This was the problem I saw when Doug was hired and I felt very meh about him. I know he had an outstanding year and there was a turn-around but the AFCC loss was hopefully a learning experience. Philly had an identical gameplan vs New England, they were just more aggressive. Doug plays scared, conservative high school ball sometimes. I'm not even talking run-pass ration. I'm more disappointed with the defensive calls honestly. Marrone had flaws but Todd Wash got outcoached in 5 of his last 6 games and the 9ers game was the biggest indicator. I was honestly hoping a team would pluck away Wash for an HC vacancy because he was wasting this defense at times is several games despite having so much talent and grossly mishandling the unit. That's why they got exposed. That's why the AFCC hurt, as New England was winning games with one of the worst Patriot rosters I've seen in the Brady/Belichick era.


P.S I'm aware this is a heavy criticism, and maybe harsh despite the team success and pride that's been restored- - but if you want to be the best you have to be super critical.

---