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First, the D gives up a LOT of yards in the rushing game, but at the same time, the D has also played well enough to keep us in every game (with the exception of the debacle in Miami).
Second, Schobel is playing well and I hope his injury isn't serious. However, in general our DL does not get consistent pressure and it allows other teams to pick apart our pass D (when they actually have to pass- usually they just run the ball down our throats).
Third, did anyone really notice a difference in the D when Whitner, Scott, Ellison and Mitchell were replaced by rookies and journeymen? The D certainly isn't any better without them, but it isn't any worse either. That speaks volumes about the lack of talent amongst our defensive starters.
Fourth, Maybin is invisible. We all knew that he'd be a project, and I was never a fan of this pick, but even I thought he'd be able to contribute in pass rushing situations. I did see him showing some speed in chasing guys down after completions, but he's not getting any penetration or pressure. At this point, Byrd, Palmer and Nic Harris have had bigger impacts than Maybin has had.
And finally, since the D is one of the few things keeping this team from completely imploding on the field, I will say a few good things. First, Jairus Byrd is amazing. For anyone who blamed Whitner's lack of production on the "system," just watch Byrd. The guy is a ball hawk in every sense, and he lays the lumber on hits too. Second, Fewell is blitzing more and the blitzes are somewhat effective, particularly when Poz blitzes. Poz is playing well overall, as are Kelsay and Schobel. And they've certainly solved the turnover problem.
Second, Schobel is playing well and I hope his injury isn't serious. However, in general our DL does not get consistent pressure and it allows other teams to pick apart our pass D (when they actually have to pass- usually they just run the ball down our throats).
Third, did anyone really notice a difference in the D when Whitner, Scott, Ellison and Mitchell were replaced by rookies and journeymen? The D certainly isn't any better without them, but it isn't any worse either. That speaks volumes about the lack of talent amongst our defensive starters.
Fourth, Maybin is invisible. We all knew that he'd be a project, and I was never a fan of this pick, but even I thought he'd be able to contribute in pass rushing situations. I did see him showing some speed in chasing guys down after completions, but he's not getting any penetration or pressure. At this point, Byrd, Palmer and Nic Harris have had bigger impacts than Maybin has had.
And finally, since the D is one of the few things keeping this team from completely imploding on the field, I will say a few good things. First, Jairus Byrd is amazing. For anyone who blamed Whitner's lack of production on the "system," just watch Byrd. The guy is a ball hawk in every sense, and he lays the lumber on hits too. Second, Fewell is blitzing more and the blitzes are somewhat effective, particularly when Poz blitzes. Poz is playing well overall, as are Kelsay and Schobel. And they've certainly solved the turnover problem.
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