Quote:Look at us, Atlanta and to a lesser degree, Seattle. It seems to have been figured out.

 

Atlanta was 32nd last year in total defense yards. This year, they are middle of the pack.  They were 6th in pts allowed last season, 20th this season. I'd hardly call that being "figured out" given its their first year.

 

It's the NFL. It's a big chess match and while there are certain offensive formations and plays that will stress this defense out, the same is true in every scheme. Is our scheme bad when...

 

Marks...a long-time bust in Tenn became a Pro-bowl caliber player moving to the inside DT position in our scheme?

 

Alan Ball...a journeyman safety looked like a very good corner in our scheme before injuries took its toll?

 

Skuta has been a journeyman as well, yet he looks like a fit at OTTO?

 

We just don't have the players to run this...or really any scheme without robbing peter to pay paul...and it all starts up front with our pass rush. Overall, I think this team has done a good job in the early downs. Its the 3rd down (and even 3rd down and long) that really gives it fits, which is bad especially since that's when the good defenses get off the field.

---