It seems to me that game after game there is little or no improvement in the linebackers. They let the play come to them rather than stepping up. They tackle way too high and don't wrap up. Everyone seems to blame it on speed but i disagree. Just poor reaction time and bad technique. However, speed can sometimes make up for these problems. Tackling is an overall problem for the defense. Why?
It seems to me that game after game there is little or no improvement in the linebackers. They let the play come to them rather than stepping up. They tackle way too high and don't wrap up. Everyone seems to blame it on speed but i disagree. Just poor reaction time and bad technique. However, speed can sometimes make up for these problems. Tackling is an overall problem for the defense. Why?
I'm no expert so I can't comment. But it is SO frustrating to watch us play..... I may have a heart attack if we don't get better..... 
They have a very hard time getting off a block too.
They have a very hard time getting off a block too.
They don't just have a hard time getting off blocks, they actually seem to seek out the blockers instead of the guy with the ball. If they are pursuing a play, a lot of times you'll see them actively engage a blocker instead of trying to avoid them to get to the ball carrier.
They have a very hard time getting off a block too.
Yeh...I noticed that too. It's like they get into a shoving match and forget about their main goal....tackle the runner!
How long do the tackling problems continue before Lance Thompson gets run off? I met Lance once . . . seemed like a nice guy, but his defense isn't living up to his billing as someone who helped LSU win the BCS championship.
How long do the tackling problems continue before Lance Thompson gets run off? I met Lance once . . . seemed like a nice guy, but his defense isn't living up to his billing as someone who helped LSU win the BCS championship.
I sent Lance an email to which he responded to the tackling problems. He said he is well aware of all of the concerns that we brought up and it makes him nauseated at some guys lack of aggressiveness. He said defense is mostly attitude and some guys just don't have the aggressive attitude that is needed.
It's great that Thompson replied, but let's see him do something...if there are certain guys that aren't aggressive enough...bench 'em and let some back-ups have a shot! The crappy tackling (especially by the LB's) simply can't get any worse...
It's great that Thompson replied, but let's see him do something...if there are certain guys that aren't aggressive enough...bench 'em and let some back-ups have a shot! The crappy tackling (especially by the LB's) simply can't get any worse...
Exactly. Let the hungry players play. Even if they aren't quite as "talented" as the first string, let them play if they are going to give a better effort with some fire and emotion.
Can you believe it? Rice tackles much..much better than us.
By Lance...we can afford to get rid of you. lmfao
Can you believe it? Rice tackles much..much better than us.
Bye Lance...we can afford to get rid of you. lmfao
cracks me up how everyone gets all depressed when poor little old Rice actually plays better than someone else and wins a game. could it be that we've gotten better??
Hey Owl fan...it was not a shot at you...we've just grown sick of years of pathetic tackling! And I'm pretty sure I could outrun our LB's...I'd almost swear that they are afraid of contact.
cracks me up how everyone gets all depressed when poor little old Rice actually plays better than someone else and wins a game. could it be that we've gotten better??
I will admit...your team got better. But ours got worse and we have almost all the same guys from last season. I would say you have better coaching and/or your players have more heart and smarts.