My reasons for optimism with Utah’s defense.

[Ute Dub]

First, the front seven is deep with the entire D-line going from underclassmen to upperclassmen (Tafuna will be a jr., Vimahi will be a jr., Fillinger will be a jr., O’toole will be a jr.). I’m most optimistic about O’toole who has WR speed (previously) and is now up to 250 lbs. The depth is there as well with Pepa, Fotu, Fano, Ellis and the incoming other players. One thing I’d love to see on 3rd and longs would be to see O’toole and Barton coming off the edge with Fillinger or Ellis inside next to Tafuna. Barton, Reid, Damuni, and Medlock is a strong core of LB’s, should be a good group.

Second, Skyler Mayne (Helps guys prep for the NFL), mentioned that Sione Vaki is a physical freak, the likes of Devin Lloyd but in a DB body. Having him at free safety will pay dividends. I like the starting 4-6 DB’s with Broughton, Tao Johnson (projected nickel), Vaughn, Bishop, Vaki and Nate Ritchie working his way back in. What is lost with Philipps cannot fully made up in the aggregate (he was that good) but I think you can get almost there. If the D-line can take a step forward, it could really help the secondary and disrupt some passing games.

Overall, I think Utah has built the depth to have a solid year, and an improved year on the defense from the previous year, mainly because of an experienced D-Line.

[Rick]

Preach my brother.

[ProudUte]

I agree that our defense should be great this season.  Everything is falling into place.  We have had a better defensive line (2019) and better linebackers, etc.  However, the entire package including depth looks to be very good.  I doubt we will be quite as good as the 2019 defense which only allowed something like 260 yards per game.  However, I think this will be our best defense since then.

 

[Yergensen]

Key ingredients to great Utah/anyone’s defense is stopping the run and getting front 4 pressure without help. This wasn’t the case last year. We struggled against run option and had to blitz more than we probably like. Has to change to take that next step. IMO we’re a good, but not yet great defense.

[DataUte]

In a PAC with increasing offensive power, I’m glad we have the defense we do. Solid pressure on these top qbs and a good secondary will counter much of the pass happy offenses we will face next year. Thay, coupled with a good to great offense and we have depth and longer term stability we’ve never had.

[Ute Dub]

If Utah’s defense takes a step forward, they will have the option to slow the game down with a stable of running backs who can run down hill and help break in young quarterbacks that might need to play if Cam is slow getting back.

[Charlie]

The one thing we may lack is a CB that can almost consistently control the other team’s best WR, even though there are several good CBs. In the past, we have allowed Phillips and Johnson to defend very good receivers with little safety help. With the CBs still developing, I wonder if we may play a safety at nickelback as opposed to a CB at slot corner. This would improve run defense and better rush options but a step down in pass defense. Maybe go back and forth depending on the other team slot receiver or depending on passing downs. The safety room may be stronger than the CB room.

On the DL we still need someone strong enough and fast enough to force the other QB to throw or break by the 4 count if he is not double-teamed. A couple of players are close to demanding a double-team, if one breaks through it will mean the world for our defense as it allows LBers to run free.

Hopefully, the transfer LBer and CB will add some options and will be ready early in the year.

[Utesby1]

While no one is saying it publically, it seems clear that we will add a free safety from the portal. The three proven safeties we have could be starting but there is no depth behind them.

I also expect us to add a QB from the portal. We cannot afford the risk that Rising will not be ready to go against Florida. My opinion could change if Rose really shines during the next two weeks.

[Author]

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