[BlackcatAlum]

Absolutely...

And what looks to be a pretty good offense will need to carry the team until the defensive front learn how to shed blocks and position themselves correctly. Pursuit is fine, but the defensive player responsible at the point of attack MUST learn how to man-up and slow the ball carrier until he gets help.

The most important defensive player vs. a given play isn't usually the one who makes the tackle. It's the player who forces the ball carrier slow up to look for a new hole. You have to attack the blocking, not simply stand in place and watch for the ball.

Could not agree more.

There have been many times where a Blackcat defender has reached the ball carrier in the backfield, but they've failed to make the the tackle. I realize that you can't make every tackle that you have the chance to make. But when 2-3 defenders get their hands on the ball carrier and still fail to tackle him, you have some problems.

This tackling and block shedding problem is an issue that can be fixed in due time.