QB or defense: what's the bigger problem?

[BDBohnzie]

Back in the day, when the Skins couldn't score, I believe it was said that the magic number on offense points per game was around 20. Score 20 points and you'll win most games. Our offense is currently putting up an average of 20 points a game. However, the defense is giving up 24. Throw out the Houston game, and the defense is giving up 26 points per game.

While Brunell isn't doing much (11th rated QB thus far), the defense couldn't stop a bug with a brick wall right now. The Skins defense is incompetent to say the least. They are 29th against the pass because of a depleted secondary that has 2 INTs. The linebackers have been inconsistent, and the defensive line has had many injuries and cannot get a consistent pass rush.

GW's theory about being able to plug anyone into his system has been deeply flawed this season. It's quite obvious that this isn't the case...either that, or these players just don't get it.

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

The defense is definately the bigger problem. That said, the offense has more tools to work with (see Portis, Moss, Cooley, ARE, Lloyd) than our defense (see injuries to Griffin, Springs, Marshall, Rogers) and should be outperforming our defense.

[Big C]

easily the defense is the bigger problem. brunell has been decent at least, whether u all will admit it or not, our defense just cant stop anyone, not even the titans or texans

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Originally Posted by Big C

easily the defense is the bigger problem. brunell has been decent at least, whether u all will admit it or not, our defense just cant stop anyone, not even the titans or texans

I agree that our defense is the bigger problem. As for Brunell, I could look decent if Gibbs asked me to hand the ball off or pretend to look deep and then throw it to a guy in the flats 3 yards behind the line of scrimmage.

[dmek25]

i really don't understand that philosophy at all. in Gibbs first go round, it was pounding the running game, and throwing long to the posse

[illdefined]

i love how they're just handing the ball off to our recievers now instead of throwing it to them. better taking the whole QB thing out of the equation.

[Paintrain]

QB because he can affect the defense. By consistently going 3 and out and/or not gaining the field position advantage the defense is being put in difficult positions or worn down late in games. Now they need to step up a little and perform but they also need the offense to carry it's weight. By getting turnovers it's a bonus to the offense if the defense makes a play but the offense HAS to help the defense.

[61cad]

Originally Posted by Paintrain

QB because he can affect the defense. By consistently going 3 and out and/or not gaining the field position advantage the defense is being put in difficult positions or worn down late in games. Now they need to step up a little and perform but they also need the offense to carry it's weight. By getting turnovers it's a bonus to the offense if the defense makes a play but the offense HAS to help the defense.

What does field position have to do with shutting down an opponent’s offense? Three an out can happen in between the Skins 49 and 40 yard line.

There hasn’t been that many opponents drive that started inside the Skins 40.

[Paintrain]

Originally Posted by 61cad

What does field position have to do with shutting down an opponent’s offense? Three an out can happen in between the Skins 49 and 40 yard line.

There hasn’t been that many opponents drive that started inside the Skins 40.

Couldn't find a bigger or darker font? ;-)
Without absolving the defense of responsibility, there is a big difference in defending 80 yards than 45 yards. Drives don't have to start at our 40 but if you get the ball at the 20, gain 7 yards, punt and they start their possession at the 35-40 yard line that's a huge advantage vs. if you have to punt, punting from midfield or a little beyond, worse case they'll start at the 20.. Plus 3 and outs don't build any offensive rhythm and let their defense remain fresh while ours tires from being on the field all day.

[61cad]

Originally Posted by Paintrain

Couldn't find a bigger or darker font? ;-)
Without absolving the defense of responsibility, there is a big difference in defending 80 yards than 45 yards. Drives don't have to start at our 40 but if you get the ball at the 20, gain 7 yards, punt and they start their possession at the 35-40 yard line that's a huge advantage vs. if you have to punt, punting from midfield or a little beyond, worse case they'll start at the 20.. Plus 3 and outs don't build any offensive rhythm and let their defense remain fresh while ours tires from being on the field all day.

Causing 3 and outs is huge! If you stop an offense anywhere on a 3 and out you will and should control the games tempo.

I don't care if the 3 and out happens at your 20. It should equate to a low scoring game. In low scoring games, typically the better defense wins.

Your logic makes no sense. 3 and out is a defensive victory. 3 tries for 1st down, you don't make it and you're kicking the ball!

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

I posted this in another thread, but in the Colts, Giants, Cowboys, and Vikings games, the offense scored a total of 37 points! That's about 9 points per game!

BTW, the defense is worse.

[70Chip]

It's the defense. 22 points would have been enough to win most games in 04 or 05. They are a below average group, injuries notwithstanding.

[That Guy]

Originally Posted by 70Chip

It's the defense. 22 points would have been enough to win most games in 04 or 05. They are a below average group, injuries notwithstanding.

well, for that game it was a garbage TD against prevent, and you need a LOT of points to beat peyton (usually). in our losses, our offense hasn't been getting it done either, even though the jacksonville, houston, and end of the indy game pad the stats. 3 of those 4 games weren't even close on either side of the ball.

[70Chip]

Originally Posted by That Guy

well, for that game it was a garbage TD against prevent, and you need a LOT of points to beat peyton (usually). in our losses, our offense hasn't been getting it done either, even though the jacksonville, houston, and end of the indy game pad the stats. 3 of those 4 games weren't even close on either side of the ball.

I'm not saying the offense is fantastic. I'm saying that even if the offense was clicking they would struggle to win games because the defense can't stop anyone. I don't think some people realize how bad the defense is right now. They are one of the worst groups in the League right now - and getting worse every week.

[skinsguy]

Defense. I want to see Jason Campbell and see what he can do, but our biggest problem is defense.