Utah Utes football: Defense getting slapped around by big-play opportunists

Last year through three games, the only big play the Utah defense had given up was a 45-yard pass play in a win over UNLV.

In fact, for the entire 2008 season, the Utes allowed just four plays of more than 45 yards, two of which were kick returns in the final two games...

This year it's been a different story.

In just three games, the Utes have already given up SIX plays of more than 45 yards.

Against Utah State, the Utes gave up a 48-yard pass on the third play of the game followed by a 96-yard run later in the first quarter. Against San Jose State, the Utes gave up a 46-yard pass play.

Then last Saturday, the Utes gave up three long plays, a 78-yard punt return for a touchdown, a 58-yard pass to set up a touchdown and a 45-yard run by a freshman to set up another Duck score.

So what's the deal with all the big plays allowed by the Ute defense, which has always prided itself for its bend-but-not-break style?

Is it the loss of longtime defensive coordinator Gary Andersen? Is it a lack of leadership with guys like Paul Kruger, Brice McCain and Sean Smith gone to the NFL?

Perhaps. But if you talk to Utah coaches and players they say the main problem is a lack of cohesion in the defense during games.

"It just seems like one guy out of the 11 isn't doing their job and that gashes us," said defensive coordinator Kalani Sitake. "All 11 have to be on point and trust each other. We can't have one guy trying to do two people's job. Sometimes we have guys trying to do too much and get out of position. We know it's an issue. We've got to fix that."

Linebacker Mike Wright, who relays the plays from the sideline to the defense, says it's not the coaches fault, saying it's "essentially the same system and same calls." Rather it's a lack of communication among the players.

"We have to have every player know what the call is on each play," he said. "We have to make sure everyone knows the calls. It's been a big factor on our defense so far this year, giving up those big plays. Hopefully we can get that turned around."

Senior safety Robert Johnson takes the blame personally, saying, "I've messed up on a few plays. I put the blame on me. I'm the last line of defense."

Several times Johnson, as the free safety, has been the guy chasing down an opponent, who has broken through the secondary. However safeties coach Morgan Scalley said that is deceiving because it may have been another defender that goofed up. He echoed Sitake, saying the whole defense has to work together to avoid the big plays.