Here's why Memphis football's new defense is feeling like a better fit for players
Before the start of preseason practice, Memphis football coach Ryan Silverfield hinted at his defense’s improvement by saying Matt Barnes’ scheme was a better fit for his personnel.
It was high praise for his first-year defensive coordinator but gave little clues on what that meant. Now, two weeks from the season opener, players are saying the same as they praise the freedom and flexibility of Barnes’ system.
“Last year, if we faced a pass game, we were going to run that scheme and the other guy just has to beat us while in that scheme,” safety Rodney Owens said. “This year, we’re doing more of what puts us in the best position to dominate and win each and every scenario.”
For defensive lineman Wardalis Ducksworth, the new defense suits the Tigers better as more of a finesse team. It’s like freestyling with more options while focusing on sound technique.
LOYALTY: How loyalty, family helped shape Memphis DB Quindell Johnson's return for senior year
WHITE RETURNS: Why former Memphis football quarterback Brady White is back as a graduate assistant
“You can do more stuff out of it instead of doing more robotic stuff,” Ducksworth said. “With three down (linemen), you can’t really do too much but with four down, you can twist it up a bit. Send a blitz here or up the middle or outside.”
Barnes’ arrival meant a switch from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3 with four down linemen up front. But Barnes described his system not by formation but concepts that can be used across multiple coverages rather than be rigid in a certain assignment.
For a Memphis defense that ranked 103rd or worse against the pass in four of the last five seasons and had its fewest takeaways last season – 15 – since 2013, that change was necessary. Owens added the scheme is expanding the defense’s football IQ by showing off their versatility.
“There’s different things that we all have to do. So at all times, you have to be dialed in because you never know what position you’ll be in,” Owens said. “All of us can play any position on the field except for defensive line.”
It’s not exactly position-less football but it’s turning the Tigers loose to adjust to an offense. With an athletic group, it’s playing to their strengths to be more aggressive, especially to start a season.
Memphis has started slow the past two years before finding a groove by late October-November. Barnes wants to change that by having players trust what their role calls for without overthinking.
“We don’t want the players to have to think about scheme as much. We put in the play call and they just focus on concepts and techniques,” defensive backs coach Charles Clark said. “It’s just easier to pick up.”
For the players, the changes have motivated them to create a goal of more takeaways. The new scheme appears less complicated but for a veteran group, it doesn't change how much more effective they want to be than last year.
“It’s really just learning different areas of the field and how to play different areas and everybody should know how to play if you want to be on the field,” Owens said. “We love it.”
Want to stay informed on the latest Memphis sports news? A Commercial Appeal subscription gets you unlimited access to the best inside information and updates on local sports, and the ability to tap into sports news from throughout the USA TODAY Network's 109 local sites.
You can reach Evan Barnes on Twitter (@Evan_B) or by email at evan.barnes@commercialappeal.com
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: How Memphis football's new defense aims to be better fit with players
