Hawk defense - rusty 1st half but very good 2nd half

[uihawk82]

The hawk defense had one of their least impressive tackling efforts in the first half, some players took bad angles and lost the edge a few times, but even at that they only gave up 17 points. The offense having a few long possessions helps with limiting the IU offense.

But the second half was a different story holding IU to only 3 points for 28 minutes. I thought there was more pressure on Sudfeld and better coverage as Sudfeld was 3-13 at one time. And all the players really helped shut down their running game.

Any of you defensive experts see other things the hawks did in the second half to tighten things up?

 

[SpiderRico]

I saw 3 things:

1. Howard was hurt/tired, so didn't play as much in the 2nd half
2. Drops by Indy receivers
3. Raider

 

[uihawk82]

Yep, the drops by their receivers hurt them and made the hawks stats on dee look a bit better than they were. It also looked like howard tweaked his leg on their last TD drive.

Yep, raider and other pass rushes were stronger in 2nd half.

 

[hwks1]

Drops... key drops and other drops

 

[hawkinn3]

I'll see those drops and raise you all the uncalled holds. It all worked out I'd say.

 

[Saginawbay]

Was at the game, and 1st half our gap discipline was not good, and tackling was below our standard. 2nd half Iowa really controlled the line of scrimmage against a really good offense line.

 

[CP87]

Drops... key drops and other drops

You will probably see that vs. Iowa more than other teams. Two reasons: 1) Iowa hits really hard in the back seven, has to get those receivers thinking, 2) the bend-but-don't break style, by not giving up big plays, forces teams to execute over and over again, increasing the likelihood that they will have a drop or a penalty in there somewhere.