So with all the issues, we have all expressed within this defense I decided to give a small break down on some of the strengths that some will probably find shocking at this point. Did you know our Defense 1. Has the fewest penalty yards in the league 2. We are currently tied for 10th most sacks and are only averaging 1 sack less per game than #1 3. Currently tied for 2nd for forced fumbles 4. Are currently tied for 5th for interceptions and only 3 behind #1 5. Are only allowing 36% on 3rd down conversion I'm probably going to get flammed for this but the more I rewatch game footage the more this team reminds me of 2009. No Trumaine is not Revis and NO this oline cannot compare but man wouldn't it be nice to make another run with a rookie QB.
I agree, the stats say this is a top 10 defense in the league. The eye test tells me it is an average 20-15 defense at best. Maybe its the green colored glasses I am wearing because I "expect" every opponents drive to end in a 3 & out or a turnover but when the sledding gets rough, this defense folds like a cheap curtain. I don't know if the problems are scheme, personal or coaching but there is a disconnect between the stats and the actual performance on the field if that makes any sense to you.
Stats don't say we are a top 10 defense currently but we are a few small fixes from being a solid top 10. My point was mainly that a majority of what people saw as an issue with our defense is actually turning out to be some of our strengths. Pass rush Pass coverage
If you go back and check stats in the first 6 weeks of the season you might reconsider that statement. To make this extra flame worthy Im making a comparison to the overall team not just defense
While i somewhat agree i still believe looking at afc until we are 7 wins in the whole there's always a chance a 10 win team has a wild card shot.
I do agree that the defense is doing better than expected, but of course that's a pretty low bar to clear. And as JDeacon pointed out, stats can be - and often are - misleading. In the games they lost, they had key mistakes that didn't necessarily inflate the stats much, but were costly. And it was only the last game where I saw any real consistency from the "D". Was that due to Bowles taking over, or something else? Whatever it was, they need to repeat it from here on out before I say they have a good defense.
Id agree. Only weeks we havent given up 100 rushing yards were week 1 and 5 shockers. We have given up more than 300 passing per game every game except two. Like i said in my later post they just need to get a few more things in check (some could very well be play calling related) and this could turn out to be a very solid defense.
Overall the defense is pretty solid. The problem is that when they really need a stop, they dont get it. Look at the miami game and cleveland game.
Our entire investment in drafts and Free Agency has been loading up on the defensive side of the ball So what else is new? Where's the winning record?? That's what counts
I will say this, the defense seams to play well in spurs and then go brain dead or totally out of position at the most crucial times.,Also, we seem to collapse when the opposing offenses change the play book to compensate for our defensive schemes. Much of that could be corrected with discipline and better coaching. I do believe our offense will continue to jell and become more potent. No stats to back it up, just gut feel and observation.
They have been solid in the turnover game, and very solid on 3rd down for sure. They get killed by the big play right now, and allow too many yards because of it. They tighten up near the goal line, but it seems too easy when being to the red zone. Im also curious how they fair on 3rd and long, I'd bet it's not good.. it's almost like they take the foot if the gas at times and get burned big
