NFL
By: Rick O’Donnell
Looking back at the 2025 season for the Syracuse Orange, it’s hard to break down the position-by-position improvements needed on the defensive side of the ball. Each unit had the same issues, so we’ll break it down that way. In 2026, if the defense wants to improve, here’s what we need to see:
Full Time Play:
Whether it was the defensive line, the linebackers, or the DBs, they looked worn down late in games throughout the season. That was the most frustrating part of the season. The defense looked good for about 75% of the game, then it looked like someone flipped a switch and they powered down. There were times they were in the game, and everything they did was at least productive, but then it would come to a screeching halt. Now there are a few reasons this could’ve happened. Could they have just been beat by better teams? Were they wearing down after short rests from a stalled offense? Did the frustrations with the lack of success on offense feel as if they were wasting plays and giving up? Were they just not conditioned to go the distance?
Outside of the locker room, who knows what really happened. What we do know is, it can’t happen again this season. Syracuse needs to get back to a bell-to-bell mentality, and whether they’re down 1 or 20, they’re giving it their all to pick each other up after a mistake. Two years ago, they showed they can be resilient. They need to get that back.
Buddy System
Wherever the opposing offense goes, make sure you’re right there with them. “Don’t let your buddy out of your sight” was a rule on school field trips we all remember. The Orange defense needs to bring that old philosophy to the field on game day. Too many times, guys were out of position, leading to a big play. It wasn’t a lack of talent; it was a lack of discipline. Know where your guy is and make sure he knows you’re there too.
Nothing changed the momentum of their games last year faster than the one big play that got away from them. Syracuse was good for letting up at least one big run a game last year, and more often than not, it shifted momentum in opponents’ favor. Stay home, guard your man, and never let them out of tackle range.
Know Your Role…
… and stick to it. The opportunity to make plays will come their way; you have to be in the position to make those plays. That’s not to say defenders should grow roots and stick to their primary function as if it were someone else’s problem, but defenders need to be smart. Don’t get into a position where, if you’re trying to make a play, it leaves the defense exposed elsewhere. For instance, on a short play, if you step up and over-pursue trying to make the big play and the ball carrier cuts back for a big gain, it’s a bad look, especially if they would’ve been stopped in 2-3 yards by your teammate. By all means, swarm the football, but don’t leave holes and angles so large that opponents can exploit them.
After a disappointing season, there’s a lot to fix, but it’s not impossible. For the Syracuse Orange to be successful, it all comes down to discipline and smart football.
