Why do we tackle so poorly?

**CLONE2THEBONE** · 09-14-2008, 12:02 PM

We aren't good at tackling. We weren't much better last year.

Why?

**troyrew** · 09-14-2008, 12:05 PM

Youth and a lack of size

**iowast8fan** · 09-14-2008, 12:10 PM

we were worse at tackling last year.

**Flag Guy** · 09-14-2008, 12:12 PM

Still have a lot of work to do on it this year... there were several plays we should have had sacks for big losses and they gained yards from it

**superdorf** · 09-14-2008, 12:12 PM

I would have expected a bit more improvement in tackling to this point. It's only 3 games... So maybe they will get better.

If we want to get to 5 wins, they are gonna have to get better.

**twojman** · 09-14-2008, 12:38 PM

ISU has not tackeld well since the end of 2005, ISU has stunk in the red zone since 2005 against BCS opponents.

**Wesley** · 09-14-2008, 12:55 PM

If you fail to gang tackle like McC teams do, you need to wrap up their legs not just bounce off them. Looks like we do little gang tackling, so we need to go for the legs more.

**isucy86** · 09-14-2008, 08:05 PM

Tackling has been a problem at ISU for a long time. I've always blamed on ISU's lack of team speed, but it seems under Chizek our speed has improved but tackling has not. Bad tackling is bad enough in a base defense, but IMO it causes bigger problems on special teams where the guy with the ball is usually in space.

Tackling may be a struggle until we can develop a d-line that can control the line of scrimmage. That means a couple 290-300lb DT's and a strong side DE in the 270 range. It seems to me that opposing O-lines aren't forced to double team any D-lineman freeing them to tie up our LB's.

**tim_redd** · 09-14-2008, 08:20 PM

I think our tackling is poor because we always seem to go for the knockout blow instead of breaking down, wrapping up and making the sure tackle.

**ISUonthemove** · 09-14-2008, 08:26 PM

We're a small team right now, and we tackle high. We need to learn to hit low, especially with Summers from UNLV. I love they're not afraid to hit, but I'm tired of seeing them bounce off. Save the big hits for next year when you're 10-15 lbs heavier.

**CarolinaCy** · 09-14-2008, 08:30 PM

Originally Posted by troyrew

Youth and a lack of size

I don't buy either of those for one second. Youth? These guys didn't have to tackle people in Jr. High and High School? And you don't have to be a 6-5 260lb LB to wrap your arms around someone and drag them down.

Tackling is about technique and discipline. I think too many kids these days are looking for the highlight reel kill shot because that's what they show on ESPN every week (Jacked Up anyone?).

**CyBelieve** · 09-14-2008, 08:39 PM

Are we talking about the game on Saturday? We cut the opponents yardage in half and their star running back to over 100 yards off of his average. They scored one TD....the problem wasn't our tackling (with the exception of the Punt return).
I'd say to only give up less than 250 yards in those crappy wet conditions was pretty damn good.
Put the ball in the end zone and we are writing how great the D was!

**mplscyclone** · 09-14-2008, 08:41 PM

It has to do with not stressing fundamentals and going for the big play. They see that the BIG hits make the highlights and want to look cool.

Also, I do still think there are times when our D-Line is a bit too slow. They just go for a weak arm tackle, which good QBs and RBs are going to avoid. I think our LBs and safetys go for the "big hit" and miss a lot.

It's kind of like basketball: Now-a-days, not many players, even guards, shoot the ball well. Mainly because they don't learn the fundamentals and work on shooting. They'd rather focus on layups and dunks because those are the highlights they see on TV.