Quote
RFL
Quote
RockRam
I'd bet the farm they'll get this rectified and play much stronger and more consistently quite soon.
I guess I am surprised by this remark.
Why would someone be sure that the D unit will come around after 5 games? (By the way, I re-watched that AZ game and Bradford STANK in it. A good QB gets them some points.)
I see no reason to believe that we have the right edge personnel. One can hope in a couple of youngsters, especially the enigmatic Obo. But there is no real evidence of edge talent.
And the DBs without Talib just appear to be a challenge.
Yes, Wade is a maestro and has a track record of bringing a unit along into 2nd half ascendancy. I am absolutely not denying the possibilities. We MAY come good.
But, man, I wouldn't bet the farm. A fiver? Maybe. But Wade's ability to overcome personnel limits last year was limited, and I see no evidence that would coax me into betting much.
Last year at this time, the D was ranked in the high 20's in many categories including points allowed.
Donald had already returned, they were showing no edge pressure, the run D was awful, weren't very good in 3rd down conversion percentage allowed, and were 20th in yards allowed per game.
It was all around much worse. But around game 6 or so, Wade got several things corrected and the D went on a 6 week streak where they gave up fewer point than any team. By the end of season, all metrics had drastically improved except for the run D and the points allowed per game was approximately top 10 (excluding SF where they sat all starters).
Wade's defenses tend to operate this way, not only in single games but over the course of seasons too.
They often don't start out so great but then he makes adjustments. So there is hope.
If I'm right, we're right about at the point where he tinkers, makes some adjustments and gets most of the problems corrected. FWIW, we're already seeing Suh get more snaps on the edge instead of the nose. I expect that to continue for sure and likely increase.
Right now, the edge pressure isn't the issue. The run D and secondary are. But I trust Wade and McVay will get it corrected.
I don't know about betting the farm but I would bet a lot.
