Miami Cristobal Opens Up About The 2024 Defense: ‘We Lost Our Way Last Year.

The University of Miami Hurricanes football program is in the midst of a critical rebuilding phase under head coach Mario Cristobal. Coming off a challenging season where the team showed flashes of promise but ultimately underperformed, the focus is now shifting to 2024. One area that needs significant improvement is the defense, which struggled throughout the 2023 season. Cristobal, known for his no-nonsense approach and commitment to restoring Miami’s reputation as a defensive powerhouse, recently opened up about the defensive struggles of last season and what his team needs to do to get back on track.

In an exclusive interview with Miami media, Cristobal acknowledged the disappointment of last year’s defensive performance, calling it a wake-up call for everyone involved. The Hurricanes, traditionally known for their dominant defense and playmakers like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Vince Wilfork, saw a significant drop-off in defensive production in 2023. The team allowed 27.3 points per game, a statistic that raised concerns among fans and analysts alike. With high expectations for 2024, Cristobal is focused on restoring that identity and returning the defense to its elite status.

This article will take a deeper look into Cristobal’s candid assessment of the defense, what went wrong in 2023, and how the Hurricanes plan to regain their former dominance on that side of the ball in 2024.

The Struggles of the 2023 Defense

Miami’s defense in 2023 was a far cry from the dominant units that have historically defined the program. The Hurricanes allowed 27.3 points per game, which ranked in the middle of the pack in the ACC. Their inability to stop opposing offenses in key moments led to several frustrating losses, and the defense never seemed to be the dominant force that Miami fans had hoped for under Cristobal’s leadership.

While there were bright spots, such as linebacker Wesley Bissainthe’s strong play and defensive end Chantz Williams’ ability to disrupt the quarterback, the overall performance was underwhelming. The defensive line struggled to get consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and the secondary was prone to blown coverages and missed tackles. Miami also struggled with stopping the run, allowing 181.4 rushing yards per game, which ranked near the bottom of the ACC.

Cristobal didn’t shy away from the reality of the situation. In his recent interview, he admitted that the defense “lost its way” during the 2023 season. “We didn’t play to the standard that this program has set for years. We didn’t execute in critical situations, and that hurt us,” Cristobal said. “That’s not who we are, and we know that. It was a difficult year, but it was a learning year, and we’re ready to get back to the level we expect.”

Cristobal’s assessment is both honest and reflective, acknowledging that the defense’s struggles were not just about talent, but also about execution and mindset. The challenges were multifaceted, but it is clear that he is not content with merely improving; Cristobal is aiming to return Miami to its defensive roots, where the Hurricanes were feared and respected for their physicality and playmaking ability.

What Went Wrong: The Key Issues in 2023

There were several key issues that contributed to Miami’s defensive woes in 2023. These problems were not necessarily rooted in talent, as the Hurricanes did have capable athletes on both the defensive line and in the secondary. Instead, it was a combination of factors—poor execution, inconsistent play, and an inability to adjust to offensive schemes—that ultimately led to their struggles.

1. Defensive Line Inconsistency: The defensive line, once a hallmark of Miami’s defensive success, had trouble generating consistent pressure on quarterbacks. While there were standout moments, such as Chantz Williams’ pass-rushing ability, the line failed to disrupt offenses on a regular basis. The lack of a consistent pass rush put additional pressure on the secondary, which struggled to cover opposing wide receivers for extended periods.
2. Missed Tackles: The inability to wrap up and finish tackles was a recurring issue for the Hurricanes in 2023. Missed tackles led to long gains and allowed opposing teams to sustain drives. Miami’s defensive players often found themselves out of position or overcommitting to plays, which opened up lanes for running backs and receivers. This was particularly problematic in games where the defense needed to make key stops but failed to do so due to missed tackles.
3. Secondary Vulnerabilities: The secondary was one of the most significant weaknesses for Miami in 2023. While they had solid individual performers, the unit struggled with blown coverages and giving up big plays. There were moments when opposing quarterbacks were able to take advantage of Miami’s coverage lapses, leading to explosive touchdowns and significant yardage gains. Miami’s defensive backs, despite their talent, had trouble staying disciplined and executing their assignments under pressure.
4. Inability to Stop the Run: Miami’s defense was also vulnerable to the run game in 2023. Opposing teams were able to establish the run early in games, and Miami had difficulty making adjustments to stop it. This put the defense in uncomfortable situations, forcing them to focus on stopping the run, which then allowed for easy passing lanes when opposing offenses switched to the air attack. The lack of a stout, run-stopping presence on the defensive line allowed teams to control the clock and dictate the tempo of the game.

Cristobal’s Response: A Return to Fundamentals

Looking ahead to 2024, Cristobal is determined to address these issues and restore Miami’s defense to its former glory. In his interview, he emphasized the importance of returning to the fundamentals of defensive football. “We need to get back to the basics: stopping the run, creating pressure, and playing disciplined football,” Cristobal said. “We have the talent; now it’s about execution and mentality.”

The first step in that process is improving the defensive line. Cristobal has been vocal about his desire to build a more aggressive, disruptive defensive front, one that can wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks and shut down the run. To achieve this, Miami has been heavily involved in recruiting defensive linemen who fit this mold. The Hurricanes are bringing in new talent, including a few highly rated defensive linemen, to bolster the pass rush and create more pressure up front.

“The defensive line is where it all starts,” Cristobal explained. “We need to be able to collapse the pocket and get in the face of the quarterback. That will allow our linebackers and secondary to do their jobs more effectively.”

In addition to bolstering the defensive line, Cristobal is focused on improving Miami’s tackling fundamentals. He has implemented more physical practices focused on tackling drills to ensure players are wrapping up properly and finishing plays. By emphasizing tackling fundamentals, Cristobal hopes to reduce the number of missed tackles that plagued the defense in 2023.

Another key area Cristobal is addressing is the secondary. He believes that the defensive backs need to be more disciplined and execute their coverage responsibilities with more consistency. The Hurricanes are working on improving their communication and technique in the secondary, which will hopefully eliminate the blown coverages and big plays from last season. Miami is also looking to develop more depth in the secondary, bringing in new players who can contribute right away.

“We need to be more consistent in our coverage and make sure we’re on the same page at all times,” Cristobal noted. “The talent is there; it’s about developing that cohesion and trust in one another.”

The Importance of Leadership: Key Players in 2024

As Cristobal looks to turn the defense around in 2024, he will rely heavily on the leadership of key players who can help set the tone for the entire unit. One of those players is linebacker Wesley Bissainthe, who had a standout season in 2023 despite the defense’s struggles. Bissainthe’s leadership and ability to make plays in the middle of the field will be crucial as Miami looks to get back on track. He is expected to be the heart and soul of the defense, calling plays and ensuring that the defense remains focused and disciplined.

Another key player is defensive end Chantz Williams, who showed promise as a pass rusher in 2023. Williams is expected to take on a more prominent role in 2024, with Cristobal emphasizing the need for a stronger, more consistent pass rush. If Williams can continue to develop into a dominant edge rusher, he could become a game-changer for the defense.

The defensive backfield, led by cornerback DJ Ivey and safety James Williams, will also need to step up in 2024. Ivey, in particular, has the talent to be a lockdown corner, but his consistency will be key. If the secondary can improve its communication and execution, it will relieve pressure on the rest of the defense.

Looking Ahead: A Rebuilt Defense in 2024

Miami’s defense in 2024 will look markedly different from the unit that struggled in 2023. With a renewed focus on fundamentals, discipline, and leadership, Cristobal is optimistic that the Hurricanes will regain their defensive identity. The combination of talented players and a return to basics could help transform Miami into one of the most formidable defenses in the ACC once again.

Cristobal’s message is clear: the defense must play with pride, execute at a high level, and take ownership of their performance. “We have to take responsibility for what happened last year,” Cristobal said. “We lost our way, but we’re determined to get back to the defense that everyone expects from the University of Miami.”

If Cristobal’s vision for the defense comes to fruition, the Hurricanes could return to their dominant, hard-hitting ways. With a renewed sense of purpose, Miami’s defense could be poised to lead the team to a successful 2024 season.