Originally posted by redrathman:Originally posted by NCommand:
What's old is that we have the same problems year in/year out as evidenced by our record. Until these things are fixed, everyone's act will be old no matter how you try to spin it.
You mean the one and half years Singletary has been Head Coach? And the one year Jimmy Raye has been Offensive Coordinator? And the ten games Alex Smith has been Starting Quarterback?
No, I'm totally patient with these things and I'm cautiously optimistic and if you re-read my post that I noted these things already.
We were talking about defense here and specifically, the CB's. What effects CB is yes, an effecient offense, a great pass rush (esp. in a 3-4), speed, proper scheme, tightening up the middle-of-the-field coverage, dominant NT, etc.
As a defense, we certainly improved in turnovers, collective "team sacks," points allowed, etc. its suffice to say we still struggled getting off the field on 3rd downs (and that was WITH Bly), so we have questions at the CB position not to mention, the NT position was not addressed, many feel the CB position was not addressed, we still have questions at consistent pass rushing from the WILL/SAM spots and Manusky still needs to grow more in his pass rushing scheme, utilizing the strengths of our starting CB's (e.g. play tighter up at the LOS and be much more physical), utilizing the inside blitz more with Willis/Spikes, etc.
We've seen some positive signs from Manusky during these OTA's using Mays to play in the box and blitz a lot, Clements is back as is Spencer, Curtis & Smith seem to be growing as is Mays, Lewis remains healthy, he's utilizing Brooks in zone coverage (final piece he needs to learn) and he's finally using the WILL/SAM positions as "mirror positions" instead of being handcuffed by having Manny stay as the SAM on 1st and 2nd downs only, then bringing in Brooks to rush for him in predictable downs from the same spot. I'm seeing some encouraging signs Manusky is taking the next step!
But ALL of these things affect the CB position not just the offenses inability to sustain a drive. In fact, the defense should care less what the offense does...they can control their own destiny and get off the field. We've got the tools...now it's a matter of execution and consistency!