Sorry about the late post, but traffic back home was a nightmare. Here are some brief points about the play of the defense today. Some things have been talked about before, but they bear repeating.
- Pita Taumoepenu. If he keeps up his play and keeps improving, he could push for more than just playing time, he could push for a starting spot. He was all over the field today; getting sacks, creating pressure, reading and disrupting screen passes, and taking on blockers. Perhaps his most impressive play of the day was taking on a lead blocker, putting his shoulder into the chest of the offensive player, and coming off the block to make a tackle for loss on a run play. He never would have made that play last year.
- Brian Allen will also push for a starting job. He has been playing excellent football, and Shah has been pleased with the progress Allen has made.
- Cody Barton continues to be the standout at linebacker. Sunia Tauteoli is looking more comfortable, but he doesn't seem to completely trust what he is seeing and at times appears to be guessing. He made a great read and stop in goal line work. The talent is there, he just hasn't put it all together yet.
- Utah might have five legitimate safeties they can feel comfortable playing this year: Marcus Williams, Jason Thompson, Andre Godfrey, Philip Afia and Austin Lee. All have been making plays.
- Depth continues to be a problem at corner and linebacker. Tavaris Williams could be a special player if he could be consistent at corner. MacKay Dunn has worked his tail off and has earned second-team reps at corner. Jake Jackson and Christian Drews have had moments at linebacker, but Utah needs more at both positions.
