🏈 2009 defense better than 2008 defense?

[bamatommy]

It seems to me that the 2009 Bama defense is even better than the 2008 defense, which was awfully good. Can anybody explain why they're better? I can't quite put my finger on it, but I can just tell from watching the games.

 

[BadAllergies]

i'm less fearful of the big play against our D this year.

 

[Operation Gator Hunter]

Another year in the system. The guys are just more comfortable with assignments than last year.

 

[Argo]

What I know about this defense.

South Carolina came into the game averaging 31.4 points in their last 5 games. Without Don'ta Hightower and Javier Arenas, this defense held them to 6 points and had a defensive touchdown.

This year's team knows the system, and they are rarely out of position. I don't think I've seen Corey Reamer out of position once, and he consistently (and quietly) makes tackle after tackle around the line of scrimmage.

I still don't think we are as good at the defensive back position as last year, but we generate a ton of pressure so those guys aren't having to defend as much as last year.

 

[4th-and-1]

SAL SUNSURI!!!!! can someone please tell me how to spell his name?

and also.. how does saban get a guy like this from the nfl? he must have some awesome respect..

 

[bamaupsman]

I really don't think there's any doubt that they're better this year. Javy's out and he's not really missed? No Hightower? No problem. Depth!

 

[ElephantStomp]

They're better this year because we have 8 seniors on this defense and Sal has been a great addition to the staff.

Cory

 

[bama29fan]

SAL SUNSURI!!!!! can someone please tell me how to spell his name?

and also.. how does saban get a guy like this from the nfl? he must have some awesome respect..

Bingo...we have a winner!!!! It's a combination of several things...Better/younger tallent on the field, another year in system, but I think the biggest is the addition of Sal. Working with the Dline and Lbackers to improve our pass rush has been a big key.....put pressure on the Oline/Qb and they make mistakes.

 

[firestorm]

Coaching and experience are paying off. This is gonna be the trademark of the program the next years...

RTR,

 

[crimsonaudio]

We also have great depth this year, which means that we can rotate D-linemen throughout the game and absorb injuries (DH and JA, for example) with little drop off.

Quality depth is a Very Big Deal.

 

[psychojoe]

Quality depth is a huge difference maker. Take linebacker as an example. If this were CNS year one at Alabama and one projected starter (Fanney) had left the program and another one had gone down with a season ending injury, as Hightower did, and a key reserve (Harris) had been suspended for half the season we would have been in an Auburn type situation, having to use walk ones and/or true freshmen. With all that happening to us this trip around, we just plugged in another quality player and didn't miss a beat. Deaderick gets shot? That is just more snaps for Dareus.

I've probably said this before on this board, but perhaps CNS biggest accomplishment at Bama so far has been taking average football players such as Anders, Reamer, Johnson, King etc and making winniing football players out of them. Congrats to Marquis on stepping up big time against SC.