It's hard to imagine the D being worse, without injuries. It truly sucked in 2013.
There were problems at LB from the start, but overlooked because we hoped Saint Shazier would save the LBs. He had an incredible season, but not miraculous. There are 3 LBs. Shazier could not be all 3 at once, always, and everywhere. OSU will miss him but expect overall improvement in 1-2 years. More talent is coming...
The secondary was woeful. Worst unit in many years. CB's injury only worsened a bad situation.
The D line was great but failed to control more than 4-6 games. They especially were checked late in the season. That exposed other D weaknesses.
Bottom line: poor D scheme and adjustments allowed other teams to negate OSUs overwhelming advantage on the line. How did OSU respond? Well, I'm still trying to understand the complete fukin lack of response. By next year, perhaps the coaches will have figured that out. Once the Bucks consistently leverage the D line superiority, improvement is given.
socaljd3
HOF - The Coach "John Cooper" Award Winner
after thinking about this, remembering all the games and their soft coverage...i remember seeing first and goal at the 8 and out db's were laying up behind our goal line. I know a lot of teams do this from time to time, but with a decent Dline that we had, why not just play man bump and run? The athletes not quick enough? The bend and don't break....errrrrr, bend and break was just too disheartening all year. I'm befuddled they didn't try something different with the secondary...i mean how worse could it have gotten not to try?
Rumor I heard from a reliable source is that Withers was a constant complainer and didn't get along well with most of the defensive staff, but mainly Fickell. Withers is in love with the cover 4 which explains the huge space we gave the WRs. He was stubborn and not willing to budge. Fickell is old school and likes to play the upperclassmen. This was a bad combination this year.
socaljd3
HOF - The Coach "John Cooper" Award Winner
i blame meyer then...when you see that problem you need to fix it. Easier said than done since we don't know the details, but if there was an issue between the two and conflicting views of philosophy, he needed to step in and squash it.
i blame meyer then...when you see that problem you need to fix it. Easier said than done since we don't know the details, but if there was an issue between the two and conflicting views of philosophy, he needed to step in and squash it.
Did Cincy hack Socal's account?
Thanks for everything Jim!
socaljd3
HOF - The Coach "John Cooper" Award Winner
No, but isn't Meyer the head coach? I think it's ok from time to time to question your own...now, if I start blaming Meyer for Reds inability to hit with RISP, then you'll know i've been hacked.
No, but isn't Meyer the head coach? I think it's ok from time to time to question your own...now, if I start blaming Meyer for Reds inability to hit with RISP, then you'll know i've been hacked.
Ultimately it is Urban's responsibility, but there are really too many unknowns about the situation. Having a boss that micro manages can be as detrimental if not worse. Urban has to be able to trust the coaches he has under him and let them do their jobs. Not every employee gets along or share the same ideas. Urban's not a babysitter and sounds like this is what was needed with Wither's. Urban did a great job taking care of the problem. Wither's out, Ash in.