The defensive backfield is the part of the game I understand the least. What perplexes me about Stanford is that we have had two consecutive very highly rated recruiting classes, but the defensive backfield seems like it cannot dominate the opposing receivers.
It seems to me that an outstanding defensive back will either play close to the line and get physical with the opposing receiver or give a cushion and speed up to get in the play when needed. Our backs seem to either play close to the line but don't make contact with the receivers off the line, or give a cushion but don't catch up to the receiver once they get passed.
Is the problem:
1. Too young to have the strength to play really physical?
2. Not fast enough to catch up with the opposing receivers?
3. Opposing receivers are really good?
4. Deficits at the DLine require the backs to cheat up front to be ready to defend the run?
It seems to me that an outstanding defensive back will either play close to the line and get physical with the opposing receiver or give a cushion and speed up to get in the play when needed. Our backs seem to either play close to the line but don't make contact with the receivers off the line, or give a cushion but don't catch up to the receiver once they get passed.
Is the problem:
1. Too young to have the strength to play really physical?
2. Not fast enough to catch up with the opposing receivers?
3. Opposing receivers are really good?
4. Deficits at the DLine require the backs to cheat up front to be ready to defend the run?
