Get after the quarterback
Another key emphasis of the Ash defensive scheme was more opportunities to get to the quarterback. A season ago under Todd Orlando, the pass rush was almost obsolete. The team averaged just 2.07 sacks per game in 2019. This year the team has just two sacks and neither have come from Joseph Ossai, who many thought would be the focal leader in that department.
Last week against Texas, the Red Raiders saw zero pressure on 42 of 53 dropbacks. If TCU is dropping back and getting a clean pocket on 80% of their passing opportunities, then it will be a long day for the defense again. Especially considering their issues with tackling last week.
When Downing was under center for TCU, he saw pressure on 38% of his dropbacks in the first half. Downing would complete just one of five passes on snaps with pressure got to the quarterback. He was sacked four times out of 10 with pressure. All four of those sacks came when TCU didn’t blitz any extra defenders.
When Duggan played, he saw a lot less pressure. On 19.2% of his dropbacks, Duggan saw pressure. However, he was sacked twice when he saw pressure. Of the six total sacks for the Cyclones defense, they did it with three and four man pressures. If Ash wants to just play coverage, the chances of his defense getting home seem high. TCU surrendered a total of 16 pressures, Austin Myers was responsible for six alone.
We could see a big game from Joseph Ossai when lined up on the right side of the defense.