Penn State Preview, Part II
The hallmark of any good Penn State team is a smart, tough, aggressive defense. During the 4-7 2004 season, the defense ranked in the top 15 in most statistical categories, and didn't allow more than 21 points in any game. A momentous 4th quarter goal line stand prevented a road loss to Indiana, and some say sparked the Lions to a great 2005 season.
The 2005 defense was a senior-laden group. Led up front by Tamba Hali (now with the KC Chiefs--and officially a US citizen--way to go!!), Matt Rice and Scott Paxon, the defense constantly pressured opposing QBs without blitzing, allowing the linebackers to be aggressive. Oh, and the linebackers were pretty decent, too. More on them later. Gone is the entire starting secondary, with three of the four now playing in the NFL.
Defense:
Defensive Line: Senior Jay Alford returns at one DT spot. Alford notched 8.5 sacks last year, as many opponents double teamed Hali and Rice. Not sure if Alford can duplicate the success he had last year unless the DEs progress. At the other DT spot, Ed Johnson returns from academic problems, and should be the day 1 starter. On the ends, Jim Shaw figures to be an important piece of the puzzle. If these guys can keep the opposing O-line off the linebackers, the D could be scary good again. If not, look for the leading tackler to be a safety...which is never good.
Linebackers: Simply, the best in the nation. I am tired of everyone saying that even though Paul Posluszny won the hardware last year that AJ Hawk was a better linebacker. Hmmm...I thought the awards were given to the best linebacker. Wow, someone made a mistake. No way. Poz was the best in the nation last year, hands down. He even outplayed Hawk in the matchup between the two teams last October. If his knee is 100%--as he and everyone claims--Poz leads the best trio in the country. Dan Connor is a monster on the other outside spot, and Tim Shaw doesn't get the recognition, but is an outstanding MLB. All three should be All-Americans at the end of the year.
Secondary: It's not unreasonable to expect a drop here, as the entire starting secondary from last year had to be replaced. But, it's not like they went searching the streets of Bellefonte for fill ins. This unit has everything...speed, hands, smarts...the only thing they lack? Experience. Justin King returns to the side of the ball for which he was recruited, and must develop into a shut down corner. Tony Davis takes the other side, and Donnie Johnson and Nolan McCready take the safety spots. Like the O-line, if these guys come together quick, the D could be really scary.
Special teams and a season outlook tomorrow...
For the Glory...
The 2005 defense was a senior-laden group. Led up front by Tamba Hali (now with the KC Chiefs--and officially a US citizen--way to go!!), Matt Rice and Scott Paxon, the defense constantly pressured opposing QBs without blitzing, allowing the linebackers to be aggressive. Oh, and the linebackers were pretty decent, too. More on them later. Gone is the entire starting secondary, with three of the four now playing in the NFL.
Defense:
Defensive Line: Senior Jay Alford returns at one DT spot. Alford notched 8.5 sacks last year, as many opponents double teamed Hali and Rice. Not sure if Alford can duplicate the success he had last year unless the DEs progress. At the other DT spot, Ed Johnson returns from academic problems, and should be the day 1 starter. On the ends, Jim Shaw figures to be an important piece of the puzzle. If these guys can keep the opposing O-line off the linebackers, the D could be scary good again. If not, look for the leading tackler to be a safety...which is never good.
Linebackers: Simply, the best in the nation. I am tired of everyone saying that even though Paul Posluszny won the hardware last year that AJ Hawk was a better linebacker. Hmmm...I thought the awards were given to the best linebacker. Wow, someone made a mistake. No way. Poz was the best in the nation last year, hands down. He even outplayed Hawk in the matchup between the two teams last October. If his knee is 100%--as he and everyone claims--Poz leads the best trio in the country. Dan Connor is a monster on the other outside spot, and Tim Shaw doesn't get the recognition, but is an outstanding MLB. All three should be All-Americans at the end of the year.
Secondary: It's not unreasonable to expect a drop here, as the entire starting secondary from last year had to be replaced. But, it's not like they went searching the streets of Bellefonte for fill ins. This unit has everything...speed, hands, smarts...the only thing they lack? Experience. Justin King returns to the side of the ball for which he was recruited, and must develop into a shut down corner. Tony Davis takes the other side, and Donnie Johnson and Nolan McCready take the safety spots. Like the O-line, if these guys come together quick, the D could be really scary.
Special teams and a season outlook tomorrow...
For the Glory...
posted by HappyValley at 5:14 AM
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