re: Read and React D-Real Problem

I honestly was ready to move on and accept R&R but then I read this Markus Golden article and played the GIF.

This is the Toledo game 2 years ago. Toledo is setting up a WR screen pass. The WR in motion reverses, the backside is blocked, Golden gets a free run to "run" himself out of the play.

Watch the DL:

They fire off the snap, Golden reads run and takes a step to pursue, the other DE reads run and breaks off his rush and bends right into the RB, the tackles flow to the RB.

Golden then reads pass and rushes the QB, at the same time watch the MLB, he reads pass and runs to cover the WR.

Kul's system was far from just mindlessly bull rushing upfield. The DL attacked and dictated flow. They didn't wait for the OL to dictate flow and try to react. Golden made 2 reads, run and pass, while running full speed, he didn't hesitate his rush to read the play.

Because the DL fires on the snap, the OL is occupied, they cannot pull a guard to block the MLB. Therefore the MLB can see the play in front of him, read and react and have free run. A benefit of a well trained, aggressive DL.

This one play shows us why our DL was so menacing and exactly why Mizzou LBs could put up very high tackle numbers. These guys were well taught and executed. The DL did their job which allowed the LBs to do theirs. For those who say Kuls system was about individuals and R&R is about team, I show them this GIF as exhibit A. Kuls system was about team, but slip up and the DE's made you pay.

Read the article, a scout says some interesting things about "staples in the Mizzou DL" and the LB philosophy.

I honestly hope BO gets his system in place, but damn do I miss the old system. OK, I'm officially supporting R&R from here on out. Thanks for reading.

LINK