UCLA Football vs Texas A&M: Defensive Review

Sep 3, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back James White (20) is tackled by defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes (47) and defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley (98) and linebacker Jayon Brown (12) during the first quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back James White (20) is tackled by defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes (47) and defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley (98) and linebacker Jayon Brown (12) during the first quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Final Analysis

The Bruins clearly still have a lot of work to do. They need to find a way to get a consistent pass rush. It doesn’t help that McKinley was already dealing with a groin injury but he can’t be the only source of a rush.

Some of the young guys have to start getting into the game and making an impact otherwise the secondary, that has plenty of work to do itself, will be in for a very long season. At defensive tackle, the Bruins really need a running mate to pair with Vanderdoes and to develop depth so there isn’t such a drop off when the subs come in.

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UCLA spent a ton of time recruiting guys who could make an immediate impact at that position this offseason and yet we didn’t see any of them this game.

At linebacker being in the nickel will stress your guys especially if teams can run on you. Brown and Young are strong run stoppers when they have free lanes to run to but only Brown is a competent pass defender against backs and could improve greatly. This is where the Bruins really miss guys like Myles Jack and Mique Juarez who are impressive athletes in both the run and pass game.

The secondary needs a ton of work in my mind. When Mora came to UCLA he promised we would see plenty of press coverage which is something that this writer had been begging for for a long time. At this point I haven’t been impressed with the UCLA style of “play off and give them what’s underneath”.

What has been described as “death by a thousand cuts” demoralizes and deflates your defense. They need to jam, press and re-route receivers otherwise what’s the point?

Next: UCLA vs UNLV Early Analysis

The Bruins will get a chance to regroup against UNLV next week but this type of defense is not sustainable and perhaps things need to change at the top.

Final defensive grade: C-