Why Is The Texas Longhorns Defense Bad?
Oct 6, 2012; Austin, TX, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Stedman Bailey (3) catches a touchdown pass during the fourth quarter against Texas Longhorns cornerback Adrian Phillips (17) at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. West Virginia beat Texas 48-45. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-US PRESSWIRE
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The one consistent in Longhorn teams for the past 3 seasons was great defense. The Longhorns defense were ranked in top 15 in all 3 seasons, the highest ranking came in 2009 with the 3rd best defense in the country. Currently the Longhorns are ranked 76th in total defense which is the worst defensive ranking in the past 6 seasons. This is leading to former Longhorns being critical of the Longhorns’ defense.
“100% embarrassed of this Texas defense,” Melton tweeted. “simple a** running plays these guys can’t stop a nosebleed.”
So why is this Texas Longhorn defense so bad?
1. Loss of Senior Leadership.
The loss of 3 seniors were a much bigger lost than the Longhorns anticipated. Blake Gideon, Keenan Robinson and Emmanuel Acho were key leaders last year on defense. Not only did they bring consistency but they were able to understand Manny Diaz’s complex defense. They were never out of position and didn’t miss their tackles. On defense, your front 4 usually doesn’t drop back in coverage and is more focused on getting to the quarterback and blowing up rushing plays. To have the losses at linebacker and in the secondary really handicaps this defense.
2.Lost containment leading to big plays
Here is a highlight film of the 2011 defense.
Then you look at this highlight video against Wyoming and you see they lose containment on quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers.
The only games last year where big plays happened against the Longhorns defense were Oklahoma and Baylor. The only game this year they haven’t given up a big play was New Mexico and the Longhorns still couldn’t stop the quarterbacks on running plays much like they couldn’t stop JW Walsh. The Longhorns are not playing assignment football and are playing a high risk, high reward defense that cost them against West Virginia.
So what can the Texas Longhorns do?
1. Simplify the Scheme.
Whether or not Manny Diaz leaves this season or not, he has to fix this defense. We are at the midway point of the season and the biggest game on the schedule coming this Saturday against the Oklahoma Sooners. This Texas team can beat the Sooners but it needs to shut down their rushing attack. The Sooners can’t dictate this game on their rushing attack because that gives Landry Jones confidence and that’s the one thing you can’t do.
2. Work in some different players.
Mack Brown has already named Mykkele Thompson taking Adrain Phillips spot at Strong Safety so Mack is not going to keep guys out on defense that aren’t producing. The defensive line has been doing well but look for more playing time from true freshmen Dalton Santos and Malcom Brown. Jordan Hicks will play this week even if he isn’t 100% so that will bring a boost to the offense. It’s going to be tough to make huge changes in season but for right now, you need to figure out who are your most consistent players and play them.
After these next two games against Oklahoma and Baylor, the Longhorns play only 1 top 20 offense (Texas Tech) and the average total offense they will play is 69th. The competition will get easier for the defense and when you play the top 3 offenses in the country, it’s hard to be keep yardage down. Don’t expect a huge change in how this defense plays but you should expect better fundamentals.
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