Why were John Ryan and Justin Brown playing so much?

[Axl Rose]

Not only did they start but they got probably 70% of the snaps over Richardson and Ian Williams. I just don't understand why and hope there is a change for the UM game. Ryan was absolutely atrocious, he missed tackles, was slow, played soft, and did nothing. When he is in the game ND is playing with only 10 men on the field and its simple as that. Justin Brown was OK, but we have a bigger DT that was a freshman All-American that needs to be out there.

When Williams and Richardson was out there you could see a clear difference in the play, the defense was bigger, faster, and deadlier. Richardson had more tackles than Ryan did in about 1/4 the time. I honestly believe if Weis started Richardson and Williams to go along with McNeil, Bruton, Kuntz, Smith, Lambert, Neal, ect, ND will have a scary defense.

[IrishR#1]

John Ryan is just plain bad. He has really struggled since Brown was hired. He should be a benchwarmer and Richardson should be playing ahead of him.

[daytonirish]

Ian Williams played more than 30% of the game. Ryan played over Neal and Brown over Richardson.

[notredomer23]

Justin Brown is good. John Ryan is bad. he should seriously move to LB. Not even the weakside, anywhere not on the DLine

[SpanishElite]

There was alot more 4 man fronts than I thought was going to be played. Ryan did play alot. I think its tough on him because he cant be a 3-4 DE, yet he isnt quick enough to be a 3-4 OLB. And he doent strike any fears as a pas rush specialist off the edge, or even a great run stopper at the 4-3 DE because of his lack of size. I think he will play ALOT less next week. Kid is a battler though have to give him that.

[CULion17]

Check out my posted review on the defense (shameless plug). Ethan Johnson subbed for J.Brown early, and a lot in the 2nd half. Ian Williams probably had less then 10 snaps. Mo Rich didn't touch the field untill the 2nd half. Over 80% of the snaps were a four man front with Neal, Brown, Kuntz, Ryan. Ryan only came off for the 3 man front of Neal, Kuntz, Brown, or when subbed by Fleming/Mo' Rich. Neal and Kuntz had the most snaps of the D lineman.
I would say there is got to be something going on in practice for them to get that much burn. These coaches won't keep their jobs if they play favorites. The good news is game performance over rules scrimmage heros. There was definitely not in my opinion a drop in performance when Ethan came in for Brown, and feel the same as many as to how 53 looked out there compared to 90.

[JDubbs]

There was alot more 4 man fronts than I thought was going to be played. Ryan did play alot. I think its tough on him because he cant be a 3-4 DE, yet he isnt quick enough to be a 3-4 OLB. And he doent strike any fears as a pas rush specialist off the edge, or even a great run stopper at the 4-3 DE because of his lack of size. I think he will play ALOT less next week. Kid is a battler though have to give him that.

John Ryan is not a football player. Football player's can tackle and play off of blocks. ND gets better when the John Ryan's and the Joe Brockingtons move on. Before anybody crucifies me....I am not talking about the individuals I am talking about the football players.

[SpanishElite]

John Ryan is not a football player. Football player's can tackle and play off of blocks. ND gets better when the John Ryan's and the Joe Brockingtons move on. Before anybody crucifies me....I am not talking about the individuals I am talking about the football players.

Im with you Dubbs. They do alot for the program.. but they are not the Everson Griffens, Brian Cushings of the world who we need to get back to an elite level. My guess my Brown and Ryan played so much at the staff was the staff wanted to give the nod to the older more experiences players. But I think after they watch the field the younger more talented guys will play.

[bayirish]

JDUBBS, the difference is that Brockington actually had a ton of tackles the last two years...

[Svoboda]

There was alot more 4 man fronts than I thought was going to be played. Ryan did play alot. I think its tough on him because he cant be a 3-4 DE, yet he isnt quick enough to be a 3-4 OLB. And he doent strike any fears as a pas rush specialist off the edge, or even a great run stopper at the 4-3 DE because of his lack of size. I think he will play ALOT less next week. Kid is a battler though have to give him that.

I think you're a 100% spot on with the tweener issue for Ryan. It would have been a different issue had he been holding his own, but he got stood up frequently, tried to tackle high and just didn't supply any pressure off the edge like you'd expect your RDE to do in a 4-3 look.

I would be interested in seeing how he was graded out last game by the coaching staff. What also annoys me is that Maurice Richardson hasn't laid claim to the position -- which tells me there is an issue there -- not picking up the scheme, not practicing hard, something.

[robertsgolf]

They should use Ryan at End, Gaurd, and Tackle.

[Irish Legend]

Not only did they start but they got probably 70% of the snaps over Richardson and Ian Williams. I just don't understand why and hope there is a change for the UM game. Ryan was absolutely atrocious, he missed tackles, was slow, played soft, and did nothing. When he is in the game ND is playing with only 10 men on the field and its simple as that. Justin Brown was OK, but we have a bigger DT that was a freshman All-American that needs to be out there.

When Williams and Richardson was out there you could see a clear difference in the play, the defense was bigger, faster, and deadlier. Richardson had more tackles than Ryan did in about 1/4 the time. I honestly believe if Weis started Richardson and Williams to go along with McNeil, Bruton, Kuntz, Smith, Lambert, Neal, ect, ND will have a scary defense.

Here's a question : What's the real reason Aldridge didn't get any playing time?

[JDubbs]

JDUBBS, the difference is that Brockington actually had a ton of tackles the last two years...

Tackles about 8 yards down the field.....where Joe Brockington always was after he finally got off the block.

[grungejunky]

Tackles about 8 yards down the field.....where Joe Brockington always was after he finally got off the block.

first, thanks for saying this so i wouldn't have to. second, john ryan has the best seat in the stadium. the only spectator who actually gets to take in the game on the field itself.

[rontdtarchala]

was more than dissapointed in jr's play ... lord he got blowed out so many times hookers watching the game were getting mad... agree with svo something must be going on in practice for him to be seeing the field...