On the Rams Talk Radio podcast has said a number of times that he sees pre-snap confusion and dysfunction. He thinks he sees guys barking at each other, unsure about how to deploy.
I dunno. I got nuffink. I dunno from defense.
But it's an interesting thought.
Jimmy, your question--players or coaching leadership--is of course the absolutely crucial question.
If it's the players, then there's not much we can do this year.
But that just doesn't feel right to me. We have star power up front and a lot of guys who have played well or better behind them. Yes, our LBs may be limited (Fowler helps) but I just don't have the feel that we don't have the players to field a sound defense. I just can't reconcile that conclusion with my perceptions.
I just really think we are playing bad football. One example, though I couldn't stomach gathering the details.
The SEA RB goes off tackle. Our OLB (sorry, didn't check the number) is in perfect position to tackle for no gain. Without making any sort of major juke, the RB somehow induces the OLB to take a hard step INSIDE. The back easily steps outside into space and gains 15 or whatever.
I mean, that is pathetic. The kids you coach know you have to turn a back in to the help on the inside. It's Jr. High level football. And this maroon lurches inside and gives up a huge play.
That's not about ability. It's about performance. And when you have an entire unit playing without gap discipline, I am sorry, that goes back to coaching.
I have no way to judge Wade's schemes. Don't know much about defensive strategies and tactics.
But I do think he is coaching an undisciplined bunch. And that is on the coaches.
BTW, I don't really know who Norm Hightower is, but he sounds like an old football guy and he generally has really sound insights.
