Wisconsin Football: Biggest Questions for Defensive Position Groups

Wisconsin Football: Big Qs for Defensive Positions

Dec 30, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; USC Trojans running back Justin Davis (22) jumps over the line as Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Chris Orr (50) safety Michael Caputo (7) and linebacker T.J. Edwards (53) defend during the second quarter in the 2015 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

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Linebackers

As noted previously, the LBs are the heart of the Wisconsin Football defense. Last season, Badger LBs were the top six in TFL with those six combining for 50.5, a full 68.2 percent of Wisconsin Football’s total. LBs also owned the top three spots for sacks, combining for 19 of Wisconsin’s 34 sacks (55.9 percent). The biggest losses from this position group is of course TJ Watt (63 T, 15.5 TFL, 11.5 sacks) and Vince Biegel (44 T, 6 TFL, 4 sacks).

So the big question for the LB group is how to replace Watt and Biegel’s production. The health and activity of Jack Cichy and Chris Orr will go a long way towards answering that question. Orr was lost almost immediately in the first game of the year. Cichy took most of the snaps in replacement but he too was lost during Big Ten play to a torn pectoral muscle. Wisconsin Football needs both to stay healthy this season to offset the key personnel losses.

Sep 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Jack Cichy (48) reacts after stopping LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) short of a first down in the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /