends who seem to be open on every play. This problem is both schematic and personnel related. Our linebackers don't cover well and we generally seem to be out of position in many cases. There's just no explanation for backs and tight ends to be running loose all over the field.

Sometimes a QB makes a great throw and a receiver makes a tough catch. There's nothing you can do to stop those things. What I can't stand is watching guys running free with 10-20 yards of green grass on all sides around them.

 

[HopeandChangeforAntoons]

I'm guessing you're in either Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, or DC.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legality_of_cannabis_by_U.S._jurisdiction

Or the center of PA. The act is getting old.

 

[Parkview57]

IMO the main problem from a personnel standpoint has been the lack of linebacking play. Narduzzi simply hasn't recruited a game-changing athlete at the LB position.

100% right on, but Pitt may still be able to be a top 25 defense for sure, but a top recruit or two would be huge at some point.

 

[sappycrease]

We'll probably have the best defense in the ACC - too much high end talent out there not to. If Pickett can be at least decent, we have a serious chance this year.

 

[pittdan77]

That's certainly a very big part of it. We also have some questions at one DE and all 3 LB spots. Then there's the issue of DL and LB depth.

As usual for Pitt football fans in the offseason, cautious optimism is the right play.

Well, I was avoiding the obvious because I naturally assumed that pointing out flaws would get me the "troll" treatment.

 

[Jsr862]

Top 30 potential at least. Defense last year wasn't that bad overall. I consider all the 3rd downs the offense didn't not convert on because they couldn't pass and how much the defense was on the field, how they played against ND and games towards the end of the year, even Miami wasn't that bad of a defensive game nor Stanford. UcF game, was ugly.. Penn State the team just gave up and was over it in all 3 phases a few mins into the 3rd qt.

 

[newcfo]

IMO the main problem from a personnel standpoint has been the lack of linebacking play. Narduzzi simply hasn't recruited a game-changing athlete at the LB position. Remember last year's starters? A former walk-on, a converted wide receiver and a 1-star. All of them 5th year seniors and all of them Chryst recruits. (All of them apparently really great kids BTW).

If wirginis was a “1 Star” then there’s really no point in giving these sites any credibility at all. His explosive athleticism was obvious to all but the most novice football observers. Only injuries kept Wirginis from being your game changer.

 

[rmf05]

No excuse for it not to be unless our offense totally blows and puts them in bad spots all year. There isn't much high end talent but tons of solid material to work with. These are all Duz kids. If it doesn't happen this year, we've made a mistake.

 

[MajorMajors]

Seems to me this is the best overall group of DTs and DBs we have had since the glory days...

Plus the DEs have a lot of potential.

Only the LBs don’t jump out, but even they appear to be trending upward.

If we eliminate the assignment screw-ups in the secondary, we will be tough to play against, IMHO.

Go Pitt.

 

[chirurgo]

When Duzz came into Pitt we all know about what his defense was at MSU and was supposed to be at Pitt.

Is this the year it finally becomes a top defense in the division 1?

All the players are his and have developed under his watch.

Will Pitt put up a Top 25 Overall Defense this year?

Great post. Definitely a talent level that has steadily improved/matured. I am still not convinced that this style of defense is appropriate for ACC football. I hope I am wrong about that. If they can’t shut down the pass in cover 1 with the current talent pool, might be time to re-evaluate the defensive philosophy.

 

[thebadby2]

I'll believe it when I see it. I don't want to hear any promises of how things are going to be different this year. I need to see it. It has been so disappointing watching this defense get shredded and gashed.

IMO the main problem from a personnel standpoint has been the lack of linebacking play. Narduzzi simply hasn't recruited a game-changing athlete at the LB position. Remember last year's starters? A former walk-on, a converted wide receiver and a 1-star. All of them 5th year seniors and all of them Chryst recruits. (All of them apparently really great kids BTW). I don't know why he hasn't been able to recruit at this position b/c he's done fine with defensive linemen and DBs.

Also IMO from a schematic standpoint the problem has been Narduzzi's stubbornness in not deploying nickel and dime configurations in the secondary. That changed a little bit last season, but not enough in my opinion. Also I still think the corners generally play too far off the line of scrimmage in many cases giving up way too much cushion to receivers. And then there's the difficulty we have covering running backs and tight ends who seem to be open on every play. This problem is both schematic and personnel related. Our linebackers don't cover well and we generally seem to be out of position in many cases. There's just no explanation for backs and tight ends to be running loose all over the field.

Sometimes a QB makes a great throw and a receiver makes a tough catch. There's nothing you can do to stop those things. What I can't stand is watching guys running free with 10-20 yards of green grass on all sides around them.

Lack of pressure on the QB from the front 4 as a unit (and not just one position) has been a huge problem throughout Duzzi's tenure as well. The back end of the defense can only be as good as the front end.

 

[cashisking884]

I remember Michigan state fans coming on here after we hired duzz. they said that his defense would give up big plays in the passing game and you'll guys pull your hair out for a few years until he gets his players in the system and you'll love him..

so yeah, they kind of nailed that one perfectly.

They at least nailed the first part. We’re still kinda waiting on the love the defense part.

 

[cashisking884]

I'll believe it when I see it. I don't want to hear any promises of how things are going to be different this year. I need to see it. It has been so disappointing watching this defense get shredded and gashed.

IMO the main problem from a personnel standpoint has been the lack of linebacking play. Narduzzi simply hasn't recruited a game-changing athlete at the LB position. Remember last year's starters? A former walk-on, a converted wide receiver and a 1-star. All of them 5th year seniors and all of them Chryst recruits. (All of them apparently really great kids BTW). I don't know why he hasn't been able to recruit at this position b/c he's done fine with defensive linemen and DBs.

Also IMO from a schematic standpoint the problem has been Narduzzi's stubbornness in not deploying nickel and dime configurations in the secondary. That changed a little bit last season, but not enough in my opinion.

Yep. It’s not a coincidence that Miami went from good to very good on D before last season, to elite-ish last season. They ditched a LB and went to a corner-safety hybrid player.
We saw that firsthand. In 2017 we were convinced Pickett was on his way to superstar status because he spent the Miami game making a simple read to whomever was lined up on their outside LB. it’s too easy.

 

[pittdan77]

If wirginis was a “1 Star” then there’s really no point in giving these sites any credibility at all. His explosive athleticism was obvious to all but the most novice football observers. Only injuries kept Wirginis from being your game changer.

Yeah, the NFL can't wait.

 

[pittdan77]

Yep. It’s not a coincidence that Miami went from good to very good on D before last season, to elite-ish last season. They ditched a LB and went to a corner-safety hybrid player.
We saw that firsthand. In 2017 we were convinced Pickett was on his way to superstar status because he spent the Miami game making a simple read to whomever was lined up on their outside LB. it’s too easy.

That's supposedly one of the reasons Pitt lost out on Kwantel Raines. Pitt wanted him to play LB and WVU was recruiting him to play that hybrid safety position.

 

[PittMan2003]

This years defense should be the best of the Narduzzi era but that isn’t saying a lot. If they are good this year then next year they might actually be what we expected when Narduzzi was hired. Should have most back then and if Hamlin can get a medical redshirt watch out.

 

[CCHS82]

I think the "D" can be pretty good this year. As others above have said, if the LBs are OK and we generate a little pass rush, it could be really good! I hope that's not too many "IFs".

 

[daminals76]

Great post. Definitely a talent level that has steadily improved/matured. I am still not convinced that this style of defense is appropriate for ACC football. I hope I am wrong about that. If they can’t shut down the pass in cover 1 with the current talent pool, might be time to re-evaluate the defensive philosophy.

Exactly... it may work in the Little 10, but the ACC is a different beast with better programs, better talent, and much better QB play.

 

[daminals76]

We realistically might not give up more than 21 points the entire year. From top to bottom we are stacked with playmakers. Good luck to opposing offenses against us.

Central Florida?
Syracuse at the Dome?
I think we will still get lit up our fair share unfortunately.

 

[SoufOaklin4Life]

I remember Michigan state fans coming on here after we hired duzz. they said that his defense would give up big plays in the passing game and you'll guys pull your hair out for a few years until he gets his players in the system and you'll love him..

so yeah, they kind of nailed that one perfectly.

I’ll believe it when I see it.

 

[pittmeister]

We realistically might not give up more than 21 points the entire year. From top to bottom we are stacked with playmakers. Good luck to opposing offenses against us.

No life? Get a job so you can pay your momma rent for the basement space she gives you...

 

[Pizzaboy1]

Exactly... it may work in the Little 10, but the ACC is a different beast with better programs, better talent, and much better QB play.

Wow!

 

[Zeldas Open Roof]

I’ll believe it when I see it.

Yeah, I may be getting a tad ahead of myself here saying our De has arrived. I’m optimistically expecting it but you are right. Let’s see it first.

 

[steelcurtain55.]

Question - when we see a 1 back formation, what do we ask our apexed overhangs to do?

I can tell you it's not much different than 90% of what the country plays in the same situation.

That being said, playing a nickel db isn't going to be a drastic change.

The issue lies with the DL more times than not.

 

[daminals76]

Wow!

The truth is a hard pill to swallow huh?

 

[Delpanther]

I'll believe it when I see it. I don't want to hear any promises of how things are going to be different this year. I need to see it. It has been so disappointing watching this defense get shredded and gashed.

IMO the main problem from a personnel standpoint has been the lack of linebacking play. Narduzzi simply hasn't recruited a game-changing athlete at the LB position. Remember last year's starters? A former walk-on, a converted wide receiver and a 1-star. All of them 5th year seniors and all of them Chryst recruits. (All of them apparently really great kids BTW). I don't know why he hasn't been able to recruit at this position b/c he's done fine with defensive linemen and DBs.

Also IMO from a schematic standpoint the problem has been Narduzzi's stubbornness in not deploying nickel and dime configurations in the secondary. That changed a little bit last season, but not enough in my opinion. Also I still think the corners generally play too far off the line of scrimmage in many cases giving up way too much cushion to receivers. And then there's the difficulty we have covering running backs and tight ends who seem to be open on every play. This problem is both schematic and personnel related. Our linebackers don't cover well and we generally seem to be out of position in many cases. There's just no explanation for backs and tight ends to be running loose all over the field.

Sometimes a QB makes a great throw and a receiver makes a tough catch. There's nothing you can do to stop those things. What I can't stand is watching guys running free with 10-20 yards of green grass on all sides around them.

Great post.....you hit on every key point as to why this team's defense has been very frustrating...recruiting, player development, scheme...and the HC's forte is what? Defense....how do you explain that? Against all the levels of competition Pitt has played the last 4 years, we have NEVER seen Pitt's opponents suffer, as you point out, the absolute completely blown coverages and gaffes Pitt's defenses have shown. If the defense doesn't improve by leaps and bounds this year, it's not going to happen given the level of experience this group of starters has.

 

[VincePITT]

Dave Wannstedt 1st season 2005, Pitt's defense was ranked 31st giving up 338 total yards, 2006 87th 363, 2007 5th 297, 2008 27th 317, 2009 23rd 319, 2010 8th 306.
Todd Graham takes over in 2011 35th 351.
Paul Chryst takes over in 2012 17th 330, 2013 34th 367, 2014 33rd 360.
Pat Narduzzi takes over in 2015, 37th 363, 2016 101st 452, 2017 69th 397, 2018 59th 387.
Can Pitt return to the days when Wannstedt's D held teams under 325 total yards?

 

[Delpanther]

the next "step" or evolution of this defense is getting turnovers.. Fumbles are fluke, not sure we have the pass rush yet to get QB sacks/fumbles but I optimistically expect us to finally have the talented DBs to get a few interceptions..

with college football the way it is, I think we can still have opposing qbs put up some passing yards against us.. not the end of the world as long as you stop the run and get turnovers. Make a team one dimensional and get turnovers, you'll win in the ACC coastal..

Play makers force TOs...this D hasn't had a play maker since Juan Price. Weaver is as close to a play maker as Pitt has had and he still flashes hot and cold.

 

[TheChair]

Wannstedt’s D did not play the type of competition that Narduzzi’s D has played game in and game out over multiple seasons ... I think Wannstedt had a great DL with Mick, Shepard, etc. and that his defenses were solid by the end. But I also think the competition level has been different.

 

[Zeldas Open Roof]

Play makers force TOs...this D hasn't had a play maker since Juan Price. Weaver is as close to a play maker as Pitt has had and he still flashes hot and cold.

I agree. Hopefully our safety tandem can make it happen with ford and Hamlin. We haven’t had two good safeties at the same time in a long while.