Syracuse Defensive Players to Watch Out For Against Boston College

Sep 7, 2013; Evanston, IL, USA; Syracuse Orange defensive tackle Jay Bromley (96) causes a fumble by Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Kain Colter (2) during the first quarter at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

So Editor in Chief Joe Micik compared Boston College’s offense to Syracuse’s defense this morning, giving the Andre Williams centered offense the edge for Saturday. To give you some extra analysis and “knowledge” for game day conversation, here are two Syracuse Orange defensive players that the Eagles should definitely look out for.

Jay Bromley

This guy is a senior on the defensive line for the Orange and he can put a beating on your backs if you don’t game plan for him effectively. He has been “limited” to 34 tackles this season, but of those nine are sacks and twelve are for a loss. Bromley has also forced three fumbles this season. So look for the Boston College offensive line to probably double team him as many other teams have done before so that Rettig has time, in one of his limited opportunities, to pass the ball.

Despite all of the double teaming, Jay Bromley got one of his nine sacks against the Florida State Seminoles in the Orange’s 59-3 defeat. So it would be best to watch out for him on Saturday in his final home game, and possibly last collegiate game at the Carrier Dome. Spirits will be high especially out of a senior like Bromley.

Durell Eskridge

This guy could cause some issues for Chase Rettig if the run game falters against the Orange on Saturday. The sophomore free safety has four picks on the year and leads the Syracuse defense in total tackles with 78. Just last week for his performance against Pittsburgh he received ACC co-defensive back of the week. He had a team leading 12 tackles, a tackle for loss and a forced fumble.

And it seems that this performance was an improvement over earlier in the season. Eskridge is a scary presence in the Syracuse defensive backfield. His measurable are 6’2 207lbs. You really don’t want one of your wide receivers running into that week in and week out. However, as noted, there have been some doubts about him.

In his mid season round up for Tony Nunes is an Absolute Magician, Dan Lyons wirtes:

"[Eskridge] is probably the most intriguing player on the defense for me, and for good reason.  Physically, he has every tool you could want from a defensive back.  He’s tall, fast, rangy, athletic, and other fancy adjectives.  He dominated the N.C. State game with 14 tackles, and leads the team in that category.  He has NFL talent written all over him.  Unfortunately, he was abused in coverage against Clemson, and seems to get caught out of position more than anyone else.  At 6’3″, Eskridge should be a model ball-hawk in this defense, hopefully he develops into one."

Still, despite the doubts, Ryan Day should make sure that Eskridge doesn’t get any space to do any of his dirty work. Also notable about Eskridge, is that he was a wide receiver in high school and actually got some time at the position in last Saturday’s game. Watch out for him there.

My Take

I think it would be foolish not to agree with Joe’s earlier post. While Syracuse has a decent defense, the Andre Williams train will take over the Carrier Dome. Now we’ll look at that Syracuse offense tomorrow…