FSU football: Top 3 areas defense must improve in 2022
By Kelvin Hunt
The fire Adam Fuller crowd was loud and boisterous in the first few games of 2021. I was one of the few pointing out things impacting defensive play.
Some looked at it as excuses, but no question not having a real offseason in year one and half of year two meant Adam Fuller coached with limitations, not to mention the lack of player development from the previous staff.
It’s one reason the coaching staff attacked the portal for players like Fabien Lovett, Jamie Robinson, Keir Thomas, and Jermaine Johnson. The latter three came after the 2020 season.
The first four games were rough as the coaching staff was still searching for the right combinations in the secondary while playing with limited experience at linebacker.
However, things began to click after the fourth game, and Adam Fuller’s defense became not only competent but better than average. The 38 points in overtime against Notre Dame in the season opener was the most they allowed all season.
Some folks may disagree, but the defense played well enough for the Noles to win nine games last season. Jacksonville State, Clemson, NC State, and Florida games come to mind. Ironically, I could probably include the Notre Dame game since the offense turned the ball over three times, which resulted in 21 points for the Irish.
Nevertheless, Adam Fuller returns a lot of experience at all three levels, but there are still several areas to improve. Here are the three biggest areas going into 2022.