As much as I realize that Marrinelli knows more about defense that all of us combined, I do believe his insistence on scrubs at the nose is and has been a big reason that for years we have been weak against the run - up the gut. Many of us have complained/berated this philosophy for years. If he can't see it, wont change - it is incumbent on the FO to do so. We have what I believe to be a great building block in Collins and plenty of depth to back him up, we do not have and never have had a quality 1-tech that takes away the run and compliments the 3-tech. I thought Paea was a step up, but never a remedy, unfortunately injuries have derailed that. We need talent there, not just some big fat slob. Talent requires draft resources, and yet again I will champion a first or second round pick on a true athletic big man up front.
I have to believe Jaylon's plan was to play sparingly behind Hitchens this year, again injuries have derailed that, but with Hitchens and lee coming back - Smith must be only used sparingly. He is not ready or healthy yet.
I am willing to let all the corners and young safeties learn on the job, and will live with the ups and downs of it. But I do feel we have plenty of Free Safety options (Jones, Awuzzie, Woods) But a strong Safety is needed, Kavon Frasier is the closest we have size wise, but he is a backup. We need a big strong enforcer in the Chancellor mode - again talent means resources .....
I even understand the FO reluctance to bring in quality Free Agents - due to our previous cap problems and adversity to again spending money and getting themselves in cap hell - However, with Romo's money finally coming off the books etc. What they have been doing recently - has not worked, don't go crazy, but a better class of FA is needed. The draft alone is not enough. Between McClay and Stephen surely they must see the problems - and act !
The draft section will be getting massive debates as we get into the off-season this year...
