Sadly, we currently have the 7th most expensive defense in the NFL (per Spotrac). We started the season off on a high note, creating turnovers almost at will, creating pressure off the snap, etc. However as of late, it seems like our guys are out of position, not communicating like we did in the beginning of the season, missing a plethora of tackles per game, etc.
Here are a few of my observations:
1) Although we've shown spurts of playing like a top tier unit, we've regressed drastically.
2) Are the players failing to communicate pre-snap, resulting in blown coverages, losing containment in gap control, etc.
3) Missed tackles is also becoming a bigger problem game in and game out.
4) Personally, I was never a fan of switching to a 3-4 scheme. I just don't think we have the necessary players to implement the scheme.
CONCLUSION:
I believe we should try everything schematically, mix in a lot of 4-3 looks, allow our prize book-ends, both Allen and Walker, to get after the QB like they were initially drafted to do.
If we continue this trajectory of getting gashed week in and week out, then Mike Caldwell should get his walking papers, the sooner the better.
Your thoughts
I agree to try some things different. In reality the team will make 0 changes and we will continue seeing the status Quo until the season is over. Then it's the finger pointing game starts.
I'd like to see us line up in a 4-3 personally. I think both Muma and Lloyd would benefit from being 4-3 OLBs
(12-06-2022, 07:42 PM)ChrisJagBoy Wrote: [ -> ]I'd like to see us line up in a 4-3 personally. I think both Muma and Lloyd would benefit from being 4-3 OLBs
I feel like the personnel we have would perfectly fit a 4-3 defense.
Most defenses play a hybrid 4 - 3, 3 - 4. We're no different. The most used formation now is nickel.
It's not like the 1990s and early 2000s anymore where you had Baltimore, Pittsburgh & New England running it in a traditional stance.
Just need players to be placed in their proper positions. Walker was a 3 point stance run defender that could overpower gaps in Georgia and Lloyd was a pass rushing weakside backer that could also cover well from one side of the field.
They both look like a fish out of water because they're being played like a fish out of water.
Sent from my SM-S906U using Tapatalk
In summary, if it doesnt work fix it. If you cant figure out how to fix it. We will get someone who can. Hopeiumfully.
The defense with allowing game losing drives at the end of the game has been an issue all year. SUNDAY JUST TURNED IT INTO AN ALL GAME AFFAIR.
End of story.
Yeah time to try some changes at this point
(12-06-2022, 07:42 PM)ChrisJagBoy Wrote: [ -> ]I'd like to see us line up in a 4-3 personally. I think both Muma and Lloyd would benefit from being 4-3 OLBs
I couldn't agree more.
Let's not forget LB Foye Oluokun is a natural MLB.
The more I think about it, the more I believe we should be in a traditional 4-3 base.
What's even more disturbing is when they line up Arden Key inside, but never Walker. I don't think the coaching staff is bringing out the best of our players (defensively speaking). Player's have strengths & it's all on the coaching staff to figure out. Something else that pisses me off is when I see Josh Allen drop back in coverage. He's our lone pure pass rusher, and for whatever reason the coaching staff still think it's ok.
Change should be coming. Caldwell's days are numbered.
Worst defensive performance this season. I get it. Caldwell is under his first season as DC. There is still a lack of 3-4 more great starters to push this defense to be better. However, his several adjustments made to fix injury holes and late-game meltdowns which cost the team 3-5 wins have been painful to watch. He may not also really see what he has and utilize the players better. A few notes:
Travon Walker needs to be planted on the DL. Not standing. Period.
Might as well keep both your rookie LBs out there with Oluokun for the remaining games. They will both turn out to be great players in the right set up. Muma needed to be in the lineup earlier on on the season. After watching this game with the Lions, you can see how smart he is in reading the plays. He will make mistakes here and there as a rookie. But, I see a great LB in the NFL in him. Devin Lloyd had a great early start on the season and was exploited a bit later on. However, he should not be benched. He still needs to be out there. Even at OLB. Where I feel he will benefit the most with his ability. And he will still turn out to be a great LB as well.
Defense is currently 12th against the run I believe. I believe the team needs to get a few explosive pass rushers on the DL for next season. Quickly disrupt the QB's timing and collapsing the pocket. Defense is also near bottom in pass. Time to part ways with Griffin and Jenkins and get some better players.
You could see 4-5 new starters on defense in 2023.
(12-06-2022, 11:48 PM)Jagulars Wrote: [ -> ]Worst defensive performance this season. I get it. Caldwell is under his first season as DC. There is still a lack of 3-4 more great starters to push this defense to be better. However, his several adjustments made to fix injury holes and late-game meltdowns which cost the team 3-5 wins have been painful to watch. He may not also really see what he has and utilize the players better. A few notes:
Travon Walker needs to be planted on the DL. Not standing. Period.
Might as well keep both your rookie LBs out there with Oluokun for the remaining games. They will both turn out to be great players in the right set up. Muma needed to be in the lineup earlier on on the season. After watching this game with the Lions, you can see how smart he is in reading the plays. He will make mistakes here and there as a rookie. But, I see a great LB in the NFL in him. Devin Lloyd had a great early start on the season and was exploited a bit later on. However, he should not be benched. He still needs to be out there. Even at OLB. Where I feel he will benefit the most with his ability. And he will still turn out to be a great LB as well.
Defense is currently 12th against the run I believe. I believe the team needs to get a few explosive pass rushers on the DL for next season. Quickly disrupt the QB's timing and collapsing the pocket. Defense is also near bottom in pass. Time to part ways with Griffin and Jenkins and get some better players.
You could see 4-5 new starters on defense in 2023.
Highly unlikely. You're going to see a new starter opposite of Campbell at CB1/CB2 for sure. Outside of that? Everybody else is on the roster for another year or two. Smoot, Key, Robertson-Harris & Griffin won't be back. Griffin was the only starter from that group. Jenkins should be back at safety with Cisco. Your LB core is pretty much set with a 1st and 3rd RD pick invested there plus Oluokon. Allen is on his 5th year with Walker now entering his 2nd year. Fatukasi and Hamilton will be back.
I think we'll be lucky to see 2 new starters on defense in 2023. CB and DT/DE being the most glaring and obvious needs at the moment. The back seven has been rough but so has the lack of pass rush and lack of an interior presence. Whatever top pick we land is more than likely going towards one of those two positions. Jalen Carter, Bryan Bresee, Keelee Ringo and Joey Porter Jr. Those are one of your likely picks in the top ten.
Baalke is going to have to make some upgrades on offense though. Cannot understate this enough. Even with Ridley onboard next year. You're looking at no TE's at the moment. Marvin Jones out. Potentially a need at RT/LT/LG. Just seems to me there will be more holes to fill offensively. TE and WR need to be on their radar entering day two of the draft and beyond.
They've been making changes.
None have worked.
The biggest change needed is talent at CB, IDL, and OLB/Edge.
Caldwell is likely not getting the most out of what he has, but:
- they've got only two guys in the secondary that can cover right now and one of them is a free safety.
- Darious Williams apparently thought coming home meant he could phone it in or he just can't play the slot - or both
- They were counting on Shaq Griffin to not suck, but he sucked
- Rookie OLB is still learning - will take time to learn technique to shed blocks
- 4th year OLB is in a massive slump
- Rookie ILB got exposed after tape showed him biting on pre snap motion and getting beat on shallow crosses easily
All these things add up to a need for development and a need for talent acquisition.
Most of the suggestions flying around about "move this guy here and that guy there" may do a little bit after the changes acclimate in a few weeks, but are unlikely to make any meaningful change in outcome this season.
Help is not on the way. This defense will likely struggle the rest of the season.
(12-06-2022, 07:42 PM)ChrisJagBoy Wrote: [ -> ]I'd like to see us line up in a 4-3 personally. I think both Muma and Lloyd would benefit from being 4-3 OLBs
3-4 4-3 is such an overrated argument.
Most defenses arent even playing those sets all the time rarely ever.... This team just does not have talent and a change of DC wont matter either
(12-07-2022, 11:34 AM)MyKids Wrote: [ -> ] (12-06-2022, 07:42 PM)ChrisJagBoy Wrote: [ -> ]I'd like to see us line up in a 4-3 personally. I think both Muma and Lloyd would benefit from being 4-3 OLBs
3-4 4-3 is such an overrated argument.
Most defenses arent even playing those sets all the time rarely ever.... This team just does not have talent and a change of DC wont matter either
I understand what your saying, but I beg to differ on some level.
You may be right about other teams rarely playing those sets, but correct me if I'm wrong, but I rarely ever see us line up with 4 down linemen pre-snap.
Imagine Josh Allen playing DE, Davon Hamilton/RRH as DT¹, Travon Walker as DT², and Dwayne Smoot/Arden Key playing opposite Allen. Our backers are Foye Oluokun (MLB), Chad Muma as our strong side, and Devin Lloyd as our weak side. I just believe we're better off playing that than whatever 3-4 we're currently running.
This is not to say we don't need to upgrade all throughout the roster. I'm just saying we need to mix it up and play sound ball.
Just to make things seem worse: Aiden Hutchinson is up to 6½ sacks on the year. Playing better ball than Travon Walker. Somethings gotta give! Coach Pederson is too smart a coach to not tweak our defense.