jlouhill

I'm not known on here like most because I don't post much. But I have been a member since 09 I think and I do come here regularly and read all the posts that interest me which is most of them. I do have an opinion on all this talk about our defense. I, too, have been frustrated with that side of the ball but in thinking about it we aren't the only one's having defensive troubles this year or in recent years. I think we need to stand back and take a look at the big picture. As for yesterday's game, I look at it this way, TB played a near perfect game, not turnovers and few mistakes. Our offense had an off day, four turnover's, no running attack and the defense played as they have all year. Serviceable, but not as bad as our anger let's us believe in the moment. Anyway, I found an interesting article to sum up what I have been noticeing concerning defensive play and offensive explosion this year. Just wanted to share it with y'all and hope that maybe it will help ease the minds of some who are ready to throw our defense to the road. Lord knows I have felt like it a time or two in recent years. Let me know y'all's thoughts.

The real reason for the NFL

strato

Thanks for posting..ive felt all along most teams are struggling on D..its not just us..

jlouhill

So right strat. I mean I don't know of any team whose defense is blowing anyone away this year. All I've heard is how the offensive numbers are just off the charts this year. I think it's something that's been trending for a few years now.

Boutte

i think it's bad tackling. Some of that is the fact that if you hit a guy there's a chance that you'll get a 15 yd penalty and possibly a fine.

jlouhill

Yea, that does play in to it. But tackling, or the lack of it, has been a problem for a while now. Players are more interested in making a big hit than wraping up and tackling. It's just become a lost art.

Mardigras9

So true, great tackles don't make Sportscenter. The funny thing is, you're more likely to make Sportscenter with a terrible tackle effort. M. Lynch flashback, make it stop.

foreverfan

YAC ain't it.... It's Roman Harper and Scott Shanely that's inflating the yards.

Realisticly it the tackling rules and defenders are taught to strip the ball.

saintfan

I'd be more inclined to side with the "nobody has a decent "D"" crowd and the "it's a result of the new rules" crowd except for the fact that our defense really hasn't changed much dating back to the Aaron Brooks era. It's like 2009 was the anomaly.

Beastmode

Good article. I never really though about the KO in terms of more yards but it's the most obvious reason. I think it also has an impact on turnovers. Akim doesn't get a chance to "drop the ball" or fumble it when it's booted over his head. I like the rule but it has changed the game without a doubt.

foreverfan

If the last team who has the ball has the greatest chance to win, I like our chances because we have the best QB in the league.