Football
Run or Pass, Defensive Backs
Must Prevent Big Plays
By John Porentas
The modus operandi is sometimes different, but the mandate
is the same; defend against the big play.
Preventing the big play is the prime directive for every
defensive back who takes the field. To that end, defensive backs are
usually viewed as a pass defense specialists whose most important
task is to prevent big plays in the passing game. Sure, safeties often
play in the box and are important run-support players, but safeties
are coached to defend the pass first, and above all, don't get beat
deep.
This week the Buckeye defense faces an offense that
is capable of throwing the ball, but is more likely to keep the football
on the ground. The Spartans have been extremely effective running
the football this season. That, however, does not mean that the prime
directive will change for the Buckeyes. Run or pass, it's still up
to the defensive backs to defend against the big play.
"It's key in a game like this. You're the last
line of defense. If they get past us, it's going to be a bad deal,"
said OSU cornerback Dustin Fox.
"You've seen in the last couple of games where
they're breaking big runs. That's got to be on the secondary. You've
got to have good fits in the secondary, take good angles to the ball.
It's not the linebackers so much. It's the DBs when there's a big
play in the running game."
OSU defensive back coach Mel Tucker agreed.
"The difference between a 10 or 12 yard running
play and a 40 yard running play is the secondary," said Tucker.
"If there's a run over 15 yards, two people in
the secondary made a mistake.
"Typically on a long run, you'll see a problem
with at least two secondary players, and it's usually a missed tackle,
bad pursuit angle or not defeating a block," Tucker said.
Tucker said that if the OSU secondary isn't up to speed
against the Spartan running game, it could be a long day for the Buckeyes.
"Those guys have to make sure that they're sure
tacklers.
"In the games that Michigan State has played, people
have missed quite a few tackles on them, in the secondary particularly.
"When that happens, those guys (MSU
running backs) just run for days and hit their head on the goalpost."
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