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I hate to keep posting negative stuff, but this appears to be a big problem with our defense:

https://twitter.com/iBeenSwole/status/1 ... _&ref_url=

Apparently, this wasn't the only time that Diggs and Brooks got into it last Sunday as according to the observer that made the video they had to be separated "multiple times." I'm hearing a lot of comments that there is no leadership on our defense, that they are completely uninterested in the team when the offense is on the field, no sideline encouragement, etc. Losing Jamal Adams might have had more of an impact than we thought.

The loss of Wagner is probably bigger from a leadership perspective, and maybe that's in part what Irvin is supposed to bring.

NorthHawk wrote:The loss of Wagner is probably bigger from a leadership perspective, and maybe that's in part what Irvin is supposed to bring.

Wags had credibility with his multiple Pro Bowl appearances and HOF qualifications. He's the type of player that needs no introduction. Irvin does not have anywhere near the type of background necessary to command immediate respect. I'm not saying that Irvin can't or won't be given that kind of respect, but he's not going to get it automatically as a player like Bobby could, he'll have to earn a certain amount of it.

True, but he's a veteran and he got a ring here which gives him some credibility.

Oh Jesus . He was a contributing member of the lob . But he has no credibility with a bunch of guys that can’t tackle . He was as big a part of the NFC championship win in 13 as anyone shutting down Kaps running . I respect him even if some fans don’t . Same for Pete .

If guys are all over each other on the field , confused and pointing fingers doesn’t it come back to coaching ? brooks and Diggs were fine last year that I saw . Diggs , Barton and Brooks all played far better . Darrell Taylor was Waaaay better . It’s scheme and coaching as well as talent . It’s reprehensible, rancid , putrid on the field .

I actually like the passion but it does reveal that something is clearly wrong with what they are doing on a fundamental level. I don't know what the argument was about but I do know that defensive breakdowns that piss players off like this typically have to do with blown assignments. Blown assignments typically happen when guys aren't doing their job for some reason. It could be they are trying to do somebody else's job- like maybe Diggs bites on the run fake too hard because our defense can't stop the run. It could be because a guy gets confused from not studying (probably not the case here) or it could be that somebody is confused because their scheme is confusing or doesn't follow an easy set of rules. Who knows for sure but if I was on that defense I would be pretty embarrassed and pissed too. I imagine they are as well and that our better players are trying to cover for areas that we lack talent or have the wrong personnel.

mykc14 wrote:I actually like the passion but it does reveal that something is clearly wrong with what they are doing on a fundamental level. I don't know what the argument was about but I do know that defensive breakdowns that piss players off like this typically have to do with blown assignments. Blown assignments typically happen when guys aren't doing their job for some reason. It could be they are trying to do somebody else's job- like maybe Diggs bites on the run fake too hard because our defense can't stop the run. It could be because a guy gets confused from not studying (probably not the case here) or it could be that somebody is confused because their scheme is confusing or doesn't follow an easy set of rules. Who knows for sure but if I was on that defense I would be pretty embarrassed and pissed too. I imagine they are as well and that our better players are trying to cover for areas that we lack talent or have the wrong personnel.

I think this is an accurate assessment. One thing leads to another until it boils over at some point(s). In the last two seasons we have lost two pro bowl caliber linebackers who were also team leaders. Currently, the defense is suffering from lack of talent, experience and leadership. It's a triple-headed monster problem. Eventually, someone will rise up and become the unit leader and time will take care of the inexperience. So, I expect there will be some improvement by end of the year. Improving the talent, however, awaits better drafting and better trades. There may also be a coaching change on defense along the way.

mykc14 wrote:I actually like the passion but it does reveal that something is clearly wrong with what they are doing on a fundamental level. I don't know what the argument was about but I do know that defensive breakdowns that piss players off like this typically have to do with blown assignments. Blown assignments typically happen when guys aren't doing their job for some reason. It could be they are trying to do somebody else's job- like maybe Diggs bites on the run fake too hard because our defense can't stop the run. It could be because a guy gets confused from not studying (probably not the case here) or it could be that somebody is confused because their scheme is confusing or doesn't follow an easy set of rules. Who knows for sure but if I was on that defense I would be pretty embarrassed and pissed too. I imagine they are as well and that our better players are trying to cover for areas that we lack talent or have the wrong personnel.

trents wrote:I think this is an accurate assessment. One thing leads to another until it boils over at some point(s). In the last two seasons we have lost two pro bowl caliber linebackers who were also team leaders. Currently, the defense is suffering from lack of talent, experience and leadership. It's a triple-headed monster problem. Eventually, someone will rise up and become the unit leader and time will take care of the inexperience. So, I expect there will be some improvement by end of the year. Improving the talent, however, awaits better drafting and better trades. There may also be a coaching change on defense along the way.

I agree with both of these thoughts. Mykc is right, players get upset with each other over a mis communication than they do anything else, someone expecting someone else to be behind them, etc. They're not going to get upset with each other because someone gets physically beat.

And I agree that the defensive play is likely to improve. Heck, they can't get any worse than what they've shown in the first 5 weeks. I don't think it's going to be any worst to first turnaround, but I do expect to see at least some marginal improvement as these guys get more familiar with this new defense.

Bruce did at least know how to set an edge. Right now even a small change like that could help a bit.