Auburn fans, what are your opinions of Steele thus far?

I mean, we're near the top in most defensive categories. I freaking love the guy.

3rd in the nation in Scoring D.
Tied for 5th in Redzone D.
18th in the nation in Total D.
30th in Passing Yardage D. Given up 6 TD's
30th in Run Yardage D. Given up 4 TD's
Tied for 42nd in TFL
Tied for 42nd in Sacks

Feeling pretty damn good about him so far!!

I thought coming in that he would be maybe a small step backwards, but instead he has used Muschamp's defensive philosophy as a head start and built upon it. He kept most of the terminology and just simplified it a little to focus on playing fast and tackling sound. I don't think we could have made a better hire.

quote:

---

I will trade you for Robb Smith right now!!!!!

---

NO!!!

It ain't just Steele either.

Travis Williams is a helluva LB's coach. Auburn's LBs this year, after many MANY years of unimpressive play, are heat-seeking missiles. Tre Williams and Deshaun Davis have been pretty darned impressive this year.

And the secondary have improved by leaps and bounds as well. I had gotten used to the Auburn secondary constantly keeping their backs turned to the ball over the years, allowing the catch, and then making the tackle (maybe). This year is like a revelation. They actually turn to make plays on the ball and defend the pass. They rarely miss a tackle. (As a matter of fact, the tackling has become better from top to bottom on defense.). Many props to Wesley McGriff for that.

Yeah, the improvement on defense probably has a little to do with the fact that Steele kept a similar scheme as last year. But the improvement in tackling? The improvement by the LBs in the run game, making tackles for loss? The improvement in the secondary, defending passes and dependably tackling?

That's coaching.

No complaints so far.

Exactly. This is the Auburn defense we faced regularly when I was at LSU (2000-2005).

Enjoying the hell out of watching our defense this season. Stats don't lie - we look great on this side of the ball.

However, I don't think we necessarily need to throw a huge extension at him at the end of the season even if we finish as a top D in the country. We'll return the majority of our key players next year. I'd like to see if he's able to sustain similar success. Not saying he has to be as successful, but doesn't need to have a huge drop off.

quote:

---

He caught a lot of grief from our fans (the TigerRant) during his year as our dc. However, I was impressed with your speed on defense during our game, and it seems like you're getting better as the year goes on. So far so good with Steele?

---

I don't remember him catching grief from y'all during the season last year. You blamed Les & Cam for the collapse at the end of the season and wanted them both canned.

We were promised that he sucks so he obviously sucks.