What I like about the loss ...

[ChopBlock]

I think Pasq was just a stopgap anyways. I don't think he ever had a chance to be the permanent DC.

 

[TheCoolFan]

4th and 15 zone was one of the worst decisions I can think of. When do zones in that situation ever pay off?

 

[LucaBrasi]

I agree with that. I didn't mean to jump in here and criticize because I don't think Pasqualoni is the answer either. I just wish I had an answer for why this went from one of the best defsnes in the league to just about the worst. Beacuse Brooking got old, because Ratliff hasn't been quite as good, because we over-rated Spencer, because the safeties are the worst in the league, Jenkins horrid play? I guess those are the answers but its just amazing that you can go from allowing 15 points per game to nearly 30 in 1 stinking year.

I know they gave up 13 tonight, but Arizona is the worst offense we played all year and we allowed a 4th and 15 with the game on the line. Horrible.

 

[gimmesix]

I agree with that. I didn't mean to jump in here and criticize because I don't think Pasqualoni is the answer either. I just wish I had an answer for why this went from one of the best defsnes in the league to just about the worst. Beacuse Brooking got old, because Ratliff hasn't been quite as good, because we over-rated Spencer, because the safeties are the worst in the league, Jenkins horrid play? I guess those are the answers but its just amazing that you can go from allowing 15 points per game to nearly 30 in 1 stinking year.

I know they gave up 13 tonight, but Arizona is the worst offense we played all year and we allowed a 4th and 15 with the game on the line. Horrible.

It is amazing that under the same coordinator, the defense can fall apart like it did.

Obviously, some players like Jenkins have had a down year (which can be blamed on coaching to a degree), and I think Phillips was counting too much on Jenkins and Newman to be rock solid to make up for playing Ball at FS. Them not doing that and the leadership loss at FS have made this secondary a liability and forced Dallas to cover for that, which weakens other areas of the defense.

As the saying goes, "You're only as strong as your weakest link."

Several links turned weak this season (I'm looking at you, Ratliff and Spencer), but I think that will change with a few changes (free safety at the top of the list) and better coordination.

 

[Woods]

It is amazing that under the same coordinator, the defense can fall apart like it did.

Obviously, some players like Jenkins have had a down year (which can be blamed on coaching to a degree), and I think Phillips was counting too much on Jenkins and Newman to be rock solid to make up for playing Ball at FS. Them not doing that and the leadership loss at FS have made this secondary a liability and forced Dallas to cover for that, which weakens other areas of the defense.

As the saying goes, "You're only as strong as your weakest link."

Several links turned weak this season, but I think that will change with a few changes (free safety at the top of the list) and better coordination.

I think this FA that JJ needs to be more aggressive. Not reckless, but more aggressive.

We have clear issues at OG, RT, FS.

If we can at least get ONE of those issues sorted out in FA, we will have made progress.

And then we need to get at least 2 almost immediate starters in the draft.

 

[gimmesix]

I think this FA that JJ needs to be more aggressive. Not reckless, but more aggressive.

We have clear issues at OG, RT, FS.

If we can at least get ONE of those issues sorted out in FA, we will have made progress.

And then we need to get at least 2 almost immediate starters in the draft.

As much as I want us to get quicker on the offensive line, I think we can put up enough points to win with it if no immediate changes occurred. (We got 26 tonight with a third-string QB playing a major role.)

I don't think the defense will improve without a major upgrade at free safety ... and I think we need to look for an experienced leader there. That's my priority ... the one issue that has to be sorted out.

I don't think that's the only change that needs to be made, but I do think that's the starting point.