Quote:I dunno, boss man...I seem to recall them looking pretty bad the beginning quarter of the season. It was almost like they were astounded at how well they were playing in the first half at Philly then after the half, the wheels just blew out until around Week 6. I very well could be misremembering (if that's even a word), but that's what's in my head.

 

In any case, I think what we saw after they began to get their <expletive> together is a defense that is very capable, even in spite of a stuttering offense. How many games down the stretch did the defense keep us in again?

How they started the season is completely irrelevant.  They finished it strongly despite having to contend with an offense that was among the most inept in the league.  Any games this team was close in was a direct benefit of the defense. 

 

No defense is going to win games when they are on the field as much as this unit was last year.  I don't care how good that group is, if the offense is repeatedly going back to the sideline quickly drive after drive, even the best of the best will struggle eventually. 

---