The House of Blue

This is what we do, excepting we don't do the 'or' part - we do both.

If a coach runs a 4-3 "under" — four defensive linemen, three linebackers shifted into an "under" look — he stays with the same playbook but swaps out a defensive end for an "elephant" hybrid end/linebacker or a SAM linebacker for a hybrid-safety type. With those changes, what was once staid and predictable becomes more difficult to scheme around. There's less certainty about who's rushing and who's staying in coverage. These athletic hybrid defenders are allowing old defensive coordinators to maintain the basic systems they know while learning a few new tricks in the meantime.

I am super impressed by Minter as well. AND he has excellent people with him. Turner, Smith and Cassity are top notch. And even though Steve Brown was Buzz Bakers friend , I think that Mike Cassity is going to make a huge difference in our secondary. I hope he gets his kid to play like he did because he was SOOOO fun to watch. He would knock your head off !

Think now that the guys are more clear on their roles and responsibilities in the defense, I think you'll see them play faster and more instinctive this season.

Grantland is pretty much awesome. I know this is OT, but here is a great read on former pro wrestler turned actor Kevin Nash.

I've said all along that I love the Rick Minter hire. I hated Steve Brown's passive..bend dont break style...a style that doesnt work..unless you ave a offense that can score 30 plus pts a game..a feat thats very hard to accomplish in the SEC. Minter's defense is very similar to the best defenses in the NFL and college..look at the Ravens..the Steelers..look at Bama...you put 3 big down linemen that est up blockers like cheeseburgers..and you move your rushers back off the ball and give them a standing start...your OLB's in the 3-4 are your basic DE's in a 4-3..you want 6'3 to 6'6 240-250lb guys running in the 4.6 range."Dupree fits the bill..I think Ukwu and Wyndham could be great 3-4 OLB/Rush backers
Minter puts a lot of pressure on the QB...forces quick decisions...this is what all the great defenses do..this year..all the talented young players should be fully tuned into Minters schemes..his different packages..and it should show on the field. We lost some very good players..but I think overall..our defense will be improved as a unit. Now..all the offense needs to do is move the ball..put up 24 to 27 pts a game...and we should be in great shape. I think we will shock some people with our win/loss record..due in a large part to Minters defense!!
Great post..nice to see some guys on here that understand football!!

I think he's got most of em. Just needs those guys to mature a little while continuing to bring in talent. I love Minter. He's the prototypical old school, tough minded, demanding defensive coach.

As a Cincinnati native, I am also familiar with Minter and agree that he knows how to maximize talent. To have a guy with his experience as a coordinator is a big positive IMO.

The defense was really sorry across the board.Players out of position, Terrible coverage by the DBs, the tackling was terrible, and most of the defensive players just caught too many blocks. The defense has a long way to go before it is even mediocre.

We are both learning as I have only been following since 2007, but today's defense is inexcusable.

I'm all in with Minter. Deserves a raise and contract extension.

lol, it was a typo. . fixed it