Answer to why AJ didn’t start last year

[hawkfan2679]

Sometimes people just don't know what to watch for in a game, or understand how AJ is affecting the game even when 99% of fans don't see it or understand it. For instance on 3rd and 8 with ISU knocking at the door to score, AJ whips past the LT, and blows up the play ISU had called. They had no shot completing this play and it forces ISU to attempt a FG.

But I don't think the OP is referring to a lack of impact in a game in general; without putting words in his mouth, he is referring to the ability to set and edge and maintain gap integrity in the running game. While there is nothing inherently wrong with what you posted, a 3rd down pass rush in an obvious passing situation (where AJE did force the issue) doesn't really address that post. If that was your intention all along, I digress.

**In fact, it might actually lend credence to the OP because a way for teams to offset a great rusher who can really bend the edge is to use his speed against him, running screens, draws, and kicking him out when he gets too far upfield too quickly.

 

[kameltoez102]

But I don't think the OP is referring to a lack of impact in a game in general; without putting words in his mouth, he is referring to the ability to set and edge and maintain gap integrity in the running game. While there is nothing inherently wrong with what you posted, a 3rd down pass rush in an obvious passing situation (where AJE did force the issue) doesn't really address that post. If that was your intention all along, I digress.

**In fact, it might actually lend credence to the OP because a way for teams to offset a great rusher who can really bend the edge is to use his speed against him, running screens, draws, and kicking him out when he gets too far upfield too quickly.

Exactly, I thought AJ had a big impact on the game don’t get me wrong. My observation from what I saw compared to Hesse for instance was his ability to play the run by keeping contain and maintaining that outside leverage. From what I am seeing from the game is he is treating all downs like it is 3rd and long. He is so fast off the line that the plays I saw made me think about the post.

I think for sure some of the Big10 teams will exploit this aggressiveness and use it against him. At times this was also a big issue with Clayborn where he would get so far upfield a running QB would just duck inside and in a spread system the LBs are covering TE or backs leaving no one to slow them down. A perfect example was Terrell Pryor when we played them in Iowa City.

If AJ can control that edge on a more consistent basis it will be very difficult to run to his side due to his athletic ability a. I am being picky to a point but that is what I saw watching the game. My point with this is I still don’t seem him as an elite every down DE. Yes he is an elite pass rusher but still has room to grow in the run game but that doesn’t mean he can’t be this year. He has the tools and seems very coachable so I think this can change

But I don't think the OP is referring to a lack of impact in a game in general; without putting words in his mouth, he is referring to the ability to set and edge and maintain gap integrity in the running game. While there is nothing inherently wrong with what you posted, a 3rd down pass rush in an obvious passing situation (where AJE did force the issue) doesn't really address that post. If that was your intention all along, I digress.

**In fact, it might actually lend credence to the OP because a way for teams to offset a great rusher who can really bend the edge is to use his speed against him, running screens, draws, and kicking him out when he gets too far upfield too quickly.

 

[DDThompson]

He's completely out of position in the run game. He never sets the edge, ever. Does he get double teamed, yes, but not as much as some people think. If so, then someone else should be freed up. The ISU line handled him well tonight. Purdy had all day to throw the ball.

I counted around 8 RB and 5 TE double-teams and 4 OL double-teams on stunts. 17 of 34 passes he was doubled of chipped. at most the RB chipped and then routed twice. i didn't keep track of doubles on rushing plays but i don't recall any. they ran away from him and their LT a lot.

He also dropped back in coverage 2-3 times the last couple of series when Iowa blitzed.

I counted 4-5 times he got sucked in on the RPO and Purdy burned him twice.
two other times looked to be intentional baiting of Purdy as a LB filled outside contain and the other was INC pass.

I counted 4-5 pressures; 3 of those near misses for sacks. He was gassed for sure.


His stats don't show it but he played a good sound game.

 

[oldhawk12]

Your first two sentences are just total B.S.

This. And those busting on him in the run game. There are different types of defenders for one in terms of what their strengths are and two, well coached teams are good at taking your strength away. He gets doubles frequently and gets out of position on runs plus his primary responsibility is to rush the passer and naturally turn the play back inside for the backers. A great player like him draws a lot of attention and makes others look good. He’s a complete stud and should have lived on the field last year with a lot of time the year before but we know the history there

 

[revkev73]

Well...here's my take. I'd like to see Phil Parker give him a series off now and then. He had ten sacks last year doing that. We need him fresh in passing situations. He's playing way too many snaps...so is Golston. Let Waggoner and the transfer play...these guys need to be fresher.

If I was DC, I would work packages where Epenesa could shift around as the QB is looking the field over, allowing those planned double teams to get all screwed up.

 

[hawkfan2679]

If I was DC, I would work packages where Epenesa could shift around as the QB is looking the field over, allowing those planned double teams to get all screwed up.

Was he exclusively at right DE during the game on Saturday? If that were the case, I would totally agree with you. Move him around a bit and if the offense is game planning for him, he could be more disruptive because they wouldn't know where he would be lining up each play. That depends on your other DL being able to be versatile enough, but def something to consider.

 

[Northside Hawk]

If I was DC, I would work packages where Epenesa could shift around as the QB is looking the field over, allowing those planned double teams to get all screwed up.

I said in another post that Phil has two weeks to get some defensive players healthy and toy around with some things.

I don't know what he will come up with, and what you say makes sense, but I trust Phil that it will be good.

 

[revkev73]

I said in another post that Phil has two weeks to get some defensive players healthy and toy around with some things.

I don't know what he will come up with, and what you say makes sense, but I trust Phil that it will be good.

If an opponent knows where your best player will be lined up almost every single play of a game, well, it would make sense that it would be easier to contain him. It seems to me. Have them stand up until the play clock runs down, then get set. It would add some confusion to the rhythm of the offense as well. ISU was comfortable most of the game. Forcing an opponent to do what he doesn't want to do is the key to successful competition.

 

[eveningnewsteam]

I hate to be that guy, but AJE was held quite a bit in that game and nothing was called. Especially early in the game.

AJE gives you relentless effort ALL THE TIME. If you can’t see that I am not sure what you are watching. Despite the double teams, teams sliding protection toward him, he is still a disruptive force, it really is incredible to watch.

Yep. He is a beast

 

[Ree4]

Sometimes people just don't know what to watch for in a game, or understand how AJ is affecting the game even when 99% of fans don't see it or understand it. For instance on 3rd and 8 with ISU knocking at the door to score, AJ whips past the LT, and blows up the play ISU had called. They had no shot completing this play and it forces ISU to attempt a FG.

It also looked to me like for the most part we just wanted to contain Purdy, as we often do against mobile quarterbacks, than to get pressure and make him throw from inside the pocket. Then we strategically chose times to rush hard and force incompletions. It was effective because Purdy wasn't able to use his legs as much, but proved that he could make accurate throws. They got 82% of their points on blown coverages but for the most part, the defensive scheme worked. We made them march down the field methodically to get points which they were mostly unable to do.