Agreed, but I told my friends that I am now really glad we went to two extra road games last year and really enjoyed the season while it was happening. Right now it looks like a 4 to 5 year path to get back to there. We look like a total rebuild on defense and best case we get that done in two years and then we are a total rebuild on offense. That is if we can start to recruit defensive players that can play defense, not just win wind sprints at Nike camps.
It looks like there is no one on this staff that has the knack for identifying football players on defense. The best tackler on the team right now is a walk-on from Prior Lake that is sitting on special teams.
MSM is a real issue right now, you can't be the leader of the linebacking core and be that poor of a tackler.
This is my biggest concern right now (Rossi).
Does Rossi really have what it takes? This is his Defense. He was living off previous staff's players, and now, it's his guys (not all obviously as he's only been in place not even 2 years as DC). Fleck has said he's not an X's and O's guy and leaves it to the coordinators to make their calls. He will, when he deems as critical times, provide input OR change the calls to go for it on 4rth down or whatever (I don't think he said he makes the final call... but I imagine as the HC and knowing how detailed he is, he most certainly does) as ultimately, this is his team.
Let's look at recruiting then; does Fleck leave the INITIAL targets to the coordinators as to whom we should be going after, and then he takes the ball based on how critical these recruits might be to his program, and works on closing the deal with these high profile recruits? Does that mean the list of recruits (offensively AND defensively) are developed by the coordinators and other staff members and given to Fleck?
I really have no clue (obviously right... LOL) but seems like he's more Offensive minded and therefore he truly does leave the Defensive recruiting LIST creation to Rossi et al?? I mean, ultimately yes, he's the accountable one for what is on the field, but I truly wonder how much input he has on WHO we initially target? To me on the defensive side of the ball, based purely off results in these 2 games while realizing much of the season is left, we've missed on impact players big time in the last 3 (really 4, but Fleck's first cycle, he get's a pass due to the scramble he was in) years.
One part to look at as well is the development of the talent brought in. Seems like the graduating class last year developed relatively well. What about the Rossi classes? Maybe there hasn't been enough to time yet to determine this, but looking at what we currently have on the field... really makes you wonder how well they've been coached. Part of the problem is the revolving door on Defense with the coaching staff as well I think. I don't know, just throwing stuff at the wall I guess.
I really hate to be this negative, certainly after what was done last year! I guess I have fan PTSD when it comes to the Gophers (and the way they lose games!!!!) and really, when it comes to their Defense!!
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