Fran's Game 2 Press Conference | UConn

[IthacaBarrel]

One speed rusher at DE and this is a different D. Do not understand how we can't find one guy. You don't have to have a Dwight Fright. Give me a Duke Pettijohn all day.

You really think so? Why? It would help I guess

 

[SUDadx2]

Sincere question, I genuinely do not know, what does "installing a package" on defense mean?

Someone before the season mentioned that the defense "installed more blitz packages" this season. Is a package a personnel grouping? Is it a different defensive alignment? A call from the playbook?

I genuinely have no idea what it means when a defense installs a package.

A package can mean any of the things you mentioned, but usually refer to personnel groupings that are designed to address certain situations; down and distance tendencies and/or personnel grouping used by the offense.

Our base defense is a 4-2-5; 4 defensive linemen (2 tackles, 2 ends), 2 linebackers and 5 defensive backs (2 corners, 2 safeties and 1 Star).

The Star position is a hybrid position (part LB and part DB). A nickle package package (or dime or dollar) will insert a coverage guy (like Kerr1) at Star. A bigger package will might swap the Star for a more physical player who plays closer the line of scrimmage (a SAM, see Tremble).

We primarily played 4 LBs against Tennessee who all have slightly different skills sets (Bryant, Deslaurie, McDonald and Sparrow). Coaches will rotate guys to keep them fresh, but they will also use them in different situations based on their skills. Example, I don’t expect to see McDonald in on 3rd and 24 cause he’s not our best coverage LB. On 3rd and 24 I would expect us to pull our tackles, bring ends down to DT (Jobity) and use pass rush specialists of the edge with maybe 1 LB and six DBs. Call it what you want (often dollar) but this “package” is a situational package for obvious passing downs.

We played more than 25 guys on defense vs Tenn. there was a lot of mixing and matching going on depending on the situation (down and distance, time in the clock etc…) and available players (injuries etc…). Last year we didn’t do as much mixing and matching based on situations. We moved guys based on injuries; Wax injured moved Barron from Star to LB and Grant from CB to Star.

Alignment can also be part of a “package” used to address a down and distance situation or a personnel grouping used by the offense; multiple WRs result in certain adjustments July like multiple TE’s will result in a different set of adjustments.

We are very young (started two true frosh vs Tenn) and our staff is only in their second year together so it will be interesting to see how we evolve.

I love watching this gamesmanship develop during a game which is why I prefer to watch a game in person. TV coverage doesn’t show enough pre-snap wide angle 11 on 11, nor can you see the substitutions between plays which will be indicators for the next play.

Man I feel like I’m rambling. I hope I answered your question.

 

[OrangeXtreme]

Skip ahead to 34:30

 

[JRHEETER]

But this was poorly worded by some of our media and they’re definitely going to refer to him as a starting linebacker now and be confused when he isn’t on Saturday (unless we move to a 3 LB formation as our normal D)

We are not. It is absolutely a situational thing.

Its unfortunate the media in the Syracuse market has fallen off so dramatically.

You would think in a town with a renowned sports media program that we would be able to have good coverage for its football team.

Quite astonishing really.

 

[richmondcuse03]

A package can mean any of the things you mentioned, but usually refer to personnel groupings that are designed to address certain situations; down and distance tendencies and/or personnel grouping used by the offense.

Our base defense is a 4-2-5; 4 defensive linemen (2 tackles, 2 ends), 2 linebackers and 5 defensive backs (2 corners, 2 safeties and 1 Star).

The Star position is a hybrid position (part LB and part DB). A nickle package package (or dime or dollar) will insert a coverage guy (like Kerr1) at Star. A bigger package will might swap the Star for a more physical player who plays closer the line of scrimmage (a SAM, see Tremble).

We primarily played 4 LBs against Tennessee who all have slightly different skills sets (Bryant, Deslaurie, McDonald and Sparrow). Coaches will rotate guys to keep them fresh, but they will also use them in different situations based on their skills. Example, I don’t expect to see McDonald in on 3rd and 24 cause he’s not our best coverage LB. On 3rd and 24 I would expect us to pull our tackles, bring ends down to DT (Jobity) and use pass rush specialists of the edge with maybe 1 LB and six DBs. Call it what you want (often dollar) but this “package” is a situational package for obvious passing downs.

We played more than 25 guys on defense vs Tenn. there was a lot of mixing and matching going on depending on the situation (down and distance, time in the clock etc…) and available players (injuries etc…). Last year we didn’t do as much mixing and matching based on situations. We moved guys based on injuries; Wax injured moved Barron from Star to LB and Grant from CB to Star.

Alignment can also be part of a “package” used to address a down and distance situation or a personnel grouping used by the offense; multiple WRs result in certain adjustments July like multiple TE’s will result in a different set of adjustments.

We are very young (started two true frosh vs Tenn) and our staff is only in their second year together so it will be interesting to see how we evolve.

I love watching this gamesmanship develop during a game which is why I prefer to watch a game in person. TV coverage doesn’t show enough pre-snap wide angle 11 on 11, nor can you see the substitutions between plays which will be indicators for the next play.

Man I feel like I’m rambling. I hope I answered your question.

This is awesome, thank you so much. We could use your weekly insights post games like this. Really insightful and good stuff.

And agree on the pre-snap wide angle. I wish there was a service where we could buy that wide angle 11-on-11 replay film. I'd love to see it each week because it helps you understand this stuff so much better.

 

[SanDiegoCuse]

A package can mean any of the things you mentioned, but usually refer to personnel groupings that are designed to address certain situations; down and distance tendencies and/or personnel grouping used by the offense.

Our base defense is a 4-2-5; 4 defensive linemen (2 tackles, 2 ends), 2 linebackers and 5 defensive backs (2 corners, 2 safeties and 1 Star).

The Star position is a hybrid position (part LB and part DB). A nickle package package (or dime or dollar) will insert a coverage guy (like Kerr1) at Star. A bigger package will might swap the Star for a more physical player who plays closer the line of scrimmage (a SAM, see Tremble).

We primarily played 4 LBs against Tennessee who all have slightly different skills sets (Bryant, Deslaurie, McDonald and Sparrow). Coaches will rotate guys to keep them fresh, but they will also use them in different situations based on their skills. Example, I don’t expect to see McDonald in on 3rd and 24 cause he’s not our best coverage LB. On 3rd and 24 I would expect us to pull our tackles, bring ends down to DT (Jobity) and use pass rush specialists of the edge with maybe 1 LB and six DBs. Call it what you want (often dollar) but this “package” is a situational package for obvious passing downs.

We played more than 25 guys on defense vs Tenn. there was a lot of mixing and matching going on depending on the situation (down and distance, time in the clock etc…) and available players (injuries etc…). Last year we didn’t do as much mixing and matching based on situations. We moved guys based on injuries; Wax injured moved Barron from Star to LB and Grant from CB to Star.

Alignment can also be part of a “package” used to address a down and distance situation or a personnel grouping used by the offense; multiple WRs result in certain adjustments July like multiple TE’s will result in a different set of adjustments.

We are very young (started two true frosh vs Tenn) and our staff is only in their second year together so it will be interesting to see how we evolve.

I love watching this gamesmanship develop during a game which is why I prefer to watch a game in person. TV coverage doesn’t show enough pre-snap wide angle 11 on 11, nor can you see the substitutions between plays which will be indicators for the next play.

Man I feel like I’m rambling. I hope I answered your question.

This was fantastic. Thank you.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

A package can mean any of the things you mentioned, but usually refer to personnel groupings that are designed to address certain situations; down and distance tendencies and/or personnel grouping used by the offense.

Our base defense is a 4-2-5; 4 defensive linemen (2 tackles, 2 ends), 2 linebackers and 5 defensive backs (2 corners, 2 safeties and 1 Star).

The Star position is a hybrid position (part LB and part DB). A nickle package package (or dime or dollar) will insert a coverage guy (like Kerr1) at Star. A bigger package will might swap the Star for a more physical player who plays closer the line of scrimmage (a SAM, see Tremble).

We primarily played 4 LBs against Tennessee who all have slightly different skills sets (Bryant, Deslaurie, McDonald and Sparrow). Coaches will rotate guys to keep them fresh, but they will also use them in different situations based on their skills. Example, I don’t expect to see McDonald in on 3rd and 24 cause he’s not our best coverage LB. On 3rd and 24 I would expect us to pull our tackles, bring ends down to DT (Jobity) and use pass rush specialists of the edge with maybe 1 LB and six DBs. Call it what you want (often dollar) but this “package” is a situational package for obvious passing downs.

We played more than 25 guys on defense vs Tenn. there was a lot of mixing and matching going on depending on the situation (down and distance, time in the clock etc…) and available players (injuries etc…). Last year we didn’t do as much mixing and matching based on situations. We moved guys based on injuries; Wax injured moved Barron from Star to LB and Grant from CB to Star.

Alignment can also be part of a “package” used to address a down and distance situation or a personnel grouping used by the offense; multiple WRs result in certain adjustments July like multiple TE’s will result in a different set of adjustments.

We are very young (started two true frosh vs Tenn) and our staff is only in their second year together so it will be interesting to see how we evolve.

I love watching this gamesmanship develop during a game which is why I prefer to watch a game in person. TV coverage doesn’t show enough pre-snap wide angle 11 on 11, nor can you see the substitutions between plays which will be indicators for the next play.

Man I feel like I’m rambling. I hope I answered your question.

Uh, not rambling at all, that was excellent and you far exceeded my hopes for an answer. Thank you, I legitimately feel like I understand this better now.

 

[SUDadx2]

Uh, not rambling at all, that was excellent and you far exceeded my hopes for an answer. Thank you, I legitimately feel like I understand this better now.

For most fans it’s easier to understand the “packages” used by the offense because that’s is what TV or radio commentators talk about.

1 RB, 1 TE and 3 WR is probably the most common grouping used by offenses today. But this grouping can be used in multiple formations.
- TE left, 3 WR right, RB straight up, offset left or offset right.
- Flex the TE (move him away from the tackle) creates a four-wide look. RB straight up, strong (near the TE; becomes second possible receiver to that side). RB weak (away from the TE) become possible 4th receiver to that side. The same personnel grouping in different formation presents different threats to a defense.

Motion and shifting players from one formation to another is used to allow the QB to see what a defense is running; man vs zone or blitz or the most common defensive calls exposed. Sometimes this is done to see what a defense is doing on the current play. It is also used to show coaches what the other team is doing for reference on future play calls; 3 and 7 from the field position, when we were in formation A and motioned to formation B the defense did this, so call a play that takes advantage of the defense when they do that.

Coach Nixon uses a lot of motion and shifting to see what a defense is doing and in an attempt to creat a mismatch.

Teams have tendencies out of certain personnel groupings, certain formations, in certain down and distances situations in certain part of the field at certain parts of the game. Defenses scheme or game plan to address all of theses tendencies.

Some of the best parts of a game occur pre-snap. Pay attention to the offense’s personnel groupings, then see if the defense changes any of their personnel. The pre-snap does the offense shift formations or uses motion. How does the defense adjust to the motion or shifts? Then… let’s play Coaches upstairs are charting everything l.

Teams out together a game plan based on information they have from film, scouting reports from other coaches they know, injury reports and anything they can gather. The game plan is the base for the day but usually only good for the first series. After the first series both teams will adjust their respective game plans based on what they see the opponent doing today. See the UNC/TCU game last night. On the first drive UNC made it look easy and scored. Then TCU made some adjustments and the game changed. There are always certain phases to a game; 1) the game plan, 2) the adjustments to what the opponent is doing today, and 3) the adjustments to their adjustments. At a minimum, this occurs each half.

I love this game.

Go Orange!

 

[JRHEETER]

For most fans it’s easier to understand the “packages” used by the offense because that’s is what TV or radio commentators talk about.

1 RB, 1 TE and 3 WR is probably the most common grouping used by offenses today. But this grouping can be used in multiple formations.
- TE left, 3 WR right, RB straight up, offset left or offset right.
- Flex the TE (move him away from the tackle) creates a four-wide look. RB straight up, strong (near the TE; becomes second possible receiver to that side). RB weak (away from the TE) become possible 4th receiver to that side. The same personnel grouping in different formation presents different threats to a defense.

Motion and shifting players from one formation to another is used to allow the QB to see what a defense is running; man vs zone or blitz or the most common defensive calls exposed. Sometimes this is done to see what a defense is doing on the current play. It is also used to show coaches what the other team is doing for reference on future play calls; 3 and 7 from the field position, when we were in formation A and motioned to formation B the defense did this, so call a play that takes advantage of the defense when they do that.

Coach Nixon uses a lot of motion and shifting to see what a defense is doing and in an attempt to creat a mismatch.

Teams have tendencies out of certain personnel groupings, certain formations, in certain down and distances situations in certain part of the field at certain parts of the game. Defenses scheme or game plan to address all of theses tendencies.

Some of the best parts of a game occur pre-snap. Pay attention to the offense’s personnel groupings, then see if the defense changes any of their personnel. The pre-snap does the offense shift formations or uses motion. How does the defense adjust to the motion or shifts? Then… let’s play Coaches upstairs are charting everything l.

Teams out together a game plan based on information they have from film, scouting reports from other coaches they know, injury reports and anything they can gather. The game plan is the base for the day but usually only good for the first series. After the first series both teams will adjust their respective game plans based on what they see the opponent doing today. See the UNC/TCU game last night. On the first drive UNC made it look easy and scored. Then TCU made some adjustments and the game changed. There are always certain phases to a game; 1) the game plan, 2) the adjustments to what the opponent is doing today, and 3) the adjustments to their adjustments. At a minimum, this occurs each half.

I love this game.

Go Orange!

Some great stuff right here

 

[UnknownOrange]

For most fans it’s easier to understand the “packages” used by the offense because that’s is what TV or radio commentators talk about.

1 RB, 1 TE and 3 WR is probably the most common grouping used by offenses today. But this grouping can be used in multiple formations.
- TE left, 3 WR right, RB straight up, offset left or offset right.
- Flex the TE (move him away from the tackle) creates a four-wide look. RB straight up, strong (near the TE; becomes second possible receiver to that side). RB weak (away from the TE) become possible 4th receiver to that side. The same personnel grouping in different formation presents different threats to a defense.

Motion and shifting players from one formation to another is used to allow the QB to see what a defense is running; man vs zone or blitz or the most common defensive calls exposed. Sometimes this is done to see what a defense is doing on the current play. It is also used to show coaches what the other team is doing for reference on future play calls; 3 and 7 from the field position, when we were in formation A and motioned to formation B the defense did this, so call a play that takes advantage of the defense when they do that.

Coach Nixon uses a lot of motion and shifting to see what a defense is doing and in an attempt to creat a mismatch.

Teams have tendencies out of certain personnel groupings, certain formations, in certain down and distances situations in certain part of the field at certain parts of the game. Defenses scheme or game plan to address all of theses tendencies.

Some of the best parts of a game occur pre-snap. Pay attention to the offense’s personnel groupings, then see if the defense changes any of their personnel. The pre-snap does the offense shift formations or uses motion. How does the defense adjust to the motion or shifts? Then… let’s play Coaches upstairs are charting everything l.

Teams out together a game plan based on information they have from film, scouting reports from other coaches they know, injury reports and anything they can gather. The game plan is the base for the day but usually only good for the first series. After the first series both teams will adjust their respective game plans based on what they see the opponent doing today. See the UNC/TCU game last night. On the first drive UNC made it look easy and scored. Then TCU made some adjustments and the game changed. There are always certain phases to a game; 1) the game plan, 2) the adjustments to what the opponent is doing today, and 3) the adjustments to their adjustments. At a minimum, this occurs each half.

I love this game.

Go Orange!

how would you like a credential and to write for our local paper

I have zero way of making this happen but I think it would seriously make a dramatic improvement in the dotcom's coverage lol

 

[ToddNTexas5]

This year the defense has installed more situational packages.

When use a SAM LB we are probably going a little bigger and using a third LB, thus putting us in a 4-3 or 3-3 scheme.

We also played a lot of nickle against Tennessee as an adjustment to their passing game and no huddle. Kerr was the nickle (3rd corner) in place of the Star.

It’s going to be interesting to see this defense evolve.

I genuinely believe it will drastically mature by seasons end and those who are supposedly "afraid" to tackle are hopefully about to find out what it really means to be afraid in practice this week.

 

[baggerbob]

I genuinely believe it will drastically mature by seasons end and those who are supposedly "afraid" to tackle are hopefully about to find out what it really means to be afraid in practice this week.

Our safety play wasn't good last year and still leaves a lot to be desired.

 

[Cuse On 3]

Our safety play wasn't good last year and still leaves a lot to be desired.

I disagree in terms of lot to be desired. Besides a couple deep throws. Duce really stepped his game up from last season. Grant had a missed tackle but was also solid.

 

[Keger03]

I disagree in terms of lot to be desired. Besides a couple deep throws. Duce really stepped his game up from last season. Grant had a missed tackle but was also solid.

Cant agree with this enough. Deuce was flying around and hitting very well. Didn't specifically watch him every play but when I did notice him he was fast, and efficient. Huge improvement from last year.

 

[JRHEETER]

I disagree in terms of lot to be desired. Besides a couple deep throws. Duce really stepped his game up from last season. Grant had a missed tackle but was also solid.

I agree, I thought Duce played a pretty solid game and is showing us he can be the leader.

I still think he fits better as a true corner vs safety but I can understand why Fran has moved him to safety

 

[Atlcuse44]

In watching several games this past weekend, one thing I noticed about tackling that drivers me nuts - players body-checking the ball carrier instead of wrapping them up. I saw that several times. The hope is that just the impact will knock the ball carrier down. If I were a coach, I would be screaming at a player for doing that.

 

[hoopsupstate]

In watching several games this past weekend, one thing I noticed about tackling that drivers me nuts - players body-checking the ball carrier instead of wrapping them up. I saw that several times. The hope is that just the impact will knock the ball carrier down. If I were a coach, I would be screaming at a player for doing that.

I noticed it too. It was almost every game.

 

[phreddie]

In watching several games this past weekend, one thing I noticed about tackling that drivers me nuts - players body-checking the ball carrier instead of wrapping them up. I saw that several times. The hope is that just the impact will knock the ball carrier down. If I were a coach, I would be screaming at a player for doing that.

I've been saying this for decades; "Don't hit. Tackle!"

It started back in the ESPNification of sports. Gotta make that highlight reel!

 

[Dmcnabbrules]

The rules to improve player safety have made it harder to tackle IMO. I offer no judgment about the changes only that they make it harder for the defender to tackle without being penalized.

 

[Ozone!]

 

[Cuse On 3]

The rules to improve player safety have made it harder to tackle IMO. I offer no judgment about the changes only that they make it harder for the defender to tackle without being penalized.

Couldn’t agree more, I’m not saying I wanna see helmets fly off every play but come on, it’s starting to get ridiculous.

 

[ImperialOrange]

have we considered effe uconn? is Marsh01 still around?

 

[CbusCuse]

Cant agree with this enough. Deuce was flying around and hitting very well. Didn't specifically watch him every play but when I did notice him he was fast, and efficient. Huge improvement from last year.

Agree. I thought Deuce was solid against Tenn. Fran mentioned in his press conference about bad tackling form in diving in at the legs and I think he was referencing Grants play, at least partially. Grant is one who stuck out as terrible at tackling this game and missed at least two badly. He whiffed on the long run before the end of the first half right after Tank missed his tackle in the back field. That play was a disaster. Grant also missed an open field tackle on a receiver who then went for a lot larger gain than it should have. He doesn't keep his legs under him to the point of contact. He also drops his helmet, and lunges. He doesn't look the tackle in. You have to see the target you are tackling and he seems to fail to do this. If he would keep his head up, it would help tremendously.

He did this last year as well and I also had even noticed he did this a couple times in some U of Buffalo film before he even got here. He leaves his feet to early. I think he may want to mentally go over his notes again from the tackling training camp focus.

 

[Sdot]

In watching several games this past weekend, one thing I noticed about tackling that drivers me nuts - players body-checking the ball carrier instead of wrapping them up. I saw that several times. The hope is that just the impact will knock the ball carrier down. If I were a coach, I would be screaming at a player for doing that.

We were taught to wrap up and always keep eyes on the guys hips. After wrapping up gator roll him down and hold on to the ball carrier.

 

[Cusefan69]

I genuinely believe it will drastically mature by seasons end and those who are supposedly "afraid" to tackle are hopefully about to find out what it really means to be afraid in practice this week.

ToddnTexas bringing some team insider info perhaps? Or just going off postgame comments? Either way welcome to the board.