Lack of Defensive Identity

[Big Texas]

I refuse to believe that we have to have a team full of superstars to be competitive. I think we need an identity and a scheme defensively. and a qb that can play from behind. (and not so far behind that the other teams starters are resting)

We have no identity on defense. Everyone's been talking about the offense's zone blocking scheme and our semi west coast offense. But what about the defense. No scheme. Everybody playing pop warner football.
DLine: Just try to sack the qb
LB: Just try to tackle someone
DB: Just stay close to your man

I know I am being a bit exaggerative but that's what it looks like in live action. No one's ever in position from the play being called. They either made a play on their own (Mario's forced fumble) or dumb luck, or lack there of (the fumble out of bounds right in front of J.Reeves)

[KJ3]

Pretty much.

Big Ben sure seemed confused by the Vanilla Front, he only missed 1 damn pass. I just don't get why if we're playing 10+ yards off each reciever anyway, basically umbrella-ing against anything deep and coming up to tackle the inevitable 8-10 yard pass, why not send 6, 7, hell-8 guys? It's not like something is going to happen that wasn't already going to happen...and maybe you rattle their QB for a change.

Too much scared.

[Big Texas]

might as well send everyone but the db's. maybe we'll have a better chance

[nunusguy]

Change your thread title to "Lack of Defensive Talent", then you'll be nailing it down. Sorry, but it is what it is, and no point in avoiding the real issue here is there ?

[KJ3]

We may be lacking in talent compared to Pittsburgh's D, but by no means are we talentless. We just make a firm practice of not exploiting that talent. If we're really just going to hope the Super can save the D every play, every game...then we should all buckle in an extra seatbelt, safety vest, roll cage, etc. cuz it's gonna be one loooooong year. If our gameplan is umbrella the backfield and never blitz anyone to help out Weaver's incredibly inept ass then we should sit AW and run a 3-3-5 for a base D....or drop 5 with 2 LB's to keep the Super on a 1-on-1 matchup with an OL.

[Big Texas]

In response to nunusguy:
I feel you. However, I do believe that the coaching staff has to take a bit of the beating as well.

Some teams are good at stopping the pass
Some teams can punish the running game
Some teams get after the qb well
etc...

point is, they were designed that way. We, however, are proficient in none of these categories. And have yet to show any signs of proficiency in anything else. You can stack the team up with stars all day. but without plan, or identity by which to pick those players you are just wasting payroll.

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by KJ3

We may be lacking in talent compared to Pittsburgh's D, but by no means are we talentless.

Talented enough to be competitive with most anybody for atleast the first half or so of the game, and that's not what I saw yesterday. The game was over by the first half, you know like back in the "early years" with David Carr. That's how far below the Steelers talent our talent level looked yesterday IMO.

[popanot]

My problem is in 6 years of existence we do not have one area - offensively or defensively - that is a strength. You'd think during 6yrs. of drafting and FA you'd be able to build one unit (OL, RB, WR, DL, LB, etc.) that is strong. There is not one unit that the opposition fears. Mario and (arguably) AJ are the only players on the team that people need to pay attention to. That's sad.

I hope they can turn it around. They have got to win this Baltimore game.

[NBT]

The lack of tackling you can blame on the players. The lack of a reasonable gameplan is and will always be the province of the coaches. The game plan, or lack of, was an abomination. This is Kubiak's team, it is Kubiak's fault. Fire richard smith today and elevate Bush to be the DC. On offense........well he and Shanny's kid better get their s**t together in a hurry.