Most people are unable to look at a def and realize that they are setup for a completly different call than they were the last snap. They see blitz, sack, tackle, int, and big plays against the def but fail to see everything else.
Smith's def may have been pretty watered down the last two years, and rightfully so with the transition and injuries, but it isnt like he has them go out in the same formation and play exactly the same every play.
Our off has been watered down the last two years also, and they are starting to open it up more this year, but no one is bitching about Kubiak's off being vanilla. Partly because its way better than the crap we had before, and partly because it is easier to see the production from the off.
I honestly dont know if Smith is a good coodinator, but we do know that Kubes wants a bend dont break style def and it is up to Smith to deliver. We know that Kubes preaches pressure from the front 4 and limited blitzing, and it is up to Smith to deliver.
Last year when TJ got his int because he was running to get into position from a last minute sub Kubiak was upset because he didnt want any subs in that position. The point is Kubiak isnt the HC that says I am good at Off so I am going to leave the def to someone else. Those types of HC's are glorified coordinators IMO. Kubiak has his fingers in both sides of the ball on and off the field.
Maybe the question shouldnt be does Smith suck, but does Kubiak's def philosophy suck? Which Smith has to adhere to.
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