Florida State’s defensive problems are showing up in a way that’s hard to miss: missed tackles, and plenty of them.
Through three games, the Seminoles have been charged with 34 missed tackles by Pro Football Focus, which works out to a little more than 11 per game. On a defense that has logged 136 tackles and 50 assists, that comes out to roughly a 15.5% missed-tackle rate. Anything above 15% is considered poor, and for FSU, that’s the kind of number that turns routine snaps into major damage.
Put another way, Florida State is coming up short on about one out of every 6.5 tackling chances. Against a good offense, that’s enough to flip the field in a hurry.
That was the heart of Mike Norvell’s frustration after the loss to Alabama, when the Seminoles gave up more than 550 yards. Norvell said, “We allowed too many explosive plays tonight,” and added, “Thought we did a better job on third down. Obviously, they converted two fourth downs that extended drives, but it really was explosive plays that killed us.”
He pointed to a bubble screen that should have been contained but turned into a long touchdown because FSU failed to set the edge. Norvell also cited a quarterback scramble and Alabama’s running game wearing the Seminoles down over time.
“We’ve got to be able to get off the field,” Norvell said. “And keep them in longer situations.”
The tackling issues aren’t confined to one spot on the defense, either. Edge defenders Jalen Anderson and Darryll Desir each have a 50% missed-tackle rate, though both have worked from small sample sizes. Safety Ricky Knight III is also at 50%, and cornerback Quindarrius Jones is at 42.9%.
The more troubling numbers come from players who have been on the field a lot. Safety CJ Richard Jr. has missed four tackles while recording 17 tackles and four assists, which leaves him at a 16% missed-tackle rate. Ashlynd Barker has missed three, and both Ma’khi Jones and Ja’Bril Rawls have missed three as well.
Those four defensive backs have combined for 13 missed tackles.
There have been a few bright spots. Linebacker Chris Jones has been one of Florida State’s steadier tacklers, piling up 21 tackles, three assists and just two misses for a 7.7% rate. Omar Graham Jr. has 10 tackles and six assists without a miss, and Deante McCray has also been perfect on his chances.
Norvell acknowledged the level of competition Florida State has faced, but he didn’t lean on that as an excuse.
“You give up over 550 yards offense,” Norvell said. “It’s a good team, good offense. Yes, but we’ve got to be better.”
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