Ohio State coordinator shoulders the blame for key unit struggling entering matchup vs. Iowa
It's hard to say the Ohio State Buckeyes defense is struggling too much when they lead the nation in scoring allowed. However, the linebacker unit has once again been at the forefront of discussion in the early part of this season. And no player has been bearing the brunt as much as junior Sonny Styles. […]
It's hard to say the Ohio State Buckeyes defense is struggling too much when they lead the nation in scoring allowed. However, the linebacker unit has once again been at the forefront of discussion in the early part of this season. And no player has been bearing the brunt as much as junior Sonny Styles.
Buckeyes defensive coordinator Jim Knowles was questioned on Tuesday about Styles' play and the overall strategy when offenses go into heavy formations. His response about Styles' role and the unit's ability to improve was fascinating.
Knowles shouldered the blame for Styles being out of position at times, as "it needs to be repped and practiced for them to be relied upon. Sonny has had a lot asked of him, playing all three spots and learning, but he’s doing a good job, and we need to coach the group."
Knowles added that he's "very pleased with Sonny " and reiterated that all criticisms should never be directed at the player. He said it's been a tough ask for Styles because he's crosstraining on three positions this season, including his base WILL alignment.
Styles leads the Buckeyes with 23 tackles and has logged a sack and fumble recovery. Despite finding his way to the ball as a box defender, Styles is clearly struggling in space. PFF, which head coach Ryan Day said could be useful when the grader knows the assignment, has Styles as logging two bad games in a row.
Three of Styles' games have graded negatively as a coverage player, and the eye test confirms that he is often lost trying to drift into the zones or follow in man coverage. Despite his insane athleticism, Styles has undoubtedly suffered from being heavily tasked throughout his three years with the team. The plan always changes for his role, and it's led to uncertainty on the field.
Knowles has admitted as much and reiterated it this week. The problem is what the solution is. We'll explore the potential solution for Ohio State's 12 personnel issue in another article, but right now, playing big to match their opponents has opened the door for sustained drives.
That's worrisome when Kaleb Johnson and this powerful Hawkeyes run game is coming on Saturday.
Michigan State was able to isolate Styles in coverage, producing two receptions for 45 yards in man assignments. Styles allowed 30 yards after the catch and committed one penalty.
In the week before, Styles was better in coverage but missed three tackles. He was borderline unplayable against Marshall, and Michigan State's usage of tight ends and misdirection will serve as a template for how teams will attack the linebackers off play-action in the coming weeks.
We'll see if Knowles can quickly get Styles the reps he needs to be far more effective by this Saturday.
