I would agree that defensive talent is an issue at this point, but I would also say that the coaches refusal to adapt to the ability of the personnel we have and sticking with the soft zone and four man line rush is exacerbating the problem. 

 

We know we don't have the personnel on our line to be very successful rushing the quarterback. We know that in a soft zone that almost any NFL level quarterback will, given enough time, pick a zone defense apart... at will. We know this because we've been witnessing it all season; we get opponents in 3rd down situations and more often than not they will convert a 1st down. 

 

We know we don't have an elite secondary, but we throw gas on the fire due to the zone defense and lack of pass rush. Even though we had a record setting day on offense, it's just not enough to offset the current woes of our defense. I suppose it would also go without saying that at this point in the season that a major change in defensive philosophy would be 'too little too late', if it could be done at all.

 

Frankly, the outcome of yesterdays game against the tacks probably would've been different except for the blunders of our center and kicker. Just take away the bad snap that led to an immediate touchdown and the Jags would've won. Missing those XP's didn't 'blow the game for us' but they did indeed shift momentum away from us. The free six points via the bad snap was the difference maker.

 

For Gus to say 'we tried everything' and to lose to what was a 2-9 team is an indictment of his coaching. It would've been a bit more accurate to say that 'we tried everything I know'. Still, you can only do what you can do with what you have to work with. It's kind'a unrealistic to expect Gus to be able to get 'McGiver' (sp) like results with what he has on defense.

 

So what 'can' we do? Well, continue to support the Jags... I think better things are comin'. Hope for the best for what's left of this season but don't go banana's if we fold like a cheap jacket and end up with less than a 6-10 record. It's pretty obvious we need significant help on the defensive roster so I anticipate that Dave is going to invest heavily there during the upcoming draft and f/a acquisition.

 

As for the coaching... if after three full seasons we once again end the season with less than a paltry 6-10 record... that should say it all to those in power who make decisions. Nothing further need be said; no ranting, etc.

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