NFL Draft Two potential upgrades over Belcher - Page 3

RustShack · 09-20-2012, 09:53 PM

AMES, Iowa — Iowa State’s program has come to be defined by the fiery, passionate persona of coach Paul Rhoads.

The on-field identity of the Cyclones has been forged by seniors Jake Knott and A.J. Klein, a pair of once-overlooked linebackers who’ve blossomed into one of the top defensive duos in the country.

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The Cyclones are off to their second straight 3-0 start behind a defense that’s been better than most expected. They’re 13th in the nation in scoring defense at 10.7 points allowed per game and they haven’t allowed a touchdown in two weeks — a feat that hasn’t been pulled off at Iowa State since the mid-60s.

The performance of Iowa State’s defense so far has solidified Knott and Klein’s reputation as like-minded program changers.

“Coach Rhoads has been preaching since Day 1 about changing the culture. To be a part of that and to be the foundation of that is huge,” Knott said.

It’s hard to imagine where Iowa State’s once-porous defense would be without Knott and Klein.

Rhoads promised the Cyclones during their first meeting together before the 2009 season that they’d be a winning program right away. It was a bold statement to a team that had lost the final 10 games of the previous season and their coach, Gene Chizik, to a more high-profile job at Auburn.

But Knott and Klein, a pair of lightly recruited kids from the Midwest, helped Iowa State reach that goal immediately.

Knott grew up in suburban Des Moines and was considered a mid-level Division I prospect — though rivals Iowa and Northern Iowa wanted him to play baseball. Klein grew up in Kimberly, Wis., where his choices beyond Iowa State were Northern Illinois, Western Michigan and Wyoming.

They became fast friends after being paired as roommates in the dorms, and each showed enough in fall camp that Rhoads felt comfortable ditching their redshirts and playing them right away.

Knott and Klein played every game as Iowa State beat Minnesota in the Insight Bowl to cap a surprising 7-6 season.

“It was kind of crazy how similar we were when we got here,” Klein said. “Our work ethic is alike. Our communication is alike, and I think that is because we’re humble people. We come from humble beginnings. We weren’t blown up. We were overlooked by a lot of teams and we wanted to prove ourselves.”

It didn’t take long.

The pair earned starting jobs in 2010 and they’ve been swarming the football together ever since.

Knott was second in the Big 12 in tackles and Klein was fifth. Knott also picked off four passes and forced four fumbles, while Klein became the first Iowa State player in 15 years to return interceptions for touchdowns in consecutive weeks.

In 2011, Knott was a first-team All-Big 12 selection with 115 tackles, four more forced fumbles and a pair of picks out of the middle linebacker spot. Klein did him one better with 116 tackles and the Big 12’s co-defensive player of the year award.

“It’s easy to go out there and have a guy that you trust on and off the field playing next to you,” Knott said.

The pair often come off as interchangeable, so much so that Knott said he was confused with Klein while getting a flu shot earlier this week.

Knott and Klein play a similar brand of hard-nosed, physical football, and have developed a connection that makes them better together than apart.

“The understanding of the entire defense, not just a single position, allows us to be a little more active in the passing game. It all comes with film study and just experience,” Klein said. “With our communication and our bond that we’ve developed over the past couple of years, it’s the kind of thing we had to do so we could perform better.”

Their playmaking skills and hard-working mentality has rubbed off on a defense that’s often was on the wrong end of blowouts in the past.

The Cyclones opened the season by allowing 16 points in the first quarter to Tulsa. But Iowa State has only allowed 16 points since then — and Knott’s leaping tip and interception of Iowa’s James Vandenberg with 1:11 left provided the Cyclones with their signature moment thus far.

About the only difference between Knott and Klein is that Knott sports a Mohawk, while Klein has opted for shoulder-length locks.

Other than that, they’re eerily similar and equally successful.

The rest of the Cyclones have followed them.

“I think they just play hard. They’re serious. They like to prepare,” Rhoads said.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

RustShack · 09-20-2012, 10:25 PM

We need Shaun Smiths attitude back.

Sorter · 09-20-2012, 10:30 PM

Romeo's scheme can be effective. Otherwise, we would have just gotten raped in every game since 2010.

The thing is, it seems to me that it wastes roster spots and talent. Additionally, it's passive and that isn't a trait I personally enjoy. It is also harder to try and teach players how to play the 2-gap as opposed to the Phillips 3-4.

**cdcox** · 09-20-2012, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustShack

We need Shaun Smiths attitude back.

[soprano]I agree! [/soprano]

Sorter · 09-20-2012, 10:32 PM

The old 5 on 2 could be of great value and would be an excellent skill for Poe to learn.

Blick · 09-20-2012, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

I don't know why people keep pointing to Romeo's scheme as if it's outdated.

The scheme is fine. No scheme is going to survive with a defensive coordinator who is practically missing, no nose tackle, and a finesse coach that has players playing like a bunch of softies.

If the Chiefs played with the same attitude that played with under Haley, you brought Kelly Gregg/Amon Gordon back, and you put RAC back at DC, this scheme would be fine.

It's built to stop the run in a passing league. It's behind the curve.

That last part is pure speculation...and we shouldn't be settling for "fine" anyway.

chiefzilla1501 · 09-20-2012, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

For as many people that hate the defense and blame the struggles on the scheme...
My guess is that the majority of the people would be happy to see a new head coach and for RAC to go back to being a DC.

This defense isn't the same as last year. The game planning is disastrous. Our adjustments are worse. And our players are playing like a bunch of softies. And we had a huge drop off at nose tackle, the most important position on defense. And it's not like DJ and Berry just forgot how to play.

**DaneMcCloud** · 09-20-2012, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

For as many people that hate the defense and blame the struggles on the scheme...
My guess is that the majority of the people would be happy to see a new head coach and for RAC to go back to being a DC.

This defense isn't the same as last year. The game planning is disastrous. Our adjustments are worse. And our players are playing like a bunch of softies. And we had a huge drop off at nose tackle, the most important position on defense. And it's not like DJ and Berry just forgot how to play.

When I see your posts, all I think is blah, blah, blah

chiefzilla1501 · 09-20-2012, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blick

It's built to stop the run in a passing league. It's behind the curve.

That last part is pure speculation...and we shouldn't be settling for "fine" anyway.

Without Eric Berry and with average nose tackle play, this defense was one of the most suffocating in the game in the second half of the season last year. They were outstanding.

I don't know how anyone can act like this is anywhere close to the same defense we had last year. The scheme looks different, sloppy, and lazy. The players look soft and forgot how to tackle. And our current players are playing without their head in the game. Even Romeo has played a hell of a lot less aggressive.

Yes, if you add in a healthy Eric Berry and you're able to keep Gregg/Gordon and you have a full-time defensive coordinator like RAC, the defense would be very good.

FAX · 09-20-2012, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sorter

Romeo's scheme can be effective. Otherwise, we would have just gotten raped in every game since 2010.

The thing is, it seems to me that it wastes roster spots and talent. Additionally, it's passive and that isn't a trait I personally enjoy. It is also harder to try and teach players how to play the 2-gap as opposed to the Phillips 3-4.

While we're being critical (and why not?), there's the additional problem of forcing players to do something for which they are neither well-suited or instinctively inclined.

I'm thinking of Dorsey who seems to be the kind of player who could and would prefer to attack ... as opposed to tying up o-linemen for a living.

Maybe that was the rationale behind the drafting of TJ ... in anticipation of Dorsey's exist, I mean.

We all have our preference in terms of defensive style ... I think most fans lean toward the attacking style ... it's simply more fun to watch and, when its successful, the plays are more impactful. Regardless, it seems to me that a smart coaching staff would design their system around the strengths of their talent ... not try to spend their time struggling to re-skill players to fit their scheme.

FAX

FAX · 09-20-2012, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdcox

[soprano]I agree! [/soprano]

FAX

**DaneMcCloud** · 09-20-2012, 10:50 PM

The Chiefs should have been playing the 1-gap 3-4 since 2009. Only a stubborn dictator would force the Chiefs to play an antiquated defense, especially given the sheer number of missing parts.

chiefzilla1501 · 09-20-2012, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FAX

While we're being critical (and why not?), there's the additional problem of forcing players to do something for which they are neither well-suited or instinctively inclined.

I'm thinking of Dorsey who seems to be the kind of player who could and would prefer to attack ... as opposed to tying up o-linemen for a living.

Maybe that was the rationale behind the drafting of TJ ... in anticipation of Dorsey's exist, I mean.

We all have our preference in terms of defensive style ... I think most fans lean toward the attacking style ... it's simply more fun to watch and, when its successful, the plays are more impactful. Regardless, it seems to me that a smart coaching staff would design their system around the strengths of their talent ... not try to spend their time struggling to re-skill players to fit their scheme.

FAX

I think there's something to that.

But just as I want to see what the offense can do behind a real offensive coordinator and a QB, shouldn't we see what the defense looks like behind a real defensive coordinator and a nose tackle?

I think the problem is that the defensive coordinator doesn't have the time to design a system... at all. Because he's too busy being the head coach he couldn't even handle when he was a full-time head coach. There's no doubt that players are playing sloppy.

Blick · 09-20-2012, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

Without Eric Berry and with average nose tackle play, this defense was one of the most suffocating in the game in the second half of the season last year. They were outstanding.

I don't know how anyone can act like this is anywhere close to the same defense we had last year. The scheme looks different, sloppy, and lazy. The players look soft and forgot how to tackle. And our current players are playing without their head in the game. Even Romeo has played a hell of a lot less aggressive.

Yes, if you add in a healthy Eric Berry and you're able to keep Gregg/Gordon and you have a full-time defensive coordinator like RAC, the defense would be very good.

I agree that it looks a lot less aggressive, and that is extremely frustrating to me because defenses should always be aggressive, IMO.

And yes, players have blown assignments.

I just hate the 2 gap in principle. It really hamstrings your D-line and makes it difficult for them to rush the passer.

chiefzilla1501 · 09-20-2012, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blick

I agree that it looks a lot less aggressive, and that is extremely frustrating to me because defenses should always be aggressive, IMO.

And yes, players have blown assignments.

I just hate the 2 gap in principle. It really hamstrings your D-line and makes it difficult for them to rush the passer.

Whether you like or dislike 2-gap principle, it's not what's killing the Chiefs right now. Romeo's getting clowned on basic play calls. Our players are playing with zero discipline. Our players went from hitting people in the mouth to over-thinking. And our nose tackle is playing as poorly as we expected him to.

Hell, you say this is a run defense, but our run defense stopped the run cold last year. We're getting annihilated and the number of cutback lanes is unreal.

There are a lot bigger problems than scheme. And a lot of those wouldn't be problems if Romeo stayed in his job at DC.

**DaneMcCloud** · 09-20-2012, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

And a lot of those wouldn't be problems if Romeo stayed in his job at DC.

It's an antiquated scheme that makes players think too much. Instead of an attacking defense, it's a thinking defense.

That no longer works in the NFL when you're facing 6'4 tight ends that run like receivers. Plus, it takes away from players athleticism because they're thinking all the time.

This isn't 2002 or 2003 or 2004. The rules have changed. This scheme is dead.

09-20-2012, 09:53 PM
RustShack **** That Noise Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Jack Trice Casino cash: $4576954	Two potential upgrades over Belcher AMES, Iowa — Iowa State’s program has come to be defined by the fiery, passionate persona of coach Paul Rhoads. The on-field identity of the Cyclones has been forged by seniors Jake Knott and A.J. Klein, a pair of once-overlooked linebackers who’ve blossomed into one of the top defensive duos in the country. 0 Comments Weigh InCorrections? Personal Post The Cyclones are off to their second straight 3-0 start behind a defense that’s been better than most expected. They’re 13th in the nation in scoring defense at 10.7 points allowed per game and they haven’t allowed a touchdown in two weeks — a feat that hasn’t been pulled off at Iowa State since the mid-60s. The performance of Iowa State’s defense so far has solidified Knott and Klein’s reputation as like-minded program changers. “Coach Rhoads has been preaching since Day 1 about changing the culture. To be a part of that and to be the foundation of that is huge,” Knott said. It’s hard to imagine where Iowa State’s once-porous defense would be without Knott and Klein. Rhoads promised the Cyclones during their first meeting together before the 2009 season that they’d be a winning program right away. It was a bold statement to a team that had lost the final 10 games of the previous season and their coach, Gene Chizik, to a more high-profile job at Auburn. But Knott and Klein, a pair of lightly recruited kids from the Midwest, helped Iowa State reach that goal immediately. Knott grew up in suburban Des Moines and was considered a mid-level Division I prospect — though rivals Iowa and Northern Iowa wanted him to play baseball. Klein grew up in Kimberly, Wis., where his choices beyond Iowa State were Northern Illinois, Western Michigan and Wyoming. They became fast friends after being paired as roommates in the dorms, and each showed enough in fall camp that Rhoads felt comfortable ditching their redshirts and playing them right away. Knott and Klein played every game as Iowa State beat Minnesota in the Insight Bowl to cap a surprising 7-6 season. “It was kind of crazy how similar we were when we got here,” Klein said. “Our work ethic is alike. Our communication is alike, and I think that is because we’re humble people. We come from humble beginnings. We weren’t blown up. We were overlooked by a lot of teams and we wanted to prove ourselves.” It didn’t take long. The pair earned starting jobs in 2010 and they’ve been swarming the football together ever since. Knott was second in the Big 12 in tackles and Klein was fifth. Knott also picked off four passes and forced four fumbles, while Klein became the first Iowa State player in 15 years to return interceptions for touchdowns in consecutive weeks. In 2011, Knott was a first-team All-Big 12 selection with 115 tackles, four more forced fumbles and a pair of picks out of the middle linebacker spot. Klein did him one better with 116 tackles and the Big 12’s co-defensive player of the year award. “It’s easy to go out there and have a guy that you trust on and off the field playing next to you,” Knott said. The pair often come off as interchangeable, so much so that Knott said he was confused with Klein while getting a flu shot earlier this week. Knott and Klein play a similar brand of hard-nosed, physical football, and have developed a connection that makes them better together than apart. “The understanding of the entire defense, not just a single position, allows us to be a little more active in the passing game. It all comes with film study and just experience,” Klein said. “With our communication and our bond that we’ve developed over the past couple of years, it’s the kind of thing we had to do so we could perform better.” Their playmaking skills and hard-working mentality has rubbed off on a defense that’s often was on the wrong end of blowouts in the past. The Cyclones opened the season by allowing 16 points in the first quarter to Tulsa. But Iowa State has only allowed 16 points since then — and Knott’s leaping tip and interception of Iowa’s James Vandenberg with 1:11 left provided the Cyclones with their signature moment thus far. About the only difference between Knott and Klein is that Knott sports a Mohawk, while Klein has opted for shoulder-length locks. Other than that, they’re eerily similar and equally successful. The rest of the Cyclones have followed them. “I think they just play hard. They’re serious. They like to prepare,” Rhoads said. Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Posts: 15,050

09-20-2012, 10:25 PM	#31
RustShack **** That Noise Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Jack Trice Casino cash: $4576954	We need Shaun Smiths attitude back. __________________
Posts: 15,050

09-20-2012, 10:30 PM	#32
Sorter Caralho Join Date: Sep 2011 Casino cash: $9631474	Romeo's scheme can be effective. Otherwise, we would have just gotten raped in every game since 2010. The thing is, it seems to me that it wastes roster spots and talent. Additionally, it's passive and that isn't a trait I personally enjoy. It is also harder to try and teach players how to play the 2-gap as opposed to the Phillips 3-4.
Posts: 18,455

09-20-2012, 10:32 PM	#34
Sorter Caralho Join Date: Sep 2011 Casino cash: $9631474	The old 5 on 2 could be of great value and would be an excellent skill for Poe to learn.
Posts: 18,455

09-20-2012, 10:50 PM	#41
DaneMcCloud Supporter Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Hollywood, CA Casino cash: $10053648	The Chiefs should have been playing the 1-gap 3-4 since 2009. Only a stubborn dictator would force the Chiefs to play an antiquated defense, especially given the sheer number of missing parts.
Posts: 88,960