Panthers 2011 Midseason Review: Defense

by Jaxon on Nov 9, 2011 10:25 PM EST in Sponsored Posts

Saving the worst for last here is part three of my three part review of the Panthers 2011 midseason performance. You can review the special teams performance here and the offensive performance here.

Using stats from Football Outsiders and NFL.com you can quickly see the Panthers defense has not made any notable improvement in 2011. Actually it has digressed significantly in a couple areas, which we will review... after the jump...

Statistic	2010 Season	2011 (8 Games)
Total Defense (DVOA)	22^nd	31^st
Rushing Defense (DVOA)	21^st	31^st
Passing Defense (DVOA)	8^th	28^th
Defensive Line (DVOA)	10^th	32^nd
Vs. #1 WR	10^th	13^th
Vs. #2 WR	1^st	15^th
Vs. #3 WR	24^th	14^th
Vs. TE	32^nd	32^nd
Vs. RB	3^rd	27^th
3^rd Down %	385 (16^th)	46% (29^th)
Scoring Defense (Pts/G)	25.5 (28^th)	25.9 (28^th)
Sacks	31	16

There is not much there to admire Panther fans. About the best I can say that at least scoring defense is about the same and there is no deterioration in the sack count. These numbers might just be driving our move to a 3-4 defense. As noted earlier today the two recent roster moves on the defensive side of the ball involve players that seem a better fit in a 3-4 defense, DT Jason Shirley and DE/OLB Thomas Keiser. I think the only thing keeping us from a straight up move to a 3-4 is we have some elite players who probably don’t fit into a base 3-4 dense.

Though it’s no surprise our defensive line is ranked so low given they have been gashed so severely through the 1^st half. I would not have guessed inserting two rookies for DT’s Derek Landri and Ed Johnson would have made such a big difference but I guess it shows the value of veteran experience.

What I am most disappointed in is the pass defense deteriorating so dramatically. I never saw that coming given we have essentially the same secondary minus Richard Marshall. I think it does speak to the safety play not being up to standard and getting an All-Pro option across from Chris Gamble. Also, we can’t seem to cover a TE no matter who the coach or LBs in use.

So where we don't have stats to fall back on to give us that warm and fuzzy we instead have the hope a new coach and staff bring. I think in year 2 of the Rivera Era we will see the type of improvement in the defense that we have seen in the offense this season.

I'm not going to bother with a poll because I think it is obvious how most do or should feel with this performance. So what do you think?

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Comments

Can we please

leave the rookie DTs alone. The majority of the yardage gained against us on the ground is coming on stretch plays and linebackers over pursuing and just flat out bad tackling. Injuries to Beason and Davis are killing us.

by doncarolina on Nov 9, 2011 10:38 PM EST reply actions 3 recs

That’s what I’ve been thinking.

by JDeLong42 on Nov 9, 2011 11:59 PM EST up reply actions

You can’t absolve them of all blame though. If they were doing their job better and occupying blockers, O-Lineman wouldn’t be getting to the second level and our Run D would be moderately better. Agree about the linebackers not named James Anderson though. It’s just a melting pot of hot basura.

"If ya ain't first, you're last."
- Ricky Bobby's Dad

"There is no evidence that the tongue is connected to the brain."
-Frank Tyger

by KaiserBromley on Nov 10, 2011 12:35 AM EST up reply actions

This

The only bit of solid DL play we’re getting is from the ends, which is remarkable considering they can be double-teamed at will because our DT’s aren’t a threat.

Follow me on Twitter at @JakeHumphrey91

by Jake Humphrey on Nov 10, 2011 12:28 PM EST up reply actions

I do absolve them of blame, but not because of their performance. Rookie DTs seldom make a splash at this level.

What we’re witnessing at DT is growing pains more than anything. They had no off-season to even learn a few tricks, much less improve their conditioning. I actually have high hopes for Fua and McLain, and while they’re not beasting it up this year, they are showing improvement. Consider, these are what, 23 year olds? They’re staring across the line at big, mean, EXPERIENCED interior lineman, and doing the best they can.
I think Fua will put on 10 – 20 lbs in the off-season and both these rooks will start proving their worth next year.

So much to be done, and so few people willing to do it for me.

by Rick Bates on Nov 11, 2011 2:56 PM EST up reply actions

Do you absolve them of all blame though?

I agree with every point you make but ya gotta blame em just a lil bit. I look forward to seeing what kind of players they really are next year.

"If ya ain't first, you're last."
- Ricky Bobby's Dad

"There is no evidence that the tongue is connected to the brain."
-Frank Tyger

by KaiserBromley on Nov 12, 2011 10:18 PM EST up reply actions

+1

"If I know that you like Pancakes on Tuesdays, I might as well bring you the syrup" -Cam Newton

by Son of a Newton on Nov 10, 2011 3:50 PM EST up reply actions

This is really surprising and disturbing

and while I never believed our defense was full of world beaters I have to take this with a grain of a salt. Is this based on stats or their rankings?

"One step at a time"

by mcdonaldwr on Nov 9, 2011 11:27 PM EST reply actions

Stats.

If you take the time to read, Football Outsiders goes into full detail about what their stats mean and how they go about them. They’re weighted stats that take into account who you played and all that fun stuff.

by aceofsween on Nov 9, 2011 11:48 PM EST up reply actions

Doesnt suprise me one bit. Our D is just turrible, like Charles Barkley turrible, just turrible. We suck against the run, suck against the pass. The good news is we do tend to rush the QB a lot, but the bad news is QBs still complete passes while on the run due to our horrid passing defense.

I dont buy that Mcclain and Fua are rookies so thats why they are struggling.. No, they just arent starter material. If suh cn dominate his rookie year, and Dareus can dominate as a rookie then our guys have no excuse.

I really hope we sign Paul Soliai from the Fins next season and have Edwards and Soliai as our starting DTs.

As far as the draft.. If we dont get Kalil or Blackmon then I hope we either get Kirkpatrick, Claiborne or Upshaw.

by PantherTrain on Nov 10, 2011 12:01 AM EST reply actions

Are yous serious?

You are comparing a #2 and #3 overall selections to a pair of third rounders?

"If ya ain't first, you're last."
- Ricky Bobby's Dad

"There is no evidence that the tongue is connected to the brain."
-Frank Tyger

by KaiserBromley on Nov 10, 2011 12:39 AM EST up reply actions

Train isn't known for his... logic

by aceofsween on Nov 10, 2011 12:45 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Silly me :P

"If ya ain't first, you're last."
- Ricky Bobby's Dad

"There is no evidence that the tongue is connected to the brain."
-Frank Tyger

by KaiserBromley on Nov 10, 2011 12:46 AM EST up reply actions

Lol thats pretty funny if i must say so myself. Seriously though, what concerns me is Rivera keeps singing Fua and Mcclain’s performance. I really hope we go in a different direction at DT next season. We need to sign or trade for a very solid DT in next off season.

by PantherTrain on Nov 10, 2011 12:47 AM EST up reply actions

Well Edwards will be back.

And the rooks should improve throughout the year through trial by fire. Not to mention they’ll get an entire offseason. If they suck as much eggs as they do this time next year, I’ll agree with you PT.

"If ya ain't first, you're last."
- Ricky Bobby's Dad

"There is no evidence that the tongue is connected to the brain."
-Frank Tyger

by KaiserBromley on Nov 10, 2011 12:49 AM EST up reply actions

I love your resilience PT

by Panthster on Nov 10, 2011 10:11 AM EST via mobile up reply actions 3 recs

What would you have him do?

Cut his guys down in the press? That’s a way to win a locker room throw your rookie starters under the bus. He knows they are struggling (saying as much about the entire defense) and we’ve seen him get in their faces on the sidelines for encroachment penalties and such. You don’t build up a locker room by tearing it down in the press.

"I kinda just sling it" -Jake

by bleed_in_blue on Nov 10, 2011 10:55 AM EST up reply actions

I don't know, I've seen a lot of improvement

From game 1 to game 8, there has been a noticeable improvement from both our rookie DTs. Remember guys, this is the BIG leagues. It takes a little while to get the hang of the things they are required to do at this level. When they first started playing, the middle was actually nonexistent, now at least they are getting some stops. They aren’t dominating, but they’re starting to hold their own.

The experience they are getting right now will pay big dividends down the road. Next year we will have two young DTs with a solid year of experience under their belt. They will know what’s expected and they’ll be ready.

I will be very surprised if Hurney drafts another DT in the first 4 rounds next season unless there’s someone available they just can’t pass on (think Kalil). Will they grab a veteran DT in FA? Maybe, if there’s anyone available that could come in and be an upgrade, but I wouldn’t put much money on it.

Iranian Air Defense Site: 'Unknown aircraft you are in Iranian airspace. Identify yourself.'
Aircraft: 'This is a United States aircraft. I am in Iraqi airspace.'
Air Defense Site: 'You are in Iranian airspace. If you do not depart our airspace we will launch interceptor aircraft!'
Aircraft: 'This is a United States Marine Corps FA-18 fighter. Send 'em up, I'll wait!'
Air Defense Site: (... total silence)

by Tarheel Soldier on Nov 10, 2011 3:01 PM EST up reply actions

I just think that all of the DTs we have this year are JAGs.

Just like last year. 2nd, 3rd or 4th guy in the rotation, sure, but we need an impact player on the inside to properly run this scheme.

Twaa...

by ERL on Nov 10, 2011 3:05 PM EST up reply actions

JAGs?

I kinda like power running football though. It’s iike a bloody violent ballet…
When it was working it was a thing of beauty to me. - Vagus

(Please note that from now on I shall only refer to Cam as "The Newt" and Rivera as "BAMF")

Jerry Richardson: "Bitch slapping the NFL one signing at a time" - MMA_Pitbull

by The Duke Dude on Nov 11, 2011 9:32 AM EST up reply actions

Just A Guy

Twaa...

by ERL on Nov 11, 2011 9:36 AM EST up reply actions

... or Just A Girl

by Panthster on Nov 11, 2011 12:36 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Or would that would be a Cougar?

by Panthster on Nov 11, 2011 12:39 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I think that would technically be a MILF.

Twaa...

by ERL on Nov 11, 2011 12:39 PM EST up reply actions

Can we say a MILF-cougar in a cut off jersey that any JAG would love

by Panthster on Nov 11, 2011 12:48 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

After .16 seconds of deliberation...yes!

Twaa...

by ERL on Nov 11, 2011 1:05 PM EST up reply actions

Deliberation’s not the only thing that would last .16 seconds…

The truth will set you free, but not until it is finished with you. ~David Foster Wallace

I may not always be right, but even a blind nut finds a squirrel every once in a while.

Follow me on Twitter! @bdubsmitty

by BW Smith on Nov 11, 2011 1:07 PM EST up reply actions

Again...

Twaa...

by ERL on Nov 11, 2011 1:10 PM EST up reply actions

GIF fail.

Twaa...

by ERL on Nov 11, 2011 1:11 PM EST up reply actions

The effect is still there...

I’m seeing it and hearing it in my head.

The truth will set you free, but not until it is finished with you. ~David Foster Wallace

I may not always be right, but even a blind nut finds a squirrel every once in a while.

Follow me on Twitter! @bdubsmitty

by BW Smith on Nov 11, 2011 1:25 PM EST up reply actions

EHHHHH!

Twaa...

by ERL on Nov 11, 2011 1:38 PM EST up reply actions

Lol

by Panthster on Nov 11, 2011 9:17 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I should quit being amazed when you say dumb things

However, it happens every single time.

Follow me on Twitter at @JakeHumphrey91

by Jake Humphrey on Nov 10, 2011 12:29 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

I just can't wait

To see GT rape the fucking shit out of VT tomorrow. I wish I was not co oping this semester :(

by Atlantapanther on Nov 10, 2011 12:16 AM EST via mobile reply actions

I've always hated Va. Tech.

Dunno why particularly aside from them residing in the same conference as my Heels. Carrier Classic on Friday, beginning of a truly dominant season.

"If ya ain't first, you're last."
- Ricky Bobby's Dad

"There is no evidence that the tongue is connected to the brain."
-Frank Tyger

by KaiserBromley on Nov 10, 2011 12:48 AM EST up reply actions

Jaxon, How Were The Panthers 1st Against #2 WR's Last Year?

Was Richard Marshall that good, or did they count Gamble or Munnerlyn as going against the #2 WR’s?

Isn’t Shirley just on the practice Squad? He’s been cut by both the Bengals and Seahawks (after only around 2 weeks) this season, and the Bengals even moved him to OG after he couldn’t cut it as a DT.

I think LB Phillip Dillard (6-0 1/4, 245, a Pro Day 4.53-40, 1.58-10) will be promoted to the 53 man roster long before Shirley.

by PanthersRoar on Nov 10, 2011 12:36 AM EST reply actions

Dick had a burn rate of 70%+ last year, ergo his bloated tackle totals.

"If ya ain't first, you're last."
- Ricky Bobby's Dad

"There is no evidence that the tongue is connected to the brain."
-Frank Tyger

by KaiserBromley on Nov 10, 2011 12:40 AM EST up reply actions

"KB", Are You Saying All They Used To Judge The CB's Was Tackle Totals? That's Crazy

by PanthersRoar on Nov 10, 2011 12:54 AM EST up reply actions

No, but what he is referring to is that according to many football metrics Marshall was one of the most picked on CBs in the league last year...

I actually think that it probably had more to do with teams not throwing to their specific #2 WR as much as their #1 or slot guy, keeping in mind that with Meeks’ defense we did not necessarily match up our guys based on their roster order…

Nobody fucks with the Jesus! -Big Lebowski

by Tomthehomer on Nov 10, 2011 7:14 AM EST up reply actions

Once Gamble got benched

Didn’t Marshall move to #1 last year and Capn’ took the number 2 spot? So that number would reflect on Capn not Marshal.

by Panthster on Nov 10, 2011 10:15 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

Captain actually got listed as the #1 IIRC, but never the less they all three probably shared more responsibility for it than this year's scheme would call for

Nobody fucks with the Jesus! -Big Lebowski

by Tomthehomer on Nov 10, 2011 5:29 PM EST up reply actions

Dick had a burn rate of 70% last year?

Probably a time for a trip to the clinic.

by mh420800 on Nov 10, 2011 9:43 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs

Well played.

The truth will set you free, but not until it is finished with you. ~David Foster Wallace

I may not always be right, but even a blind nut finds a squirrel every once in a while.

Follow me on Twitter! @bdubsmitty

by BW Smith on Nov 10, 2011 10:14 AM EST up reply actions

This needed to be green :P

I kinda like power running football though. It’s iike a bloody violent ballet…
When it was working it was a thing of beauty to me. - Vagus

(Please note that from now on I shall only refer to Cam as "The Newt" and Rivera as "BAMF")

Jerry Richardson: "Bitch slapping the NFL one signing at a time" - MMA_Pitbull

by The Duke Dude on Nov 10, 2011 11:00 AM EST up reply actions

Hope he got to the clinic before it turned green.

So much to be done, and so few people willing to do it for me.

by Rick Bates on Nov 11, 2011 3:07 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs

aaaaannnnnd Rec

The truth will set you free, but not until it is finished with you. ~David Foster Wallace

I may not always be right, but even a blind nut finds a squirrel every once in a while.

Follow me on Twitter! @bdubsmitty

by BW Smith on Nov 11, 2011 3:35 PM EST up reply actions

The defense has just been so pitiful.

With a halfway competent defense we’d be contending for the NFC South title. Watching the D try to play D makes me all the more excited to see Cam & Co. hit the field. I think the worst part about this defense is the stalwart defenses we’ve become accustomed to seeing the past decade. Makes it all the harder to swallow (TWSS). Even last year the D was competent, they just only got breathers consisting of run, run, checkdown/sack/pass OOB, punt. I expect serious improvement next year or I’ll be calling for McD’s head. I give him a pass this year due to the lockout and the injuries, but good defensive coordinators are supposed to have their defense performing better than the sum of its individual parts. Perhaps BAMF should take over the defensive playcalling.

"If ya ain't first, you're last."
- Ricky Bobby's Dad

"There is no evidence that the tongue is connected to the brain."
-Frank Tyger

by KaiserBromley on Nov 10, 2011 12:45 AM EST reply actions

I agree, our D isnt cutting it. We need to make some defensive splashes in FA next season and Draft Claiborne or Dre, whichever one is avaliable. We need a big mac eating beach whale at DT. Someone that weighs 345 plus pounds.. I hear Jamarcus Russell wants to make a comeback. Perhaps we can play him as DT.. (need sarcasm font)

by PantherTrain on Nov 10, 2011 12:51 AM EST up reply actions

Funny...you want to fix our defense by drafting someone who plays the position where we're strongest.

The truth will set you free, but not until it is finished with you. ~David Foster Wallace

I may not always be right, but even a blind nut finds a squirrel every once in a while.

Follow me on Twitter! @bdubsmitty

by BW Smith on Nov 10, 2011 12:54 AM EST up reply actions

Thats not saying much though. Our current crop of CBs are ok but i dont consider any of them franchise defensive backs. Our CB starters would be 2nd stringers at best on other teams. I do have very high hopes for Hogan and think he will be great.

Dre Kirkpatrick and Claiborne both have elite CB potential and id be happy with either. We lack a solid Asomogha or Revis type of elite corner. Gamble is solid but thats about it. Id love to draft a DT as much as the next guy but all the DT talent in this draft is 2nd round talent. Dre and Claiborne are 2 of the best defensive players in this draft

by PantherTrain on Nov 10, 2011 12:58 AM EST up reply actions

And upshaw as well. Very solid

by PantherTrain on Nov 10, 2011 1:00 AM EST up reply actions

Yeah...too bad we don't need a 3-4 OLB.

The truth will set you free, but not until it is finished with you. ~David Foster Wallace

I may not always be right, but even a blind nut finds a squirrel every once in a while.

Follow me on Twitter! @bdubsmitty

by BW Smith on Nov 10, 2011 1:02 AM EST up reply actions

Gamble is a shut down corner. Look at the opponent’s #1 receiver in each of our games this year and you’ll see what I mean. He’s shutting people down quietly, just like he always has (except for last year).

We have a solid Asomugha or Revis type of elite corner in Gamble.

Kilpatrick and Claiborne are the two best CB’s in the draft, but we need help at DT/LB more than we need help at CB.

The truth will set you free, but not until it is finished with you. ~David Foster Wallace

I may not always be right, but even a blind nut finds a squirrel every once in a while.

Follow me on Twitter! @bdubsmitty

by BW Smith on Nov 10, 2011 1:01 AM EST up reply actions

I dont watch must of college but out of a lot of the scouting reports i read on upcoming draft profiles, a lot of draft acouts are saying Upshaw could be equally dominate in a 4-3 as well as a 3-4. Why wouldnt he work in a 4-3? Again, aside from youtube clips i havent seen him play a ton. His stats are oitstanding along with his speed and size and the fact that hes on the best defense in college football in the strongest conference in college football.

Again I want a DT bad but unless a Suh or Dareus emerges i dont see us reaching for 1 in the 1st round. I say if Kalil is gone and we dont take Bmon. then we have to tale Claiborne, Upshaw or Dre.

by PantherTrain on Nov 10, 2011 1:07 AM EST up reply actions

Why are you so obsessed with Upshaw?

He’s slow, and he’s 270 pounds. He’s bad in coverage, and he’s not instinctive.

Panther Pride 'till I die.

by mangoes52 on Nov 10, 2011 2:27 AM EST up reply actions

He's too big to be a 4-3 OLB, and we don't need a DE. We need a DT.

He’s way too small to be a DT, so he doesn’t fit our defense, unless we switch to a 3-4, which we won’t do full time, and drafting a guy that high for a sub-package is beyond idiotic.

The truth will set you free, but not until it is finished with you. ~David Foster Wallace

I may not always be right, but even a blind nut finds a squirrel every once in a while.

Follow me on Twitter! @bdubsmitty

by BW Smith on Nov 10, 2011 8:41 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Never mind that we haven't seen what Hogan will bring to the table just yet.

by NX75649 on Nov 10, 2011 2:13 PM EST up reply actions

I agree we need DT/LB help more than CB help, but...

If we improve our CB’s more, it will allow more defenders to rush the passer, thus gaining more pressure on the QB. It is all a question of quality available prospects, if Claiborne or Kirkpatrick are available with no equivalent talent at the LB and DT position, than I think that Hurney & Co. should pull the trigger on a CB with shutdown potential, and wait for a talented DT/LB to come along in a future draft or free agent class.

"If I know that you like Pancakes on Tuesdays, I might as well bring you the syrup" -Cam Newton

by Son of a Newton on Nov 10, 2011 3:58 PM EST up reply actions

Although I would love, LOVE for us to pick up a legit stud DT in the draft or FA (I'm sure one will emerge come draft time...they always do)

if Zach Brown is available to us in the draft and there isn’t a better comparable DT available I think he would look pretty good in the Black and Blue.

Nobody fucks with the Jesus! -Big Lebowski

by Tomthehomer on Nov 10, 2011 7:16 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

I agree. He fits a position of need and wouldn't be too much of a reach in the 8-12 range.

The truth will set you free, but not until it is finished with you. ~David Foster Wallace

I may not always be right, but even a blind nut finds a squirrel every once in a while.

Follow me on Twitter! @bdubsmitty

by BW Smith on Nov 10, 2011 8:42 AM EST up reply actions

Yeah, and besides I love his music

The Zach Brown Band is Awesome… )No sarcasm on this one)

by Tarheel Soldier on Nov 10, 2011 3:10 PM EST up reply actions

I agree...I like ZBB.

They did a “Crossroads” with Jimmy Buffett a while back….some of the best music I’ve heard in a while.

The truth will set you free, but not until it is finished with you. ~David Foster Wallace

I may not always be right, but even a blind nut finds a squirrel every once in a while.

Follow me on Twitter! @bdubsmitty

by BW Smith on Nov 10, 2011 3:25 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

I think our poor Pass Defense stats are somewhat misleading.

This is just my memory’s sense of what;s happened, but I question whether our secondary is getting torched so badly, as those rankings would suggest. I think a lot of the passing yardage accumulated against us has come from YAC on short passes.

Our depleted LB personnel does an inferior job of tackling on passes to RBs in the flats, and the area just past the LOS. So many of such plays have resulted in big gains, and some TDs.

I don’t have any figures to prove this, and would like to know if anyone else recalls it this way.

And what I read recently is that we’re an elite defense at coverage on an opponent’s #1 WR, so the ranking shown is a surprise to me.

(This excerpt from Brandon Funston at Yahoo Sports):

“Carolina has been fantastic at shutting down the opposition’s top wideout, which is bad news for Nate Washington(notes). Jared Cook(notes), who is No. 8 among TEs in fantasy PPG since Kenny Britt(notes) was lost to injury, is the Titans’ best bet in the passing game. The Panthers have allowed the third-most receiving yards to the position.”

http://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy/nfl/news?slug=bf-funston_skinny_11week10

by bigdavis on Nov 10, 2011 8:45 AM EST reply actions

I agree

The big yards come after the catch when the Martin stands and watches somebody else Chase them down and make the tackle. We should be talking about drafting a safety not cb. The injuries to our Lbs are also contribute to our soft middle. Opposing teams love our Lb blitzes because once you get the ball over the line MickeyD also seems to pull

by Panthster on Nov 10, 2011 10:22 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

dang

…get the ball over our def line and rushing Lbs you have nothing but open field and 2 safties 30 yards away.

by Panthster on Nov 10, 2011 10:24 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

Almost wonder how you go about covering the receiving TE's.

The LB’s aren’t going to do it, and the CB’s are too light/short. Bring in a third Safety?

by panthersnbraves on Nov 10, 2011 12:11 PM EST up reply actions

That would be a solid solution.

Except, which position would we deplete to put on a third safety? And in what situation would we bring him on the field?

"If I know that you like Pancakes on Tuesdays, I might as well bring you the syrup" -Cam Newton

by Son of a Newton on Nov 10, 2011 4:01 PM EST up reply actions

If only...

We had a safety who hits like a linebacker instead of one who hits like a JAG… no like a MILF.

by Panthster on Nov 11, 2011 1:00 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Lol.

Yeah, that would be nice.

"If I know that you like Pancakes on Tuesdays, I might as well bring you the syrup" -Cam Newton

by Son of a Newton on Nov 11, 2011 1:03 PM EST up reply actions

The TEs we've faced this year...(Football Outsiders current rank shown)

Gonzalez (7), Finley (6), Graham (1), Fred Davis (3), not to mention the explosive Jeff King (18).

We gave up 3 catches/37 yards to Shiancoe last week. 2/15yds to Marcedes Lewis in week 3, and zero/zero against Chicago in Week 4.

It’s not that we can’t stop a TE, it’s more that we’re facing TEs nobody can stop.

So much to be done, and so few people willing to do it for me.

by Rick Bates on Nov 11, 2011 3:37 PM EST up reply actions

CAM...oh CAM...

The Packers and Patriots defenses are horrible. Their QBs make up the difference. CAM will do the same, because defensive help isn’t coming for awhile.

by usana_gaines on Nov 10, 2011 11:46 AM EST reply actions

The Packers’ defense is NOT horrible. They are one of the best in the league. Pats on the other hand? Yeah, pretty horrible.

by Tarheel Soldier on Nov 10, 2011 3:23 PM EST up reply actions

GB is 30th in total defense (total yards allowed per game).

Twaa...

by ERL on Nov 10, 2011 3:32 PM EST up reply actions

This is because they're always in the lead, so they sit back and allow underneath stuff. They also have the luxury

of gambling a lot, because the offense will bail them out. How many turnovers do they have?

As for the Pats, yeah they’re pretty bad, and it’s starting to show — I think they’re in trouble right now.

So much to be done, and so few people willing to do it for me.

by Rick Bates on Nov 11, 2011 3:41 PM EST up reply actions

Wow. Didn't know DL and covering the TE were both DFL.

Not surprised. A little pissed, perhaps.

Twaa...

by ERL on Nov 10, 2011 12:27 PM EST reply actions

There's not much to say about the defense.

It stinks. The combination of rookie DT’s, the lockout, and injuries to the LB corps has systematically dismantled almost every bright spot we had on this side of the ball last year.

Follow me on Twitter at @JakeHumphrey91

by Jake Humphrey on Nov 10, 2011 12:33 PM EST reply actions

Who's the most promising OLB prospect?

Don’t watch much college. But I know I don’t trust that knee of Davis anymore, so I think we really need to go OLB in the first round.

"So! T'all you fine dandies so proud, so cock-sure, prancin' aboot with your heads full of eyeballs! Come and get me I say! I'll be waiting on ya with a whiff of the 'ol brimstone. I'm a grim bloody fable, with an unhappy bloody end!" - Demoman

by Thaddeus_Griffin on Nov 10, 2011 4:31 PM EST reply actions

Zack Brown, UNC and Ronnell Lewis, Okla are probably the two best 4-3 OLB prospects.

There are more ILB prospects projected to go in the first round (three, possibly four).

Twaa...

by ERL on Nov 10, 2011 4:34 PM EST up reply actions

Doesn't Lewis play DE for Oklahoma?

Panther Pride 'till I die.

by mangoes52 on Nov 10, 2011 10:10 PM EST up reply actions

3-4 OLB?

Twaa...

by ERL on Nov 11, 2011 9:36 AM EST up reply actions

Oklahoma uses him as a DE

Panther Pride 'till I die.

by mangoes52 on Nov 11, 2011 4:53 PM EST up reply actions

According to Oklahoma...

2010- Shifted to a defensive end/linebacker hybrid position

The truth will set you free, but not until it is finished with you. ~David Foster Wallace

I may not always be right, but even a blind nut finds a squirrel every once in a while.

Follow me on Twitter! @bdubsmitty

by BW Smith on Nov 11, 2011 4:56 PM EST up reply actions

Certainly more of a rush LB in the NFL.

Like Von Miller.

Twaa...

by ERL on Nov 12, 2011 12:51 PM EST up reply actions

Delonte David is (IMO) the 2nd best prospect at WLB.

So much to be done, and so few people willing to do it for me.

by Rick Bates on Nov 11, 2011 3:46 PM EST up reply actions

Has our offense made our defense worse?

I mean think about it… Last year teams didn’t have to bring their A game to beat us. There was no fear, no respect. This year however they have to give it all they got to compete against Cam and this high powered offense. Maybe out defense didn’t digress… Maybe they’re just facing a tougher challenge from opposing offenses???

STEVE SMITH!

by southtunnel on Nov 10, 2011 6:46 PM EST via mobile reply actions

I really hope we sign Paul Soliai from the Fins next season and have Edwards and Soliai as our starting DTs.

Taylor Webber

by Taylor Webber on Nov 11, 2011 8:17 AM EST reply actions

He's a guy I was hoping we'd pick up this year, but the Fins franchised him.

I don’t see him getting away from them. I’d take him in a heartbeat, though.

I don't always fail, but when I do...
I do it awesomely.

by BusyBeingAwesome on Nov 11, 2011 9:01 AM EST up reply actions

If i am Rivera...

I just spent that whole bye week fixing MickeyDs mistakes. He definitely needs to get more hands on with that defense. Hopefully, we will see some improvement here.

by Panthster on Nov 11, 2011 1:08 PM EST via mobile reply actions

So he's going to repair Beason's achilles, TD's ACL, and Ron Edwards' triceps?

The truth will set you free, but not until it is finished with you. ~David Foster Wallace

I may not always be right, but even a blind nut finds a squirrel every once in a while.

Follow me on Twitter! @bdubsmitty

by BW Smith on Nov 11, 2011 1:26 PM EST up reply actions

At best I want to see the 3rd down defense improve?

To many times a TEnd is always wide open at the 1st down marker. Even with Beason, JA etc playing they was last rank covering the TEnds last year. Makes me question do they even game plan against TEnds? Having your db’s continue playing shitty zone doesn’t help.

by adam carter on Nov 11, 2011 2:04 PM EST via mobile up reply actions