All peaceful on the football front this week. I like to think that it is a purposeful calm. Devote all healing energies to Lucas Nix. Put Tino Sunseri in a zen (or semi-hypnotic) state where he can breathe and re-establish that mind-body connection so he doesn’t forget all the things he is supposed to do — set the feet; get rid of the ball before the count of 3; and never, ever attempt a pass longer than 15 yards. Meanwhile, Greg Gaskins is looking in a mirror repeating the following over and over, “I’m a good offensive lineman. I’m good enough for the Big East. I really can pass block. And goshdarnit, Tino likes seeing me on the line.”

Aaron Donald gets a puff piece as he has emerged as a force on the D-line. Now leading the team in tackles for loss, sacks and QB hurries.

Randolph, like Graham, said Donald still needs to work on his technique and fundamentals but, along with his natural ability, his work ethic and his intensity almost ensure that he is going to be successful against any offensive line.

“Aaron has done about everything I’ve asked him to do,” Randolph said. “We wanted him to work on his fundamentals and as you can see now with his production. His fundamentals have gotten better and it shows up on game day. His work ethic and his mindset and his natural ability — he just makes plays.

“When I look for guys to recruit in the future, I’m looking for guys like Aaron Donald with that first step, that explosiveness and, on top of that, the violence in him is what I really like,” Randolph said.

“He enjoys playing the game and, to me, he is kind of a throwback. He is an old-school guy, but his first step, his attitude and temperament — those things are what make him such an explosive player.”

Donald was humble/media savvy enough to deflect a lot of credit to his teammates on the D-line.

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I think the theme of the rest of Pitt’s week is set. If you want to get an idea of just some of the defensive breakdowns well they are easily viewed. Really good stuff worth the time to review.

Lot’s for Coach Dixon to fix with the defense. This digital chalkboard breakdown starts with perimeter defender not in good defensive position and the help defense not there.

Pitt’s defense is a major concern for them three games into the season. They don’t have a lock down defender on the perimeter right now, so they need to be solid in help defense and their rotations. They have struggled with their rotations so far and it has led to them giving up many easy baskets at the rim. If they can shore up their defense, they can contend for a Final Four. Right now, it is a major work in progress.

This breakdown, looks at the problems with the transition defense and the halfcourt D.

The common theme would appear to be a real breakdown by the players in where they should be. Whether it is not being in the right place to defend in the halfcourt, or not communicating with other teammates in transition. It’s a lot of confusion out there right now. That was obvious to most of us, but these pieces really drive it home.

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