Texas D-Line Talk

[Had Enough 2083]

2 hours ago, LTtxfan said:

Can't find number of snaps played by each Edge, but on OTF it was mentioned that Justice Finkley has been losing some snaps. 

Vasek and Burke have both been improving... 

Vasek 41

Finkley. 70.  He did not log any snaps versus MSU.

Burke 100

Simmons 123

Sorrell 156

Moore 163

[Da Fino 2783]

2 hours ago, Tylerocks said:

Can someone with more DL experience than me explain why Ethan Burke isn't getting more snaps?

I notice when he's out there.  He makes plays.  Lead the team in sacks and 2nd in TFL's last year.

 

I know it's been touched on above, that teams are getting the ball out quicker etc. but still....what gives?

 

His move is a bull rush. He’s long and big. He’s going to be important later in the season. We haven’t needed that as much in these games where we control games. 

[CastHorn 815]

Vernon is an oiled up rattlesnake inside. I see him in the backfield often. He’s also held up decently in the run. If he can maintain his performance against the meat of our schedule, he might turn himself into an early day three draft pick or higher. His real value is getting after the passer though, he’s dangerous in known passing situations. Alfred is playing a bit out of position in my opinion, but he’s still a plus starter. 

[BurntOrange&White 39934]

4 hours ago, Tylerocks said:

Can someone with more DL experience than me explain why Ethan Burke isn't getting more snaps?

I notice when he's out there.  He makes plays.  Lead the team in sacks and 2nd in TFL's last year.

 

I know it's been touched on above, that teams are getting the ball out quicker etc. but still....what gives?

 

It’s almost like having heavy rotations is happening

[LTtxfan 49287]

7 hours ago, CastHorn said:

 Alfred is playing a bit out of position in my opinion, but he’s still a plus starter. 

Interesting... any more thoughts/details on how Collins should be better utilized??

I've definitely wondered why Collins hasn't shown up more and made some big plays.  

 

[LTtxfan 49287]

Nice to see Alfred Collins play well tonight... 

[Coach pop a bitch 5482]

Thought D played well despite that long drive after td 

[Ghost of Shag 2614]

Apologies if there is a thread for the DL but I couldn’t find one. If so delete thread, ban user, etc…

I have a question about defensive stunts. Our offensive line seems to have struggled against these for the last few years, especially this year, and especially the right side of our line. Florida got a sack off one and Georgia and Vandy used them to get pressure as well.

I rewatched the Florida game and didn’t see us run one stunt. For those with knowledge of that side of the ball, do we run many? If not, is there a reason why? Is there an inherent risk in running stunts? Are the run primarily on passing downs?

Clearly I don’t know shit about fuck so thanks to those who have info on this.

[Codaxx 5792]

22 minutes ago, Ghost of Shag said:

Apologies if there is a thread for the DL but I couldn’t find one. If so delete thread, ban user, etc…

I have a question about defensive stunts. Our offensive line seems to have struggled against these for the last few years, especially this year, and especially the right side of our line. Florida got a sack off one and Georgia and Vandy used them to get pressure as well.

I rewatched the Florida game and didn’t see us run one stunt. For those with knowledge of that side of the ball, do we run many? If not, is there a reason why? Is there an inherent risk in running stunts? Are the run primarily on passing downs?

Clearly I don’t know shit about fuck so thanks to those who have info on this.

The best defense is base defense, if you can play well in it. Todd Orlando still hasnt learned that. 

Stunts do raise the risk of people getting out of their gaps. Offense can catch you in the wrong stunt vs a play and it is RB on Safety in the open field. 

Blitzing is the same way. Like everything in life adding complexity increases the chances for mistakes. 

Texas runs stunts. You will see them in obvious pass situations.  If you are up 42-0 the main goal is not giving up any big plays, so need to run them vs Florida

Edited November 13 by Codaxx

[LTtxfan 49287]

Any word on Vasek availability this week?

[Codaxx 5792]

On 10/20/2024 at 12:23 AM, LTtxfan said:

Nice to see Alfred Collins play well tonight... 

He might quietly be the defensive MVP for the team.

[sidis 9832]

stunts/twists are obviously a nice way to mix up the defensive line rush/run defense and add some confusion to the offensive linemens' reads. but stunts/twists are not a static thing...there are variations of them including fixed vs. read stunts. there are significant risks associated with them in both the run game and passing game but definitely moreso in the run game.

in the run game, the biggest risk is losing gap control and putting a lot of pressure on your linebackers. it has the potential to make a well executed inside counter that would go for four yards go for 20 yards, etc...  it can also have a big impact on run fits and totally undermine them.

they are generally considered to be significantly more effective in defending/rushing the passing game and rely on poor communication and discipline from the offensive line to create big defensive plays (the type we see from campbell and williams routinely). the biggest risk in the passing game along with the run fits is that the rush lanes can get wildly out of whack and breaking contain becomes especially easy. it's extremely risky against vince young, cam ward, johnny manziel, etc...  free ten yards every time because one linebacker can't cover everything. similar risk as an all out blitz that misses and then jalen milroe is running 60 yards down the field by himself.

for the most part, the last two years, PK has had the luxury of having a much better defensive line than the opponent's offensive line straight up and can contain the run game and make the passer uncomfortable while running a base defense. pk is an extremely risk-averse d.c. and if you are just way better than the opponent, then there is no need to roll the dice and increase the risk of giving up an explosive play. pk is pretty consistent that if it is 3rd and 8, he is going to flood the zone and count on his 3-4 rushers creating pressure. sometimes that is very frustrating because some all out blitzes in key moments can wreak havoc but he currently has the dlinemen (and last year) to keep it relatively straight forward and limit the downside potential.

[MuellerHorn 4256]

Just now, Codaxx said:

He might quietly be the defensive MVP for the team.

Does Collins has enough of a statistically dearth past to qualify as the Gaskamp Award this season? I guess not - he wouldn't have "come from nowhere" as CTJ stated as a qualification.

[Codaxx 5792]

Just now, MuellerHorn said:

Does Collins has enough of a statistically dearth past to qualify as the Gaskamp Award this season? I guess not - he wouldn't have "come from nowhere" as CTJ stated as a qualification.

He was actually solid last year, so I am not sure he is eligible. 

[MuellerHorn 4256]

Just now, Codaxx said:

He was actually solid last year, so I am not sure he is eligible. 

Yeah, I agree. Broughton and Collins have seen a huge uptick in production, especially given their original recruiting rankings, but both have been decent contributors in certain games in the past.

So, I guess it must be Juan Davis. However, 6 reception for 34 yards isn't lighting it up; but it's still an exponential increase in terms of his past production.

[LTtxfan 49287]

I expect to see Colin Simmons have a great game lining up at DE vs Arky this Saturday!!! 🤘

 

 

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/texas-longhorns-lb-colin-simmons-semifinalist-for-shaun-alexander-award/ar-AA1tDsC7?ocid=BingNewsSerp

 

Edited November 13 by LTtxfan

[Codaxx 5792]

1 minute ago, MuellerHorn said:

Yeah, I agree. Broughton and Collins have seen a huge uptick in production, especially given their original recruiting rankings, but both have been decent contributors in certain games in the past.

So, I guess it must be Juan Davis. However, 6 reception for 34 yards isn't lighting it up; but it's still an exponential increase in terms of his past production.

Could Texas Longhorns Alfred Collins Be Best Defensive Tackle in The SEC Next Season?

Pro Football Focus recently released its grades for the top returning defensive tackles in the SEC next season, and Collins was among the best of the bunch. Based on last season, Collins received the third-best grade of 79.9, behind only Florida's Joey Slackman (90.5) and Kentucky's Deone Walker (80.6).

 

 

[LTtxfan 49287]

Scipio Tex on Florida Game

Defensive Line

Ball don’t lie, but box scores do. Especially on defense. If you scanned it and saw that #95 Alfred Collins had only two tackles, you might question his impact. As with Mukuba, I picked the right time to highlight Collins’ recent run of dominance. I pointed out that he had a penchant for destroying double teams that led to short yardage stops and his affinity for altering QB throws with his length and pressure.

Alfred singlehandedly created two interceptions with batted balls that led to Texas touchdowns and then added a big 3rd down stop dominating a Florida double team in the red zone for a zero yard gain that prevented Florida from going for it on 4th down. That forced a missed field goal attempt. He contributed directly to a 18-21 point shift. Those two picks led to 14 points and robbing Florida of a 3rd down conversion and an ensuing missed field goal is worth +4 or +7. Pretty good stuff from #95.

Trey Moore had another good game. He had a sack (not credited due to QB getting to the LOS -whatever!), a terrific recognition play on a TE screen, recovered a fumble and was generally all over the field. Back to back weeks of high level play.

Broughton was OK after serving his first half suspension. Neither he or Lole enjoyed the constant double teams and the physicality of their OL as run blockers. Sydir Mitchell got in for ten snaps and had two nice run stuffs. Very happy for him and I hope it’s a building block for doing things right and getting more playing time. Sorrell and Burke had quiet games. Simmons was much more impactful on rewatch than I realized. He’s learning to play the run more honestly and he had two big QB hits on pass rush.

 

[MuellerHorn 4256]

2 minutes ago, Codaxx said:

Could Texas Longhorns Alfred Collins Be Best Defensive Tackle in The SEC Next Season?

Pro Football Focus recently released its grades for the top returning defensive tackles in the SEC next season, and Collins was among the best of the bunch. Based on last season, Collins received the third-best grade of 79.9, behind only Florida's Joey Slackman (90.5) and Kentucky's Deone Walker (80.6).

 

 

Everyone was worried about a drop off this year in IDL play. There has been a fall, but not huge by any degree. I actually think we should be "worried" about next season. There aren't many experienced and productive options right now like there were with Collins and Broughton this season. January is the best, and he'll should be a great piece for the next 2-3 years. However, Texas will absolutely need to pull some good IDL pieces from the portal, and I am confident they will.

[BurntOrange&White 39934]

8 minutes ago, MuellerHorn said:

Everyone was worried about a drop off this year in IDL play. There has been a fall, but not huge by any degree. I actually think we should be "worried" about next season. There aren't many experienced and productive options right now like there were with Collins and Broughton this season. January is the best, and he'll should be a great piece for the next 2-3 years. However, Texas will absolutely need to pull some good IDL pieces from the portal, and I am confident they will.

We went from #1 rush defense to #16 rush defense. We're much better pass defense though so the trade off is 1000% worth it. 

[MuellerHorn 4256]

28 minutes ago, BurntOrange&White said:

We went from #1 rush defense to #16 rush defense. We're much better pass defense though so the trade off is 1000% worth it. 

Agreed.

The improvement in pass defense is also due to myriad factors too: better DB talent, Nansen, and a better pass rushing core of players.

[Had Enough 2083]

31 minutes ago, MuellerHorn said:

Agreed.

The improvement in pass defense is also due to myriad factors too: better DB talent, Nansen, and a better pass rushing core of players.

Likely true, but you failed to mention that the offensive talent/experience/schemes of our opponents are hammered dogshit.  A healthy Barron, a healthier Guilbeau and a more experienced Taaffe aren’t necessarily a more talented bunch.  Their experience has been helpful.

Our depth is off the charts.  We may have just played around a bit against UF cause dudes that hadn’t played that much made 1st half showings.

[MuellerHorn 4256]

5 minutes ago, Had Enough said:

Likely true, but you failed to mention that the offensive talent/experience/schemes of our opponents are hammered dogshit.  A healthy Barron, a healthier Guilbeau and a more experienced Taaffe aren’t necessarily a more talented bunch.  Their experience has been helpful.

Our depth is off the charts.  We may have just played around a bit against UF cause dudes that hadn’t played that much made 1st half showings.

Andrew Mukuba has been a huge talent infusion, and the others have also gotten better/healthy. Like I said, there are myriad factors. I wasn't claiming it was an exhaustive list. Just that the improvement in passing defense wasn't fully attributable to year-to-year differences in the D Line. 

Edited November 13 by MuellerHorn

[BurntOrange&White 39934]

6 minutes ago, Had Enough said:

Likely true, but you failed to mention that the offensive talent/experience/schemes of our opponents are hammered dogshit.  A healthy Barron, a healthier Guilbeau and a more experienced Taaffe aren’t necessarily a more talented bunch.  Their experience has been helpful.

Our depth is off the charts.  We may have just played around a bit against UF cause dudes that hadn’t played that much made 1st half showings.

IMO they're 100% more talented....this was the 9/1/23 depth chart

 

We are improved from a talent and experience standpoint at all positions in the secondary IMO.

 

 

Edited November 13 by BurntOrange&White

[MuellerHorn 4256]

9 minutes ago, BurntOrange&White said:

IMO they're 100% more talented....this was the 9/1/23 depth chart

 

We are improved from a talent and experience standpoint at all positions in the secondary IMO.

 

 

100%

[Had Enough 2083]

3 minutes ago, MuellerHorn said:

Andrew Mukuba has been a huge talent infusion, and the others have also gotten better/healthy. Like I said, there are myriad factors. I wasn't claiming it was an exhaustive list. Just that the improvement in passing defense wasn't fully attributable to year-to-year differences in the D Line. 

He’s faster and quicker.  More so than Crawford I don’t know.  If Mukuba was all that, he’s in the NFL now.  His coverage outweighs his run support.

Michigan, UF we were up before he touched the field.  We played without him versus Vandy.  Complete non-factor versus OU, UTSA, CSU.  His best game was UGA.  That’s ok as the more important games are yet to come.

You did say a myriad of factors. I said likely true and added to it.  The improved health and experience of Barron is a big factor of the improvement.  Taafes experience is a big reason for the improvement.  

[MuellerHorn 4256]

Just now, Had Enough said:

He’s faster and quicker.  More so than Crawford I don’t know.  If Mukuba was all that, he’s in the NFL now.  His coverage outweighs his run support.

Michigan, UF we were up before he touched the field.  We played without him versus Vandy.  Complete non-factor versus OU, UTSA, CSU.  His best game was UGA.  That’s ok as the more important games are yet to come.

You did say a myriad of factors. I said likely true and added to it.  The improved health and experience of Barron is a big factor of the improvement.  Taafes experience is a big reason for the improvement.  

Mukuba is a clear upgrade over Crawford. Crawford was terrible and didn't even know what to do in coverage assignments.

Otherwise, we're on the same page here.

[Had Enough 2083]

15 minutes ago, BurntOrange&White said:

IMO they're 100% more talented the Terrance Brooks, Jerrin Thompson, and Jalon Catalon. I'd probably throw Watts in there too but I'll stick to those 

Its that preconceived notion that you had that Taaffe should never, ever see the field.  Not “talented” enough.  He still has that same “talent.”

Brooks and Watts were both Ohio State recruits, no?  You think they recruit those lacking in talent?  We may get more talented guys, but it’s not that significant a difference.  If you simply want to view traits, Watts had a pretty elite vertical at the combine.  Good agility marks too.  Not high end speed though.
 
There’s a difference in production and talent.  Our biggest production gains are Barron and Taaffe.

We are year 4.  It makes sense that we get a bit better in the scheme, in experience, in talent.  That’s where we are.

[Had Enough 2083]

19 minutes ago, MuellerHorn said:

Mukuba is a clear upgrade over Crawford. Crawford was terrible and didn't even know what to do in coverage assignments.

Otherwise, we're on the same page here.

Crawfords issue was not talent though.  It was more football acumen.  He’s also playing reasonably well this year.  Why the difference?  I don’t know.

My biggest deal is that we play hard.  Hill, Simmons, Moore.  Those dudes just get after it.  Big fan of Barron.  Big win that he returned obviously.

[Royale with cheese 1467]

4 minutes ago, Had Enough said:

Crawfords issue was not talent though.  It was more football acumen.  He’s also playing reasonably well this year.  Why the difference?  I don’t know.

My biggest deal is that we play hard.  Hill, Simmons, Moore.  Those dudes just get after it.  Big fan of Barron.  Big win that he returned obviously.

Big win-win: He helps the D this year and improves his draft stock at the same time. 

[Atticus 3977]

Ohio state definitely recruits guys who don’t pan out. Terrence Brooks would have been one of those had he gone there. Ryan Watts didn’t pan out up there and came here and started at his preferred position. 
 

Football IQ is definitely a talent. We’ve significantly upgraded in that department in the secondary. Not sure how this is even up for debate

[Had Enough 2083]

20 minutes ago, Atticus said:

Ohio state definitely recruits guys who don’t pan out. Terrence Brooks would have been one of those had he gone there. Ryan Watts didn’t pan out up there and came here and started at his preferred position. 
 

Football IQ is definitely a talent. We’ve significantly upgraded in that department in the secondary. Not sure how this is even up for debate

Everyone recruits guys that don’t pan out.  Us too. That’s always been the case.   

Guess that’s a bit of a disconnect.  I did not realize that Taaffe last year was a dumbshit in addition to being slow.  Now all of a sudden he’s neither.  Because the tenor here was that he was not talented with little to no implication of football IQ for those that were vocal.

The 4 most impactful secondary players this year played a lot last year. Williams too.  

It’s just a bit disingenuous that the implication is that dudes who played on two top 10 defenses per DFEI did not have talent.  

 

[LTtxfan 49287]

On 11/13/2024 at 10:55 AM, LTtxfan said:

I expect to see Colin Simmons have a great game lining up at DE vs Arky this Saturday!!! 🤘

 

 

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/texas-longhorns-lb-colin-simmons-semifinalist-for-shaun-alexander-award/ar-AA1tDsC7?ocid=BingNewsSerp

 

HELL YEAH 🤘

[pacman 7359]

2 sacks in first half for Simmons, 1 for Moore, 1 for Collins

[Codaxx 5792]

Collins with 7 tackles, 2TFLs, 1 sack, and a forced fumble.. ridiculous production from a DT 

[Texasrocks 2145]

A forced fumble is always good, but that crushed whatever hope Arkansas had. 

[LTtxfan 49287]

 

[LTtxfan 49287]

Cole Cubelic giving alotta love to Texas D-line, "the most underrated part of this Texas team" 🤘

22min mark

 

[LTtxfan 49287]

Thx for this @satyanash

Scipio Tex on Arky game

Defensive Line

Alfred Collins has spent the last few games making himself a lot of money. The big athletic DT had 7 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, a sack and a critical forced fumble. That sack came against a double team.

 

The hustle and athletic coordination on display there is not normal for a 320 pound man. He’s didn’t happen to hit the ball. That was pure hand-eye coordination. I thought Sorrell played well in real time but he shined even more on rewatch. 7 tackles, a sack, a big QB hit and couple of hurries. Beautiful tackle for loss on an Arkansas stretch play. He also drew a hold.

Trey Moore finally notched an official sack and drew a big holding call. Great hustle. He’s had three consecutive strong weeks of play. Collin Simmons was extremely disruptive when allowed to pin his ears back and go. 2 sacks, both on Arkansas’ weak link right tackle. He had a couple of bad run defense snaps and Arkansas did a good job of getting big bodies on our edges in the second half.

Vernon Broughton was solid inside and had a big hit on Green’s legs as he released an errant ball. Lole gave us good snaps, but Arkansas doubled incessantly and their OL, while untalented, is physical. If there’s a deficiency on our interior DL right now, it’s that we don’t have a fourth interior guy that we really trust.

 

[Post Oak 20251]

 

FWIW

Either Gerry or Bobby said that T.
Savea is redshirting. I don't know if that's to stay here or transfer. 

 

I hadn't heard that before 

[Park Gothic 5047]

1 hour ago, Post Oak said:

 

FWIW

Either Gerry or Bobby said that T.
Savea is redshirting. I don't know if that's to stay here or transfer. 

 

I hadn't heard that before 

Disappointing. He hasn't showed up on our injury reports - maybe he's pissed he's not getting starter reps and decided he wants to try one more year somewhere else? I assume he wants tape for the NFL. 

[LTtxfan 49287]

1 hour ago, Post Oak said:

FWIW... Either Gerry or Bobby said that T.

Savea is redshirting. I don't know if that's to stay here or transfer.   I hadn't heard that before 

When I heard OTF mention the redshirt for Tiaoalii Savea, it was under the premise that he returns to Texas for 2025.  

[Coach pop a bitch 5482]

 

[LTtxfan 49287]

 

[Fondren & Main 6726]

15 hours ago, Coach pop a bitch said: