I continue to see the argument by some that the defensive talent is just not the same as it was under Venables. I don't think there is any argument on the DL, so let's leave that position group alone. However our LB and S play has been lacking for several years now despite what I consider some very talented players in those areas. Below are the starters in the National Championship games. Every lineup features some glaring weaknesses that we were able to either squeeze the most out of their ability or masterfully scheme around. The sum was always greater than the parts, not so much anymore.
2015:
Jayron Kearse
TJ Green
Travis Blanks
Ben Boulware
BJ Goodson
2016:
Dorian O'Daniel
Kendall Joseph
Boulware
Jadar Johnson
Van Smith
Ryan Carter
2018:
Kendall Joseph
Tre Lamar
Isaiah Simmons
Tanner Muse
K'Von Wallace
2019:
Isaiah Simmons
Chad Smith
James Skalski
Tanner Muse
K'Von Wallace
Logan Rudolph started at DE!
I'm not seeing a huge differential in physical talent between those teams and the current team. It's coaching.
Development, Scheme, Mentality have all regressed significantly the last 3 years. Changes will be made, but how many is the real question.
2015:
Jayron Kearse
TJ Green
Travis Blanks
Ben Boulware
BJ Goodson
2016:
Dorian O'Daniel
Kendall Joseph
Boulware
Jadar Johnson
Van Smith
Ryan Carter
2018:
Kendall Joseph
Tre Lamar
Isaiah Simmons
Tanner Muse
K'Von Wallace
2019:
Isaiah Simmons
Chad Smith
James Skalski
Tanner Muse
K'Von Wallace
Logan Rudolph started at DE!
I'm not seeing a huge differential in physical talent between those teams and the current team. It's coaching.
Development, Scheme, Mentality have all regressed significantly the last 3 years. Changes will be made, but how many is the real question.
