Jeff Brohm details where Louisville defense stands after spring

Louisville‘s offense held off the defense 45-37 in its annual spring game last month, setting the stage for what fans hope to be another strong season under second-year head coach Jeff Brohm.

While the final score was close, an offensive showcase was expected, Brohm explained. There are still some holes that need to be filled from the transfer portal. Just as important, the Cardinals need to get healthy as well.

“There are some missing pieces right now. So I don’t think we’re exactly where we want to be,” Brohm said after the spring game. “But we’ve seen more players emerge throughout spring that once we get everything solidified and people as healthy as we can for fall camp — I think we’ll see a solid group right there.

“And there’s plenty of secondary guys to go around. A couple of times we didn’t — we weren’t consistent in where we wanted to be today, but [the defensive backs] had a good camp. Safeties have done a good job overall. The linebackers have got to continue to develop and then the D-line even though we’re limited in that right now with some injuries. So when they get healthy, I think they’ll be a force.”

Things got off to a rough start for the defensive unit when Tyler Shough connected with Chris Bell for an 80-yard touchdown on the first play of the game. Bell would prove to be a problem for the group throughout the day, also scoring on a 62-yard reception later in the first half and finishing the game with 126 receiving yards.

Despite this, the defense led the offensive group 23-21 at halftime. They were awarded points for turnovers, 3-and-outs, and various other situational defensive stops. Louisville’s offense was held scoreless in the third quarter before taking over in the fourth quarter and winning the spring game.

“It was a pretty good spring scrimmage that you like to have where you see some things that stood out as positives, and you had some things that you must get better at as we approach the fall,” Brohm continued. “Overall, I was pleased with the execution on both sides of the ball from a lot of players in the game.”

Brohm has made good on his promises ever since spring practices ended, adding defensive linemen Rene Konga and Tramel Logan to the mix, as well as linebacker Myles Jernigan out of the transfer portal. And who’s to say Louisville stops there?

The next time fans will be able to watch their Cardinals in action will be during the season opener at home on Aug. 31 against Austin Peay.