Part of the problem is schematic. When you are undersized up front, play only 2 linebackers (precluding you from playing or really even recruiting a true run plugging middle LB), and play a third corner instead of a true "star" (safety/LB hybrid) you are terribly weak vs the run. Your safeties cheat up to help with run defense and get caught. We will see how much that changes. Id like to see that Sam backer on the field and nickel corner sitting against these running teams. Id also like to see a true strong safety and free safety pair instead of just playing two free type safeties with interchangeable roles. Think RFN playing deep and Joiner up front.
There is a downside. If you have a heavy safety and the offense runs motion you have to flip strong and weak side. Given how complex our defenses are this shouldn't really be a problem. We end up dropping one of the safeties down on many plays anyway. It is also weaker in coverage versus the slot receiver.
Given how many teams we play are run oriented versus passing oriented I think it's the right move. Alabama switchef to this really light defense a few years back, primarily to counter Ohio State and Clemson but it just doesn't make sense for most SEC offenses. At least to me.
