Originally Posted by DaWolf
While I think there are better DC's out there than Sutton, I'm really not sure that he is the main issue here.
Look, this defense has been broken for the better part of 13 years. Sure, we've had a couple of decent years during that time, but never a consistent, top 5-10 Defense.
Based on Pro football reference (points allowed):
2000: 19th
2001: 23rd
2002: 28th
2003: 19th
2004: 29th
2005: 16th
2006: 11th
2007: 14th
2008: 29th
2009: 29th
2010: 11th
2011: 12th
2012: 25th
2013: 5th
Obviously the 2013 numbers are skewed by the early season start. But my goodness, this is unacceptable. We haven't been good on defense since the Marty days. And you know what we had in those days? Tough, physical, in your face guys, and on-field leaders. Hasty, Collins, DT, Smith, etc.
This defense has lacked those physical, in your face guys. And I've been saying this for years, but there is a serious leadership void out there on defense. And by that I mean someone who is going to get into the face of all the other defenders, hold them accountable, and get them to raise their game. Who does that for us? Berry? Nope. DJ? Nope. Flowers? Nope. Hali? Nope. Poe? Nope. We have some talented guys for sure, but they're all mostly just guys who go out there and try to perform. They're not vocal, on field leaders. You have to have some guys out there where when things are slipping like they did in that game, are going to pull guys together, demand that they get their head out of their arse, and go hold the fort.
Blowing a lead like that, and basically not making Luck work for any of it, just speaks to the continued lack of nastiness and leadership on the field for that defense. It is a continuing theme from year to year. IMO until that is addressed, we will continue to be a weak minded defense when faced with a challenge...
|