Our defense has dramatically changed to meet the challenges of fast paced teams if you're paying attention. Our defense has almost completely moved away from a space eating 2 gap DL and have went with a more penetrating 1 gap scheme. Devall and Dickson has basically used as a hybrid DE most of the time this year. This is why our pass rush has been much better, and its why we haven't seen Brandon Ivory near as much. Against LSU and Arky will probably see those guys much more, but in the first 3 games of this year, we've basically been a 4-3 schemed defense year (4-2-5 most of the time). This is the base package that will be used against TAMU, OM, AU. It is designed to cover the players in space that these spread offenses present, while doing a better job of not getting gashed on the ground like our odd man front has had trouble with against the HUNH.
The Money package (dime) has also been tweaked at times this year. This package has normally employs 6 DB's and 1 LB, but Reggie Ragland has played that six spot in the "money" position at times. Jones and Jackson are playing the corners, Collins and Perry are playing the safety spots, and Geno Smith plays the "Star" position. TDP is lone player actually playing a traditional LB position, because whoever is playing the "Jack" in that alignment is basically playing as a 1 gap DE. I noticed this several times last night and it was done some in the FAU game. I can only guess that it also a more physical way to play Dime. In this particular lineup, Ragland is basically a hybrid safety, and I can see a lot of the athletic, rangy LB's we've recently signed to play these positions going forward.
I think a lot of the confusion we are seeing on defense is because CNS IS doing what people say he is too stubborn to do. We are adapting on defense and you have to expect some growing pains while doing that.
