Yes, I had taken note of the story that Pitt is looking to use the safeties more in run support and dare we say, blitzing.
That prompted Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt and defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads to re-evaluate everything from their defensive scheme to personnel in the off-season. Midway through spring drills, the Panthers added a new wrinkle by moving a safety closer to the line of scrimmage to help in run support and occasionally blitz the passer.
“Desperate times call for desperate measures,” Wannstedt said, only half-kidding. “We’ve really been looking at a lot of ways to help our run defense. Getting the safety involved with blitzing is one way we haven’t done much of and is something we’re taking a look at this spring.”
I take it fully serious.
Honestly, I had to hold off on posting this until I could beat down the urge to make it all about DC Rhoads’ new-found responsibility for the linebackers and realization that his job (should) could be on the line if Pitt doesn’t start stopping the run. All of the sudden, there is value in bringing the safeties up. Especially as things are completely unsettled and no matter how much potential there may be at the Linebacker spots, it’s a huge question mark.
This has struck me something of a classic groupthink issue. The article points out that Coach Wannstedt hates bringing up the safeties as well because of the risk of giving up the big play. Well, that’s been nothing but reinforced with DC Rhoads’ similar approach. That means no dissenting voices (aside from screaming, pleading fans) to change the view. At least new secondary coach Chris Ball is willing and supportive of using the safeties up closer to support the overall defense.
Eric Thatcher is perfectly willing to contribute.
“If bringing the safeties up in the box is going to help this defense stop the run – and that’s the problem we’ve had since I’ve been here – I’ll be as physical as I have to be,” Thatcher said. “I think it’s going to help us out big-time. The way it’s run this year is definitely a lot better than last year.”
At this point, I’m not even concerned as much about the blitzing as it is about stopping the freaking run. If this is what it takes to finally get Pitt to start stuffing the box against teams — like Rutgers and Ray Rice — so be it.
The other point is that for all the happy and hopeful talk about how the D-line will be better and positive surprise this year, the planning to use the safeties in run support and blitzing reflects one of two possibilities:
- That maybe all that talk of a stronger D-line is just a lot of smoke being blown-up the collective behind of Pitt fans, and the coaches are much more cognizant of the reality; or
- This is some advanced planning because while the D-line might be better, the depth isn’t there at this point and it is better to start planning now for what needs to be done when things go lower on the depth chart.
I hope for #2, but suspect #1.
