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| There's been little to celebrate for Denzel Perryman and the rest of the Miami Defense(Photo Credit: Miami Herald) |
Written By: Nathan Skinner
Canes Rising Contributor
When most people think of Miami Defense, they think of a fast, aggressive defense that overwhelms opposing offenses . During the tenure of Al Golden, the defense has rarely been aggressive, and usually underwhelming. This season was seen as a key season for Golden's scheme, and defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio. So far, the defense has struggled.
Defense
Defensive Line--The "Flex 34" is a scheme that centers around the defensive line. The D-Line is supposed to create enough havoc to where the linebackers can flow unimpeded to the football. In an ideal situation, the defensive coordinator shouldn't have to rely on blitzes in order to create pressure on the quarterback. That hasn't been the case this season for the 'Canes, as this unit has struggled mightily. There's been very few games in which the defensive front dominated the opposition. Calvin Heurtelou and Courtel Jenkins have been inconsistent, with Heurtelou wearing down late in games, due to overuse. Michael Wyche has been a total disappointment, he hasn't played much, and continues to struggle with conditioning. Olsen Pierre has made some outstanding individual plays, but those have been few and far between. Anthony Chickillo lacks the top end talent to carry this unit, but he has been a force at times. The problems with this unit can only be fixed by recruiting large numbers of defensive linemen, and allowing them to develop. D-Line coach Jethro Franklin should be on the hot seat, this unit hasn't developed during his tenure. Grade: D
Linebackers--It's a shame that Denzel Perryman hasn't gotten a chance to play with linebackers that match his talent and desire. Perryman is the heart and soul of this unit, and he's done everything he can to carry this group. For the first time, he has some help, as Thurston Armbrister has emerged as a player. Armbrister, who was once seen as a liability, has become a steady player, a player who is good against the run, and can create pressure on the edge. The loss of Jawand Blue, and Alex Figueroa during fall camp forced Raphael Kirby and Jermaine Grace into the fray and they've been inconsistent. Tyriq McCord is an impressive physical specimen, but his play on the field hasn't matched his talent. Some of McCord's ineffectiveness can be attributed to Mark D'Onofrio, but McCord should be better than this, even if he is limited. This unit should be better than what the stats indicate, but it's hard to expect a group of linebackers to be dominant, when the defensive line hangs them out to dry. Grade: C+
Secondary--Coming into this season, the secondary was seen as an outstanding collection of young talent. That assessment has been true at times, but this unit has also been wildly inconsistent, and disappointing at times as well. Last season, Tracy Howard looked like a player who was ready to take a great leap forward. That leap forward has become a huge leap backward, as Howard has been almost useless in coverage, and an unwilling tackler. Tracy has been passed on the depth chart by Corn Elder, a two sport athlete who has future star written all over him. Elder has been teamed up with Artie Burns, and these two are the nucleus of the secondary. Burns, a physical corner has turned the corner, and is starting to look like someone who will play on Sundays. While the corner backs have developed nicely, the safeties haven't. Dallas Crawford hasn't been the impact player he was expected to be, and Deon Bush has been unable to cover anyone. Jamal Carter has the talent, but looks hesitant and unsure of himself. He has shown immense potential, and will be a player once he gains experience. Former walk-on Nantambu Fentress is an active player, but he lacks the top end size and speed needed to be a consistent contributor. This unit has talent, it has shown flashes, but the consistency hasn't been there. Grade: C
Special Teams
Kicker/Punter--Michael Badgley has stepped into the fray, and done a solid job. Badgley isn't the most accurate, but he has a strong leg, and has been able to make some kicks. With Matt Goudis being unable to participate, Badgley has been an acceptable alternative. He hasn't been tested in a late game situation, but there's no reason to believe that he can't come through if called upon. Justin Vogel has been steady at punter, averaging over 44 yards per punt, and landing 13 of his 28 kicks inside the 20 yard line. Vogel has also been a weapon on kickoffs, with most of his kicks being touchbacks. While not superstars, these two have done their jobs, and haven't been an issue. Grade: B
Punt/Kickoff Returners--Miami fans came into the season expecting explosive return units, and that hasn't been the case. Stacy Coley is averaging 9 yards per punt return, but he's been very hesistent, and he hasn't looked like the dangerous returner he once was. Kickoffs is much of the same as Coley has missed multiple opportunities to break returns, which is something that rarely happened last season. Braxton Berrios has been asked to return punts, but he lacks the quickness to be a difference maker at the position. Fans should look for Trayone Gray to surface at the position. Grade: B-
Punt/Kickoff Coverage--Minus one awful play against Louisville, these units have been solid. Tackling has steadily improved, and the players have done a great job of staying in their lanes. Grade: B
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