(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Three weeks into the 2009 season and Notre Dame Nation has lots of concerns. None more apparent then a defense that ranks 96th in the country for total defense. An injury to Michael Floyd, and even playing every game with a Big-10 officiating crew will not keep the Irish from playing in January. The defense is the only true roadblock between the Fighting Irish and a January bowl.

At his latest press conference, Charlie Weis was asked by reporters about his defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta being too aggressive, and possibly being more conservative. These reporters might as well head to Texas Tech and ask Mike Leach if he should run more Power-I.

The philosophy of Jon Tenuta is to bring pressure, and dictate to the offense. That is not going to change. Sorry to dissapoint the always rational fans on the message boards hoping he changes his blitz happy scheme. There are other changes you might see, which should get the ultimate change the defense needs.

The corners for Notre Dame need to play more press coverage. If Tenuta's pressure package is going to dictate quick passing but not produce sacks, then the corners can't give 6-10 yard cushions. Kirk Cousins easily completed short routes to his receivers, and most likely knew where he would throw the ball before even taking the snap because of those soft cushions.

Darrin Walls, Robert Blanton, Raeshon McNeil, and Gary Gray have great cover skills. That is why before the season the secondary was considered the strength of the '09 defense.

All of them seem uncomfortable playing man coverage when giving the receivers that much space to work with. These corners are fast and athletic, and need to be given the opportunity to be athletes.

The common response to the current secondary technique is that with a heavy blitz scheme, playing off coverage reduces the chance of getting beat deep. Reasonable argument.

 Is giving up 300 yards passing acceptable then because it was dink and dunk rather then the long ball? With the current production and scheme of Notre Dame, risking a low percentage pass deep seems more logical then the high percentage pass being conceded. 

Many are quick to point out that it is the inexperienced defensive line that is the problem. The defensive line is not getting consistent pressure and freeing up blitzers. The defensive line is part of the problem, but not the problem.

If all the blitzing of Tenuta didn't produce a single sack against Michigan State you have to ask yourself a question. Would rushing just the front four have done any better? How many pass yards would Cousins have had if he actually had more then 3 seconds to throw the ball?

The recent decision to rotate numerous players on the defensive line rather then try and stick with a top line group will pay major dividends at the end of the year. Rotating these playes should provide maximum effort up front for all four quarters. This should also accelerate the development of the younger players. It was a necessary change evident after the first two weeks.

The next change for the defensive line has to occur in the nickel package. Stopping the run was a point of emphasis for the defense and the defense did improve against Michigan State. The improvement would have been better if not for the Spartans success running against the nickel defense.

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