We've played two games since the KC game, with a bye after that game. I'm optimistic by nature but also a realist. I've seen the warts on this team which have been predominantly on the defense up through the KC game. After that game where we won, I was thinking that we could play with anybody and I would like my chances with anybody.
Now fast forward to today - after the Detroit and Chicago games. Those games proved that a good, solid defense can slow us down and in Chicago's case pretty much stop us. How? Why?
In my opinion it's two things: McVay not adjusting to what the defense is presenting, and the OL regressing. Like others have mentioned, McVay just seems to think that if he keeps trying his 3 WR - bunched sets, regardless of what the opposing defense is doing, things will start to work. If this is true, I think he needs to learn how to adjust his sets and play calling to counter what the defense is trying to do. Up to the last two games it HAS worked so I think he feels like it always will.
The OL is clearly regressing and I agree with other posters about how age with Whit and Sully is a factor. This happened last season too. Goff looked bad the last two games and I think the instant, constant pressure in his face is an obvious factor. He just needs a bit more time.
So the main point of my post is that I share your concern, but really only due to the last two games. Yes, the defense has been bad but the offense more than made up for it. Now that we've seen how a strong defense can stymie our offense, that combined with our leaky defense doesn't sit well with me. Considering who we might have to play in the playoffs makes me very concerned about going "one and done" again.
I just hope that McVay learns from this and can change his approach,
in game, to counter when a defense is giving us fits and that the OL can step it up again.
Fingers crossed.
"He who knows all the answers has not been asked all the questions."
- Confucius
“There are three things all wise men fear: the sea in storm, a night with no moon, and the anger of a gentle man.”
- Patrick Rothfuss
"With age comes wisdom, but sometimes age comes alone."
- Oscar Wilde
