Mario, Mike Brisiel, & David Anderson all placed on IR

[Joshua]

Originally Posted by TheMatrix31

Wait....losing DeMeco isn't a valid excuse? Losing the captain of our defense, no matter how bad the defense is, is massive. Sorry.

I mean, don't get me wrong, no excuses, but it's a pretty big deal.

Don't get me wrong, I like Demeco and think he is a solid player but how many plays can you remember him making over the last few seasons that were really game-impacting plays? I can't think of many. He doesn't generate many turnovers, sacks, or TFLs. On the other hand, I can remember several plays by Cushing last year which directly impacted the outcome of the game (timely INTs, forced fumbles, TFLs, coming up and stoning the RB for a 1 yard gain on 3rd and 2, etc.). Demeco is a solid MLB, but he primarily compiles gaudy tackle numbers by tackling guys 5-7 yards down the field. Now, he is a pretty sure tackler and usually maintains his assignments which are all good things, but I just don't see him as having a huge impact on games.