xan

I disagree with the assessment that the defense sucks. This defense has held its own against some of the more explosive offenses in the league. With a little more help from the offense, there'd probably be two more wins in that total. The basic philosophy has been bend, don't break. While there's been too many huge running plays, the overall performance of this defense is miles better than the previous several years'. In terms of rankings, this defense was "last" (or at least near the bottom in every statistical category) in 2005, while this year it is 12th in total defense and 15th in the all important scoring defense (though it does get charged with the 3 interceptions returned for tds, making it 10th). Every defense has weaknesses, even the Bears (note that they're missing 4 starters for the rest of the season). And further, some of the yardage given up by the D was to Vick scrambling around, skewing things a bit since the teams we'll face in the playoffs won't have that dimension.

This team has faced the 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, 9th and 10th (twice) best offenses so far this season and has won 5 of the seven games against these teams.

I know I've been harsh and critical, but geez, even I've got to give respect to this unit's performance this year.

Calvin: "I wish I was a Tiger."
Hobbes: "Common lament."