Quote:I'm thinking they started the scheme when Gus got there, and he didn't seem to have any problems when he was in Seattle. So, no, I don't think that's it. I do feel it's largely a matter of not having adequate players in key spots for the scheme to work. Get Jaylon Smith in here at OTTO with Fowler at LEO, and this is a much improved defense. It also helps to have Kam Chancellor at S to bring the boom. The secondary really doesn't have anyone after Colvin and House, and with Sen'Derrick gone most of the year the other true playmaker on defense is Telvin Smith, and to a lesser extent Poz. This defense simply needs far more talent to work, and they need someone better than Babich coordinating their efforts.

 

They started the scheme when Gus got there, huh?  Was it Gus' scheme?  I doubt it, plus it doesn't seem like he's doing a good job teaching it.  3 years may not have been enough time for him to fully understand the ins and outs of the scheme.  I mean, that is a possibility, you know?  

 

I will grant you that we have talent holes in all areas of our D.  We have safety issues in the secondary.  We have at least 1 LB that isn't very good at zone coverage under Gus.  And we all know the lack of QB pressure when we rush only our 4 linemen.

 

But that doesn't mean we should be going backwards.  Our team defense this year is worse than last year.  With basically the same players in the LB and Secondary we've gone backwards so far this year.

 

We've gone backwards and we've played a WEAKER schedule.

 

Last year we gave up 25.8 points per game.  This year we're giving up 28.4 points per game.

Last year we gave up 243 yards passing per game.  This year, we're giving up 264 passing yards per game.

We have less sacks this year as well, but I'll concede that Marks is out. 

 

But at the end of the day, it's clear we're not getting better defensively.  And I will submit to you we really didn't change all that much at the LB and in the Secondary positions.

 

It's a failure of coaching and scheme.  

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