Tressel: Tressel: We need to blitz more (in our third-down package).
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MSU is happy with the pass rush that is being generated from its standard front four.
But the three-DL package (part of the passing-situations nickel defense, known as the "Delta" package in the MSU system) often incorporates a pass-rushing LB as the fourth pass rusher, or a fifth and sixth pass rusher as part of blitz packages.
MSU's third-down defense has not been up to standard thus far this year. Spartan coaches want to get more pressure on the QB on third down, if and when they send blitz packages.
MSU co-defensive coordinator Mike Tressel acknowledged during today's interviews that MSU is blitzing a little less this year when in a standard four-DL personnel group.
But, he said, "With the three-down (linemen) stuff we feel like we do need to blitz more. It hasn’t been quite as successful, and it needs to become (more successful). We need to become better blitzers.
“But quite honestly it has to do with the quarterback you’re facing and the offense you’re facing. If you’re keeping seven in to max protect and only putting three guys on a route, well maybe blitzing isn’t the answer. If you’re facing a quarterback who is really good at drifting away from pressure and buying himself time, then maybe you’re better off dropping and closing windows. So it goes to who the opponent is, but we are definitely focusing on being able to bring that pressure."
But on the occasions when MSU has wanted to get after the QB in passing situations, they don't feel like they have done an adequate job of it yet.
"We don’t feel like we have blitzed up to our potential to this point, especially in that three-down package. So it needs to get better.”
The loss of Ed Davis is being felt in these situations.
“Well Ed Davis was special at that. And before that was Denicos Allen, and before that was Greg Jones at that spot. And we’re still trying to find a dominant person there although if you look back at the film Chris Frey really did put some pressure on the quarterback. It didn’t result in any sacks, per se. But he can put pressure on the quarterback."
I made the point that Frey looks like he is moving pretty fast, bending, and sliding off of blocks. Is it just a matter of time before Frey starts getting home more?
“Yeah, I think so," Tressel said. "There is a comfort level. It’s a memorization defense so anybody who is going out there for the first time, there is a lot of learning to do. So even if it looks like all he’s doing is blitzing off the edge, there are still checks and adjustments that need to be made before you do that.
“That includes anybody on the field. Malik McDowell is getting more reps there; he didn’t do it quite as much last year. But you don’t want that guy thinking. You want that guy to be able to cut it loose. And we’ll get better on third down because it is a focus and our guys accept those challenges and they rise to the occasion.”
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MSU is happy with the pass rush that is being generated from its standard front four.
But the three-DL package (part of the passing-situations nickel defense, known as the "Delta" package in the MSU system) often incorporates a pass-rushing LB as the fourth pass rusher, or a fifth and sixth pass rusher as part of blitz packages.
MSU's third-down defense has not been up to standard thus far this year. Spartan coaches want to get more pressure on the QB on third down, if and when they send blitz packages.
MSU co-defensive coordinator Mike Tressel acknowledged during today's interviews that MSU is blitzing a little less this year when in a standard four-DL personnel group.
But, he said, "With the three-down (linemen) stuff we feel like we do need to blitz more. It hasn’t been quite as successful, and it needs to become (more successful). We need to become better blitzers.
“But quite honestly it has to do with the quarterback you’re facing and the offense you’re facing. If you’re keeping seven in to max protect and only putting three guys on a route, well maybe blitzing isn’t the answer. If you’re facing a quarterback who is really good at drifting away from pressure and buying himself time, then maybe you’re better off dropping and closing windows. So it goes to who the opponent is, but we are definitely focusing on being able to bring that pressure."
But on the occasions when MSU has wanted to get after the QB in passing situations, they don't feel like they have done an adequate job of it yet.
"We don’t feel like we have blitzed up to our potential to this point, especially in that three-down package. So it needs to get better.”
The loss of Ed Davis is being felt in these situations.
“Well Ed Davis was special at that. And before that was Denicos Allen, and before that was Greg Jones at that spot. And we’re still trying to find a dominant person there although if you look back at the film Chris Frey really did put some pressure on the quarterback. It didn’t result in any sacks, per se. But he can put pressure on the quarterback."
I made the point that Frey looks like he is moving pretty fast, bending, and sliding off of blocks. Is it just a matter of time before Frey starts getting home more?
“Yeah, I think so," Tressel said. "There is a comfort level. It’s a memorization defense so anybody who is going out there for the first time, there is a lot of learning to do. So even if it looks like all he’s doing is blitzing off the edge, there are still checks and adjustments that need to be made before you do that.
“That includes anybody on the field. Malik McDowell is getting more reps there; he didn’t do it quite as much last year. But you don’t want that guy thinking. You want that guy to be able to cut it loose. And we’ll get better on third down because it is a focus and our guys accept those challenges and they rise to the occasion.”
