10-23-2018, 06:46 PM
(10-23-2018, 04:10 PM)Jakeypoo Wrote: In defense of Austin
1.) We have played an unbelievable QB schedule 2 MVPs, 1 Superbowl MVP, 2 time Superbowl winner, a 1st overall pick who has live up to the hype, and the media darling of the world.
2.) Vigil and Vontaz have only played 1 1/4 of a game together. That's tough that your two best LBers haven't played that much together.
2a.) The loss of Iloka has really hurt this unit. Secondary is struggling to get lined up and communication in zone has hurt a tone.
3.) Our defense has actually played well in 3 of our wins and in the one that the didn't they made critical plays to help in the victory.
I understand you are trying to balance it out but the numbers make it hard to defend....
31st in yards given up
32nd in 3rd down %
30th in total points given up ....that is pretty brutal reading for any DC.
As for #1 - the schedule of QB's - its the NFL unfortunately and there are plenty of good QBs to come in Brees, Rivers, Big Ben, Flacco...even Mayfield isn't a chump.
The loss of Iloka i feel personally is not hugely significant. I do not see Bates/Williams as a downgrade on Iloka/Williams...I liked Iloka and would even have considered keeping him over Williams but i don't think its a key part to defending Austin's performance.
I agree on #2 - The LB core was not a massive strength going into the season so not being able to put Vigil and Burfict out there together exposes an already weak group
