It starts with trust.
Washington Football team head coach Chris Petersen trusts his run defense. As a matter of fact, he has good cause to do so. So far, the Huskies have not allowed a single 100 yard rusher. The closest to that mark was Rutger’s running back Gus Edwards, who rushed for 79 yards on 24 carries.
Cat Crave
That is the number of carries either Myles Gaskin and Lavon Coleman have amassed all season, respectively. On one hand, it’s not easy to contain a running back all day with those number of carries. On the other hand, the Colorado Buffalo are counting on that fact. You see, the Buffalo hand the ball off to top running back Phillip Lindsay an average of … 24 times per game.
Friends with a common bond
So stopping the opponent’s running backs needs more trust than that from the sidelines. It’s a mutual trust that happens between players who know one another.
It takes friendship. That is something the pair of Washington defensive tackles know and understand.
Talked to Greg Gaines today. Didn't know him and Vita Vea are roommates. Asked him what they do for fun: "We jump off bridges." Ok then..
— Dave “Softy” Mahler (@Softykjr) September 12, 2017
Roommates off the field, a dominating matched set of defensive wrecking balls on the field. But not identical. They are a matched set, each possessing different but vital talents. Think of them like a blacksmith shops hammer and anvil. To be truly effective, each needs the other.