How they are hiding Freeman

[Plainsman94]

I noticed during the game Saturday a wrinkle I haven't noticed before with our defense. On some early downs we are lining up in the standard 4-3 / 2 deep, then prior to the snap Bates is cheating up some behind Freeman, nothing new here, he seems to be cheating up toward the LOS an awful lot for a FS.

Anyway, at the snap, Freeman blitzes. And Bates moves directly to Freeman's abandoned spot and basically plays his WLB position responsibilties. It's hard to tell on TV, but it seems like Slade is cheating over toward the center of the field, maybe getting into a Cover 1 type of responsibility.

I haven't really tried to figure out if they are using this is certain distances or not, but I bet it is a call on 2-long or 1-15 type situations.

[Wbibb]

I have also noticed Freeman coming to the bench in 3rd down situations.??
This guy is creating HAVOC for offenses. Best football player since T. Blackmon.
He is now one of our best defensive players since ZE is out for the season.
Don't understand why you are taking Freeban out of the ballgame at anytime on defense??

[Plainsman94]

Probably because he keeps getting himself out of position.

He gave up the long run to #10 vs. LSU.

And it wouldn't surprise me if the long run by #22 vs. Ole Miss was right at him as well.

I think he makes some big plays but also gives some up.

[Lynx34]

Freeman is definitely a situational player. Well they need to take out one of the LBs in order to bring another DB onto the field in passing situations (3rd downs, mostly). I don't want to doubt Eltoro, but he doesn't seem to be the best in pass coverage. That takes a smart, experienced linebacker. Bynes and Stevens are much better in that regard.

[Plainsman94]

I give all the credit in the world to Roof and the coaches, though, finding a way to get a playmaker on the field and get game changing plays out of him...that's what coaches are supposed to do, right!

[wfowler]

Originally Posted by Wbibb

Don't understand why you are taking Freeban out of the ballgame at anytime on defense??

I believe they're dropping to a Nickle so they only need two LB's. I think the feel Stevens and Bynes know their responsibilities better at this point.

[Winder]

Freeman definitely got burned a few times, and I'm pretty sure he is the one who gave up the long TD run in the 3rd. He plays fast and commits 100% when he makes a move. He is making big plays and giving up big plays. He reminds me of Dansby. Dansby was all over the place as well, but Dansby had more talent/experience/depth behind him at safety, and he had DT on the field next to him what was going on and where to be.

Freeman can not afford to keep giving up those big plays. It is good to see someone with his passion and ability on the field, but we have to be careful.

[BTC4Auburn]

There was a article on AL.com where Roof did say that Freeman was out of position for that long run. But, he said he (Freeman) is not beating himself over the head about it like he did earlier in the season. He is learning and growing so that he does not make the same mistakes. I think he is oging to be a good one!