After a gut-punch loss to BYU, it is easy to drown in negativity surrounding Notre Dame’s football team, but with seven games under their belt and a bye week in full swing, it’s time to break down what’s actually happening on the defensive side of the ball. The grades are in, and while some units are holding their own, the overall picture shows some serious cracks, especially with their 3rd down defense ranking a dismal 88th in the country.
Defensive Line Is The Only Real Bright Spot
Seriously, it’s hard to imagine where this defense would be without the big boys up front. The defensive line is the undisputed leader in creating “havoc plays” all season long, earning a solid **A-**. Remember when Jason Onye went down early against Wisconsin? Tough break. But even against BYU, where Traore got ejected after just five plays, this unit showed its grit. They are rotating players like crazy, inside and outside, and the production hasn’t dropped a bit. That’s serious depth, and it means the coaches are getting something right here, despite the chaos.
Linebackers And Defensive Backs Are Struggling To Get Home
This is where things get sticky, and frankly, a bit frustrating. The linebackers pulled a **B+**, which feels like a tough call because they are absolutely crushing it against the run, holding teams to the 3rd best rushing defense in the entire country and giving up only three rushing touchdowns all season. That’s elite stuff. BUT, and this is a huge BUT, they are not getting home on the blitz and look visibly lost defending the pass. That looks like a true liability right now. And what’s going on with the rotation? Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa needs to be on the field more, full stop.
Then you look at the defensive backs, who also snagged a **B+**. These guys were supposed to be the best defensive backfield in the country coming into the season, right? So where’s that elite play when it matters most? Their 3rd down defense is ranked a shocking 88th nationally, and you can lay that squarely at the secondary’s feet. Brauntae Johnson’s injury has been way more damaging than anyone first thought, and Adon Shuler has had his struggles this season. If Johnson was healthy, that Talich/Johnson combo would likely be just fine, but we’re not seeing it. While their pass efficiency defense is 37th, the potential is obviously there for so much more. But their zone play has been bad, and against BYU, it was flat-out awful.
Coaching Takes A Hit, But One Guy Stands Out
And finally, the coaching staff. This is where it gets really real, folks, because they got a **C**. Defensive Coordinator Chris Ash has got everyone in a twist, and honestly, who can blame them? When you watch this team, you are not seeing much hope for improvement coming from Aaron Henry or Brian Jean-Mary. They need to find answers, and fast. The one shining light? Charlie Partridge seems to be a real difference maker with the defensive line. He’s clearly got that unit firing on all cylinders. But for the rest of the defense, especially against teams with a pulse, it looks like most of the problems can be chalked up to Chris Ash. They have to figure this out during the bye week.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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