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Georgia Bulldogs Aim to Restore Defensive Dominance

Georgia Bulldogs Aim to Restore Defensive Dominance to Championship Levels

ATHENS, Ga. — As the No. 5-ranked Georgia Bulldogs gear up for another grueling season in the Southeastern Conference, head coach Kirby Smart is laser-focused on one critical aspect of his team's identity: the defense. The Bulldogs, who claimed back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022 largely on the strength of a suffocating, relentless defensive unit, have seen that once-unassailable standard slip in recent years. Now, with a talented roster and high expectations, Georgia is determined to reclaim the defensive prowess that defined those title-winning squads.

The 2021 and 2022 defenses were nothing short of legendary. In 2021, Georgia allowed just 9.5 points per game, the lowest in the nation, and produced a slew of NFL draft picks, including first-rounders like Travon Walker, Jordan Davis, and Quay Walker. That unit was a wall of physicality and discipline, shutting down high-powered offenses and setting the tone for the program's first national title in over four decades. The following year, despite some key departures, the defense remained elite, surrendering only 14.3 points per game and featuring stars like Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith. It was a group that embodied Smart's philosophy of toughness, preparation, and execution, helping secure a second consecutive championship with a dominant performance against TCU in the title game.

But the past two seasons have told a different story. While Georgia has continued to win at a high clip—posting a 25-3 record since the 2022 championship—the defense hasn't quite matched the suffocating efficiency of those championship years. Opponents have found more openings, with the Bulldogs allowing an average of around 18 points per game in 2023, a noticeable uptick. High-profile games, such as the narrow loss to Alabama in the 2023 SEC Championship, exposed vulnerabilities, particularly in pass coverage and run stopping against mobile quarterbacks. Smart, a defensive-minded coach who cut his teeth under Nick Saban at Alabama, has openly acknowledged the dip. "We've got to get back to that standard," Smart said in a recent press conference. "The 2021-22 groups set the bar so high because they played with an edge, a hunger that made them unbreakable. We're chasing that every day."

This offseason, the Bulldogs have doubled down on rebuilding that defensive identity. Key to this effort is a mix of returning veterans and fresh talent infused with the program's championship ethos. Linebacker Smael Mondon Jr., a senior leader, has emerged as a vocal force in the locker room, emphasizing the need for accountability. "Those championship defenses weren't just talented; they were connected," Mondon explained. "We studied film relentlessly, pushed each other in practice, and played for the guy next to us. That's what we're building now—no excuses, just execution." Mondon, who recorded over 70 tackles last season, is part of a linebacker corps that includes promising sophomores like Raylen Wilson and CJ Allen, both of whom saw significant snaps as freshmen and are expected to take on larger roles.

Up front, the defensive line is anchored by players like Nazir Stackhouse and Warren Brinson, who bring experience and size to combat the run-heavy offenses prevalent in the SEC. Stackhouse, a massive nose tackle, has been working on his agility to better disrupt plays in the backfield, drawing comparisons to the immovable forces of past Georgia lines. The secondary, often the Achilles' heel in recent outings, is being revamped with standouts like safety Malaki Starks and cornerback Daylen Everette. Starks, a preseason All-American, is known for his ball-hawking instincts and has been mentoring younger defensive backs on the importance of communication and anticipation. "In those championship years, the secondary was lockdown," Starks noted. "We didn't give quarterbacks easy throws. That's the mindset we're instilling—make them earn every yard."

Smart's coaching staff has implemented rigorous training regimens to foster this revival. Practices have emphasized fundamentals like tackling technique, gap discipline, and situational awareness, with a heavy dose of film study breaking down the successes of the 2021-22 units. The coach has also incorporated motivational elements, such as guest appearances from alumni like Walker and Davis, who share stories of the grit that propelled them to glory. "We're not reinventing the wheel," Smart said. "We're going back to what works: physicality, intelligence, and an unrelenting will to dominate."

The road ahead won't be easy. Georgia's schedule is loaded with defensive tests, starting with high-stakes matchups against teams like Clemson, Texas, and Alabama—opponents boasting explosive offenses led by quarterbacks capable of exploiting any weaknesses. The Bulldogs open their season against Clemson, a team with a potent rushing attack and a quarterback in Cade Klubnik who can extend plays. Smart views this as an early litmus test. "Clemson will challenge us right away," he admitted. "But that's what we want—to prove we're back to that elite level."

Players across the defense echo Smart's confidence, pointing to the team's depth and chemistry as key advantages. Defensive end Mykel Williams, a versatile edge rusher with the potential to be a first-round draft pick, highlighted the unit's improved cohesion. "We've got guys who can rush the passer, stop the run, and cover receivers," Williams said. "But more than that, we're playing with that championship swagger again. It's about setting the tone from the first snap."

Beyond the X's and O's, there's a cultural shift underway in Athens. Smart has stressed that reclaiming the defensive standard isn't just about talent—it's about mindset. The 2021-22 teams were defined by their resilience, bouncing back from adversity and thriving in high-pressure moments. Current players are embracing that legacy, with team meetings often revolving around themes of legacy and excellence. "We watch highlights from those title runs," said cornerback Julian Humphrey. "It fires us up. We know what's possible, and we're hungry to get there."

As Georgia eyes a return to the College Football Playoff—now expanded to 12 teams—the defense's performance could be the deciding factor in a conference teeming with offensive firepower. If the Bulldogs can recapture the dominance of their championship defenses, they stand a strong chance of adding another trophy to their case. But as Smart reminds his team, standards aren't given; they're earned through sweat, sacrifice, and unyielding commitment. With the season underway, all eyes are on Georgia's defense to see if it can rise to the occasion and restore the glory of yesteryear.

This push comes at a pivotal time for the program. With the SEC's realignment bringing in powerhouses like Texas and Oklahoma, the competition is fiercer than ever. Georgia's offense, led by quarterback Carson Beck and a stable of skilled playmakers, is expected to be potent, but Smart knows championships are won on defense. "Offense wins games, but defense wins titles," he often quips, a mantra borrowed from his Alabama days.

Early practices have shown promise, with the defense forcing turnovers and creating chaos in scrimmages. Yet, challenges remain—integrating new recruits, managing injuries, and adapting to evolving offensive schemes. For instance, the rise of tempo offenses and RPO (run-pass option) plays demands quicker decision-making from defenders. Georgia's staff has countered this by simulating high-speed scenarios in drills, ensuring the unit stays a step ahead.

In the broader context of college football, Georgia's defensive renaissance could influence recruiting and program prestige. Top prospects are drawn to programs with a track record of developing NFL talent, and restoring that defensive edge would solidify the Bulldogs' status as a defensive factory. Alumni like Roquan Smith and Nakobe Dean, both thriving in the pros, serve as living proof of the system's effectiveness.

As the Bulldogs prepare for their opener, the excitement in Athens is palpable. Fans, still basking in the glow of recent titles, are eager to see if this defense can evoke memories of the impenetrable walls of 2021 and 2022. For Smart and his players, it's not just about winning—it's about dominating in a way that leaves no doubt. If successful, Georgia could once again hoist the national championship trophy, propelled by a defense that reclaims its rightful place among the all-time greats.

Read the Full Toronto Star Article at:
[ https://www.thestar.com/sports/football/no-5-georgia-is-looking-for-defense-to-reclaim-standard-set-by-2021-22-national/article_66971c56-6f36-5ad9-802f-ca5fe3879118.html ]