Deke Adams: a defensive guru?

[Bornthrilla]

After only four games, is it too early to say that Coach Adams is pretty good defensive coordinator?



Personally, I think this is one guy on the staff who has exceeded all my expectations so far.

We have held both NCCU and PV to just one offensive touchdown apiece. The only game where things got out of hand was against Hampton, but Blue Death still played pretty well in the first half.

In less than one year our defense has come from being absolute swiss cheese against the run and burnt toast against the pass, to being a pretty formidable unit.

Once we bring in some more help on the D-line, I think this is going to be the Blue Death of old.

[SixtiesAggie]

Have to agree. They played solid defense during much of the game on Saturday. Word around campus is that they (coaches) hope to bring in 7-8 defensive linemen.

[JayBee]

Wow! Dude is probably the best coach on the staff right now. He has exceeded all my expectations as well. Initially, I was angry at Fobbs for letting Howard's ex-coach get away. But Fobbs must have known something that we don't. If we get those linemen in here, it will be the return of Blue Death for sure!

[DOOMS]

I think he's been helped tremendously by having Damon Frenchers on staff.

[Aggie One]

Let's see. Those were hiring decisions by Fobbs heading into his second year last summer. Oh I forgot about what the "experts" on the board had said about Coach Adams before the season started. He can't recognize talent when he sees it. This guy is too young, no experience, doesn't know anything about HBCU football, some JUCO defensive coordinator? Oh yeah Frenchers was a has been retread.

I keep forgetting. Actual performance doesn't mean much. My bad.

[DOOMS]

You know we've improved dramatically in every defensive facet except scoring defense and rushing defense. It's weird because the scoring defense has been affected positively and negatively by the offense. The offense has held the ball longer which keeps the defense off the field. But the offense has turned the ball over and given up a few defensive scores as well.

You can't really expect the rushing defense to do but so well considering the lack of size on the d-line. I think Adams (with Frenchers' help, I'm sure) has done a marvellous job scheming around that.

One thing that concerns me is this improvement has come in the easy part of the schedule. So yes, it's too early to say he's a defensive guru when we've still got to face SC Steat, Howard (yes, Howard), Cookman, FAMU and a few others that broke off in us last year.

As usual my response is let's wait and see before we present for sainthood. But we can give props where they are due. They are due! If for no other reason then for the fact that he's taken us from next to last in total d and made us 38th. That's a great turnaround.

[Aggie One]

How many spots up the ladder in 1-AA is that number wise?

[DOOMS]

Damn near 100!

Seriously though, last year I think we were 114th in total d.

Heck, here's the numbers:

last year: web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/2006/Internet/ranking_summary/2006000000488.HTML

this year: web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/2007/Internet/ranking_summary/2007000000488.HTML

There's improvement almost all the way across the board. The 40+ points per game we were giving up last year has turned into 20+ points per game. But the 14 on offense has turned into 7. That'll fix itself.

One thing that concerns me is with the exception of PV playing Tex Southern, every team we've played has gotten its largest point output of the season against guess who? That's why I'm saying we should wait and see.

Unfortunately there's a difference between improved and good. But we have improved tremendously.

[Aggie77]

Wait a minute! Last year you guys said it wasn't coaching it was the talent. Where was the Guru then? Now this year it's the coaching and not the talent, well, well, well. I don't see a signficant increase in the talent, but I do see a signifcant increase in the line play. Go look at the hightlights of the games. The linebackers are about the same but, the secondary is still very suspect. Guru? I think not, improved yes. Now that other teams have four weeks of tape on us, lets see how the Guru gets better each week.

[dj98]

(Guru? I think not, improved yes.)

That's what I was going to say.......

[Aggie Monster]

Dooms, highest point total against us is correct. But those numbers are skewed by Offensive turnovers for TDs and special teams TDs.

How many we have so far, about 7. Got a couple more that weren't TDs, but setup some close drives.

Our defense has played well enough where we should be at least 2-2. I say give the guy his props, Fobbs(as the OC) is the one that should be under the gun for not controlling the turnovers and poor specials teams play. Not a guru, but a damn good job defensively.

[Aggie77]

That's a very good point and I agree, but how many turnovers for TD's have we gotten? Guru status and props are two different things.

[DOOMS]

Monsta, check this out:

doomsday said:

You know we've improved dramatically in every defensive facet except scoring defense and rushing defense. It's weird because the scoring defense has been affected positively and negatively by the offense. The offense has held the ball longer which keeps the defense off the field. But the offense has turned the ball over and given up a few defensive scores as well.

I did note that the o has cost the d a few points. But we also have to note by not being on the field as much they've most likely also been saved from giving up a few more points so that equals out.

The ultimate test is the rest of the season. We've had the three weakest teams we'll play already.

[Aggie Monster]

Totally agree. Our best shots have gone. if they want to break this streak they really have to step up. Coaching staff and players.

Our offense has improved some from last season, but its still a "HOPE Offense" to me. They looking like they are HOPING to get a crease or HOPING that Speedy makes someone miss. It doesn't look like it's schemed for the defense we are facing.

"HOPE Offense", boy I've been coming up with some good stuff sense this losing streak started. LOL

[da heretic]

Y'all dick adams guru folks done bumped your head.

The jury is still out and won't be in no time soon.