Bill Belichick is one of football's greatest defensive masterminds. He has long had some of the best defenses in the NFL despite being known best for his pairing with Tom Brady. In college, one might expect that defensive intelligence to translate. It probably will, but because of the lack of talent and a bunch of transfers being in new spots, there may be a lag before UNC is up to Belichick's speed.
In the NFL, despite his longstanding partnership with one of the greatest quarterbacks ever in Tom Brady, Bill Belichick was all about defense. He started as a defensive coach before landing head coaching gigs, and his teams routinely had some of the best defenses in the league. He frequently had gameplans set up perfectly for opposing offenses, shutting down players time and again.
It fugures, then, that his defenses in college will be pretty good. Football is football, and defensive schemes and acumen are schemes and acumen. It should translate, especially going down a level where the offenses are generally inferior. That may take some time to occur, though, according to ESPN insider Bill Connelly.
That's because Belichick's defense is completely new to the program, and they're not all household names. The lack of continuity doesn't hurt as much because Belichick is brand-new as well, but this still doesn't look like an elite defensive unit.
"Sixteen defenders saw at least 200 snaps last year, and only three return, all defensive backs. Linebackers Andrew Simpson (Boise State), Mikai Gbayor (Nebraska) and Khmori House (Washington) could all be keepers, though ends Pryce Yates (6.5 TFLs at UConn) and Melkart Abou-Jaoude (9.5 TFLs at Delaware) are almost by default the most proven linemen," Connelly said. "Under Mack Brown, the defense usually dragged the offense down -- the Heels allowed at least 34 points in five of seven losses last season -- and while the word 'Belichick' is synonymous with good defense, it might take UNC a little while to grow sound on that side of the ball."
The Tar Heels have, as Connelly noted, struggled on that side of the ball in a bad way the last few seasons. Their offense should be solid, especially after the former NFL coach landed Gio Lopez at QB and a couple of massive linemen transfers. They just still might have to win shootouts if they're going to win for the first little while of the Belichick era.
Category: General Sports
