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Originally Posted by jonzie04
What is that? And how is it similar to what the Chiefs run?
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They run a press man coverage out of what is mainly a 43 base set with safeties in a non-specific role much like what Sutton runs with the Chiefs safeties. Cornerbacks are left on an island in hard man coverage. (Which is why Sean Smith translated so well to Sutton's defense when they signed him as a free agent.) As well, while it's considered a 43 set, Utah uses primarily three down linemen on defense much the same as when we've seen Bailey, Poe and Howard/Devito, with the other "lineman" primarily being a jumbo OLB like Hali.
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Another important aspect of the defensive linemen is playing their gaps in the passing game. The two ends are most responsible for applying pressure on the quarterback, but all four linemen still play their gaps during the pass rush. This is referred to as playing the QB running lanes, and is an important part in keeping quarterbacks from scrambling and getting positive yards. Every lineman has to stay in his rush lane while generating a pass rush.
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It's been a very effective defense against both the spread and more traditional offenses. (Watch what Whittingham did against Alabama in the 2009 Sugar Bowl. ****ed a much more talented team up. Badly. I lost money on that game too.)
The main difference is that Whittingham (who was defensive coordinator for Utah under Urban Meyer prior to becoming head coach when Meyer left for Florida) doesn't shit down his leg and curl up fetal with a lead. The guy is a bit of a meathead, but he's absolutely vicious in terms of finishing off a team, nailing the coffin shut right up to the final whistle. In fact, there have been times where I thought he's been kind of an asshole for not calling off the dogs during games, but he's always been a guy who coaches aggressively to the final whistle. He has a little "**** you!" in him and instills that into his players very effectively. They play very hard for him with attitude.
And he coaches the biggest in the big games. Best post season winning percentage of any college coach in history with the qualifying seven or more bowl game appearances.