FanPost

This is Not a Game-Changing Defense

Am I overstating the obvious?


30 sacks, 9 interceptions, 11 fumbles recovered and one defensive TD through 13 games. Clutch 3rd down conversions seemingly given up every single game (3rd and 14, anyone?). Easy touchdown drives given up immediately after the offense scores. Big gains given up with increasing regularity. Even last year with 59 sacks, they still only snagged 8 interceptions.

Wade's defense might end up with decent end-of-the-year rankings, but this is not a defense that is a difference-maker. This is not a defense that opposing teams seem to fear. And this is certainly not a defense that makes me, as a fan, comfortable at all.

Who on this defense is untouchable? Not to speak ill of the injured, but even Ware has been down this season, and it's my sense that he is not so much feared as just...respected. He's a nice guy! So many first rounders on that side of the ball, so many mediocrities and disappointments. I think the only untouchable player is Jenkins. But hopefully a new coach, or a new defensive coordinator, will help make these players more effective and the defense more cataclysmic. Because I am tired of bed-but-don't break defenses. Especially when they tend to break down in December. 

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