LSU Tigers' potential SEC Defensive Player of the Year absolutely destroyed UCLA in Week 4 victory
The LSU Tigers were desperate for a difference-making defensive star to step up alongside Harold Perkins as they opened the year struggling against both USC and Nicholls State. Would it be Major Burns or Sage Ryan in the secondary? Perhaps a returning defensive tackle?After the edge rushers largely struggled a year ago many who cover […]
The LSU Tigers were desperate for a difference-making defensive star to step up alongside Harold Perkins as they opened the year struggling against both USC and Nicholls State. Would it be Major Burns or Sage Ryan in the secondary? Perhaps a returning defensive tackle?
After the edge rushers largely struggled a year ago many who cover the team closely didn't see this coming, but Bradyn Swinson has been the highest impact player on the entire defense. In fact, Swinson has been so dominant he could end up becoming the SEC Defensive Player of the Year.
Bradyn Swinson, Defensive Superstar
Before Bradyn Swinson played a down of football against UCLA on Saturday he was already one of the most productive pass rushers in the nation. He had just won an assortment of "player of the week" awards after racking up three sacks against South Carolina the week before, and he's been dominant every single week.
After racking up two more sacks against UCLA on Saturday, Swinson is tied for the power conference lead in sacks (as of this writing) with five. But that doesn't even really emphasize just how unstoppable he has been on a down to down basis. He's bringing pressure on nearly 20% of his pass rush attempts, he's tallied multiple tackles every single game, forced two fumbles, and he's even played well when dropping into coverage allowing just six yards per reception.
Swinson's explosiveness off the edge was simply too much for any UCLA offensive lineman to handle on Saturday, as demonstrated on this strip sack in the highlight post below.
His first step is fast, fierce, but doesn't push him too deep beyond the passer. Swinson's strength and quick hand technique is then more than enough to put him in position to finish for the play of the day on defense for LSU.
His other sack was just about as impressive as the other, but demonstrates a whole different aspect of his pass rushing dominance (as you can see in my post below).
Plenty of edge rushers have great opening moves and raw traits, but the best ones have counters to win even when they initially can't get into the backfield. On this sack, Swinson was initially locked up by the left tackle, but his fast hands and strength to chop free in a split second almost makes it look like all one continual movement.
Bradyn Swinson did not have this extensive of a pass rush and counter move arsenal last season. He's clearly taken his game to a whole different level. But even when those moves don't work and he can't get home to make a hit or sack against the quarterback Swinson still finds a way to make his presence felt.
LSU Tigers emerging defensive star set to prove his dominance wasn’t a fluke in Week 4 game against UCLA
Does LSU have a new elite defensive weapon emerging?
For example, on a play that ended in an interception for LSU, Swinson was the real reason it happened despite getting no credit in the stats sheet. Late in the 4th quarter Swinson dominated the left tackle yet again, hurrying Ethan Garbers just enough to where he frantically stepped forward in the pocket. The left tackle, knowing he was beaten just blatantly held Swinson pulling him backwards away from Garbers. This action forced a rushed throw from Garbers, and it was hauled in for an easy interception by Jardin Gilbert.
If Bradyn Swinson can keep up his insane pressure rate, add a few more sacks, and continue making a difference on an every down basis he seriously might win SEC Defensive Player of the Year. And if he does that? LSU's defense might have a shot against some of the best offenses in the SEC here soon too.
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