Statistically speaking, it wasn't the best day for the Navy defense. Yet despite giving up 343 total yards against a struggling UConn offense, the Navy defense made key stops and forced timely turnovers to help carry the team to a 41-17 victory at Rentschler Field this past Saturday.
Rob Caldwell led the assault with 11 tackles, while omnipresent David Mahoney compiled nine tackles and a forced fumble. The pressure on the Quarterback may have been the best of the season from Navy's "D." UConn's Quarterback Matt Bonislawksi was clearly rattled, and the Navy defenders (especially LB's Rob Caldwell and Tyler Tidwell) did a great job delivering a lick on Bonislawski after the ball was released.
The Navy defense did a great job early, forcing key turnovers which allowed the Mids to seize the momentum and never looks back. After forcing a quick three and out on the games first possession, the Midshipmen defense came back onto the field and stripped UConn tailback Deon Anderson on a screen pass. The Navy offense capitalized, going up 14-0 in front of a stunned Rentschler Field. Then, on the very next possession, David Mahoney stripped Terry Caulley on a draw play, adding insult to injury for a UConn offense which had difficulty finding it's way all game.
While the two turnovers were key in terms of setting up scores and establishing momentum, Navy could have easily piled on the hurt as the game went on. I counted three separate occasions where Navy players had excellent opportunities at interceptions. The first, in the first quarter, saw quick slant slam into Rashawn King's chest and bounce to the turf. Early in the second half Jeremy McGown made a great jump on a Bonislawski pass which should of been a pick-six, but instead allowed to ball to bounce right off his hands. Linebacker Clint Sovie should have also intercepted a fourth quarter pass, although had difficulty bringing down the ball with a large arm cast. While none of these went the other way, it shows that the defense was in the right place, and that the secondary is playing an increasingly opportunistic style of play.
Above all, the Navy defense was physical and didn't allow big plays, which is what this team needs to do if it's going to win games. Well designed blitzes disrupted the offensive rhythm, and the run defense did an excellent job of not letting Caulley and friends reach the second level. The Mids did benefit from several dropped passes and a clearly sub-par performance by Bonislawski, but I nevertheless got the impression that the defense is playing better then in year's past. With strong individual performances and a good sense of discipline, don't be surprised to see this defense stand tall the rest of the season.
