Things look a lot better for the this unit than it did at the close of last year. A few more healthy bodies and some young talent make this group look pretty good. Both Kirksey and Hitchens look like capable guys and both are a bit undersized. If Iowa's going to refuse to play nickel at least they've got a WLB who's more capable in pass coverage. Both guys can still tackle despite being undersized and I like what I saw from them. It looks like Kirksey has got the job for now, but it's nice to know Hitchens is solid behind him.
Schematically really pretty much the same stuff we saw last year. Lots of reading and reacting with a few run blitzes mixed in every so often. Plenty of C2 5 under with a little man under in there as well. I spotted Cover 3 and Cover 4 during this one as well. All three starters have good closing speed and have some tools that could make them pass rush threats but we'll have to see if Iowa gets a little more aggressive than in years past. If the front 4 struggles to get to the QB it's more likely they'll start using the LB's to bring pressure.
Nielsen
Having Nielsen back makes a huge difference for this unit and having him on the field is a big boost for this defense. He's important for not just his play, but his leadership as well. He's a very capable LB in coverage and plays the run very well. Has some very good athleticism and can make tackles against quicker guys in space. Made a big TFL early on a double screen look that he sniffed out and made a perfectly timed hit on. Not a guy on a lot of NFL teams radars but if he can stay healthy this year his play could start turning some heads. Very good natural athlete that just needs time to develop on the field.
Morris
Looks to be bigger this year and he looks quicker as well. Got downhill very quickly a few times in the run game. Took good angles and showed pretty impressive range as well. Still needs to be quicker shedding blocks when OL get out to him quick. Doesn't look great chasing up the seam in Cover 2 man under. He had issues running up with the TE up the middle seam last year and it'd be nice to see him get his head around instead of having to play blind on these routes. Looks fairly effective in zone coverage and can cover his area and did a nice job of watching the QB's eyes and reading his intentions on his INT. Nice little rumble on the return too. Showing himself ready to be a leader on the defense.
Kirksey
Definitely a smaller and quicker LB than Iowa has gone with in the past. Looked good in zone coverage and made tackles quickly after WR's caught the ball and didn't allow any YAC. Looked good defending on the outside over a slot receiver. Tackled well in the open field on bubble screens and in perimeter run game. Going to be key how well he can play in space with a bunch of spread looks around the Big 10 this year. Good start to the year for Kirksey. Did struggle to shed blocks when he got caught in a phone booth, but should be able to improve here.
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