new defensive attitude under Chavis

We get it...you have a membership and we don't. No need to rub it in our faces.

Here you go.

Obviously, coach Les Miles had to make a change with his defensive staff following the 2008 season.

The LSU defense really had its difficulties during 12 regular season games. Opponents averaged 26 points and 327 yards per game. Every Southeastern Conference opponent except South Carolina scored at least 21 points.


Mike Scarborough

LSU CB Patrick Peterson says new DB coach Ron Cooper has them playing more physical football against WR's
The co-coordinator system with Doug Mallory and Bradley Dale Peveto was unsuccessful. Miles made a mistake in using this approach to replace Bo Pelini, who took the head coaching job at Nebraska.

Three defensive assistants – Mallory, Peveto and Earl Lane – are gone. The new defensive coaches are John Chavis, Ron Cooper and Brick Haley. It is pretty apparent that the defensive culture has been quickly adjusted.

Patrick Peterson moved into the starting lineup late in his freshman season at a cornerback spot. He welcomes everything with the new defensive staff.

"There is no nonsense," Peterson said. "(Cooper) told us to leave the bull crap in the locker room. It's time to play football when we're between the lines. Coach Chavis let's you know what's wrong. I think that's what is needed here."

After just one week of spring practice, Peterson enjoys the different attitude.

"The defense is a lot more smash mouth with the receivers," Peterson said. "That's the style I like. I'm really up for that. There is a lot more talking from the coaches. They get in your face. The coaches last year were laid back."

Peterson has just been around for one year. Defensive tackle Charles Alexander has already been in the Tigers program for five years. He was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA. Alexander saw this type of attitude earlier in his career.

"The coaches are more intense than last year," Alexander said. "But, that's what we need. This is SEC football. We need intensity. Coach Pelini was a great teacher with his style. These coaches are taking it back to my freshman year with coach (Nick) Saban."

Alexander was a redshirt freshman during Saban's final year as LSU coach. Alexander emphasized that practice was full speed all the time when Saban was patrolling the defensive end of the practice field.

Rahim Alem, a fifth-year senior, is another veteran who is being exposed to a new system and new coaching style. But, you'll hear no complaints from Alem.

"All the players like the new coaches," Alem said. "They are big-time yellers. That's a good thing. We've been cussed out and fussed at before. (Line) coach Haley is in your stuff, but he's on your side.

"These coaches are stricter on discipline and more assertive. Our attitude as players has changed. There is a different feel. The topic of conversation is what we're going to do to improve. I haven't seen that before, probably because we've had success all the time."

Alem earned all-SEC honors last season even though he started just one game. Used primarily as a pass rusher in 2008, Alem will be an every-down player this year.

"There is not a big change in the scheme," Alem said. "What they are teaching up front is a little different. We are much more attack-oriented. We are going downhill all the time. We're moving up field. I like that."

The LSU defensive players were unhappy with what took place when the opponents had the football last season. They want different results.

"LSU always has that great talent on defense," Alexander said. "This coaching staff pushes you to get every ounce of talent out of you. This is more talk on attitude and being smart."

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BayouBama

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thank you sir --

I love that article. I'll glady take an 8-5 season if that's what it took to bring back that attitude to our defense. Much better than going 9-3 and keeping the status quo. However, it just underscores how terrible our co-DCs were.

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TigerBandAlumnus82

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Ummm........I think he was referring to last years record causing the Co-DC's to be replaced with new, more intense Defensive coaches. Nowhere did he say he was willing to accept 5 losses next year.