Let's talk defense

Argh. D. Ware is still overrated, he was owned against Jacksonville.

It takes a longer time for a drafted player to develop than it does for a proven FA. A drafted guy won't make an impact the first (probably) and maybe not event he second year. A FA needs up to a half season to get ready and contribute fully on a team. All of our acquisitions have at least average if not better than average NFL ability. No one come in and plays to their max potential right off the bat. AA and AC are not playing up to their contracts, that's for sure.

The next time you guys change jobs, see how long it takes for you to feel just as comfortable as it did for your previous job (3 months?). And I know that's why we have practise but actual games is where the majority of experience comes from.

Funny how whenever we lose, talk always reverts back to talent acquisition.

I really don't see our talent level as a problem right now. It's piss poor execution and guys not playing up to their potential.

I really don't care how we get players or how much they're making. What it comes down to is them getting the job done on the field, which they're not doing right now.

Why is it 'funny' to go back and reflect on the players collected by a front fice that has a knack for acquiring the wrong people for the system they're trying to create? That's sort of what happens when teams lose. You look at the players, question just how good they are, and criticize the guys that brought them here.

For a moment, let's be honest with ourselves and say some things that people probably don't want to hear: Maybe when you get right down to it, guys like Chris Samuels, Jon Jansen, Randy Thomas, Rabach and Dockery, are all either B-list players who were once real good but have seen their heyday and are on the decline. And when these guys line up against a defensive line who might be just slightly better, they don't stand a chance, and they fold. Maybe there was a reason why the San Fransisco 49ers didn't fight to keep guys like Andre Carter, Brandon Lloyd, and Mike Rumph. And maybe the same thing happened with St. Louis when another team started inquiring about Adam Archuleta.

Maybe, (and this one’s going to hurt) the 2005 season was a flash in the pan just like the 1999 team was. And maybe they happened to catch bad teams at just the right times like St. Louis without Marc Bulger, Philly without Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook, or Tampa Bay that coincidently had the same offensive problems in January that they’re having right now.

Maybe all the naysayers were right, and Mark Brunell was playing on borrowed time, and now we have to pay up. Maybe this team just isn’t very good.

I disagree Matty. I think it's perfectly legitimate to question to moves of an organization that has yet to establish a track record of building winning teams.

I don't find it funny at all.

[quote=724Skinsfan;217435]It takes a longer time for a drafted player to develop than it does for a proven FA. A drafted guy won't make an impact the first (probably) and maybe not event he second year.

I think while your statement is somewhat true, it's becoming more and more common in the NFL that if you get drafted at all, you're expected to become an immediate contributor. First round picks are almost expected to start immediately.

I disagree Matty. I think it's perfectly legitimate to question to moves of an organization that has yet to establish a track record of building winning teams.

I don't find it funny at all.

Actually it is funny.

When we were 10-6 a year ago, we didn't hear too much complaining about the talent or how we acquire it.

Now we're 0-2 and all of a sudden the front office is again the scapegoat. Sorry, I'm just not buying it. Talent isn't our problem right now.

The front office has done it's job. They put the talent on the field. Now it's up to the coaches and players to make it all come together.

Yes the team is struggling right now and of course people want answers. But let's keep some perspective. It's a very long season. This team proved last year that they can turn things around. I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt for now.

I think while your statement is somewhat true, it's becoming more and more common in the NFL that if you get drafted at all, you're expected to become an immediate contributor. First round picks are almost expected to start immediately.

Right, but at what level of proficiency are the rookies playing at? How effective is their contribution? It still takes a rookie a longer time to fully contribute than it does a veteran. The rookie may start but he's going to get "picked on" by the offense or the defense. You don't see too many cases where a FA gets the brunt of attention because its generally assumed that they have a shorter learning curve. Do we want Mario Williams or Andre Carter this year?
All of the players we acquire were someones draft picks at one time or another. Some are castoffs others couldn't be financially retained. Whether we draft them or someone else drafts them doen't make much of a difference to me.

To the Carter haters...I'm not going to come out and say he's the best DE in the league, however his first 2 assignments: Bryant McKinnie and Flozell Adams, both who run about 6'7", 6'8" and a double cheeseburger away from 345, 350. He's a speed guy, but those 2 are a lot of man to go around. Carter also leads all DLinemen in tackles right now. Plus, he played in a 3-4 as a hybrid LB/DE, and is learning the GW system. He should produce and will, given time.

The injuries in the secondary are the main piece to this puzzle. GW doesn't want to hang them out to dry, so he blitzes less and sit back 6, 7, 8 guys. Our DLine is capable, but has probably seen 2 of the better OLines in the league these past 2 weeks.

The defense needs to be more disciplined in tackling and their assignments, and GW needs to get off the basics and let guys like Archuletta, Taylor and Washington loose on blitzes.

I am with those who say give GW a chance to fix things, and remember that he's made good Ds out of unknowns and castoffs before. I am not for jumping ship 2 games into the season. Here's my guess--against a suspect o-line and a QB who holds the ball too long, GW will blitz like crazy on Sunday. The D will "magically" look better, and one of our nickle guys will have an INT.

Players have to make plays--so much of the game is mental at this level. We have "lost our swagger"--it's time to get it back against the Texans, and then use that momentum to propel us forward.

But the offense has to make plays too--just like in 2004, if the D has no faith in the offense, it gets them down, and that's death to a D. We have to pick up some firggin thrid downs on offense. My guess is that will help us stop thrid downs on defense.

It's about confidence, toughness, and execution. It's not about the front office, IMO.

It ALL comes back to Springs. When he is in there it eases alot of the pressure of the LB's and Safeties in mid to longrange cover situations. Im sure ST and AA were thinking , "F*** Wright is going to blow this again." With Springs in he will allow everyone to focus more on their assignments rather than thinking they have to help as much as possible over the top!

GW is the MAN......I am behind him 100%!!! Im sure the lack of blitzing is attributed the lack of coverguys. Just said this but with Springs in i think GW will be more confident in sending an extra corner or a safety on a blitz!!!