[NU Sports] The curse of the spread offense

[Jim Leonard]

All, 

Looking back to the 95/96 teams, I remember having a very solid defense.
However, it is probably fair to say that the guys on those defenses were about
the same caliber of recruits that have played for the 04/05 defenses. 

So, assuming the athletic talent is about the same, why has the defense gotten
worse? My theory is that the amazing gains on offense have been at the expense
of the defense. Consider:

1) The 95/96 teams had a much more tradition 'ball control' offense. Schnur
would often lead 6+ minute drives that kept the defense off the field and well
rested. The spread offense does not rest the current defense nearly as much. 

2) In practice, the defense 95/96 defense would face the 95/96 offense. Our
current defense faces the spread most of the time in practice and therefore
struggles against other offenses. Especially in situations where the is 1-2
Tight Ends on the line and the team runs between the tackles. 

I'm not saying NU should abandon the spread offense, but I do think that its
success can (in part) explain why the defense has gotten worse. 

Regards,
Jim




	
		
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