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Jeff Brohm encouraged with defensive improvement following Purdue’s first scrimmage
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Defense has been an issue in West Lafayette. You don’t need detective training to uncover that secret.
So during Saturday’s scrimmage, Purdue’s first of fall camp, Jeff Brohm wanted to see some major improvement on that side of the football. At the end of the day, he was encouraged by what he saw on the field.
“I think the defense won the day, which is what I wanted. Wanted to make progress there, without question,” Brohm said in a video posted by Gold and Black Illustrated. “Did a pretty good job of stopping the run, challenging routes. I think we had multiple interceptions, multiple pass break-ups, way less lapses in people running open downfield. That was a very good thing.
“I thought our defense stoop up today and that was encouraging. We have players on that side of the ball that have some experience. They’ve been through some hard times as well as good times. It’s about gaining confidence as we go through camp and going out and playing loose and playing free and taking chances.”
Brohm made sweeping changes to the defense after the 2020 season. He parted ways with defensive coordinator Bob Diaco and brought in Marshall’s Brad Lambert to run the show. It appears that’s a move that’s paying off.
Other changes included the hiring of Ron English from Florida to coach the secondary and the return of Mark Hagen to coach the defensive line. At B1G Media Days in July, Brohm also stated that he’ll have a bigger role in defensive planning this season.
That’s probably a good thing.
Purdue ranked eighth in the B1G last season in scoring defense, allowing just under 30 points per game. The Boilers ranked 13th in pass defense and forced just 7 turnovers in 2020.
For Purdue to return to bowl eligibility this year, the defense has to see dramatic improvement. It’s only fall camp, but it sounds like there are some promising signs after the first scrimmage.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB