The Defense - Again, the Defense :(

[wist43]

Props to Capers and the D again. They dominated an inferior team as they should.

Now over the last 15 quarters, the defense has allowed 47 points. That's a rate of 12.5/game.

Geno Smith, Cutler being Cutler, and now Christian Ponder??

The only one I'll give them credit for is keeping Stafford in check, but I can't comment on that game from an x's and o's standpoint b/c we didn't get the game here, and I didn't see it - only saw the stat sheet, which looked good... except for the final score of course.

I knew you guys would come away from the bar and puff your chests out after we beat down a weak sister, lol...

At least we beat a team we were supposed to beat - more good news, Miami has a lousy QB and an overall lousy offense... Dom for Coach of the Year!!!

[Fritz]

Geno Smith, Cutler being Cutler, and now Christian Ponder??

The only one I'll give them credit for is keeping Stafford in check, but I can't comment on that game from an x's and o's standpoint b/c we didn't get the game here, and I didn't see it - only saw the stat sheet, which looked good... except for the final score of course.

I knew you guys would come away from the bar and puff your chests out after we beat down a weak sister, lol...

At least we beat a team we were supposed to beat - more good news, Miami has a lousy QB and an overall lousy offense... Dom for Coach of the Year!!!

I was very impressed with the pass rush until the fourth quarter, and disappointed in the way the line seemed to bend on the running game - things looked bottled up, but a running back would push the line and end up with five or six yards.

I don't think anyone here is seeing last night's win for more than what it was - a nice win that showed improvements in some areas (the offense's running game, getting turnovers) and problems in other areas (the defense's run bulwark being soft at times). And I think we acknowledge that the Vikings' injuries and Ponder's putrid play should not be forgotten.

But it was a win. We hope that this will help the team's confidence and understanding of the schemes as they travel to Miami.

But your refusal to allow for any joy or any hope at all can seem suffocating. Man, enjoy the moment.

[Maxie the Taxi]

I was very impressed with the pass rush until the fourth quarter, and disappointed in the way the line seemed to bend on the running game - things looked bottled up, but a running back would push the line and end up with five or six yards.

Is it just me, or do Hawk and Lattimore play deeper than most inside LB's? It seems they are always 5-6 yards behind the LOS. Maybe that accounts for the "running back push" you mentioned.

[Zool]

Is it just me, or do Hawk and Lattimore play deeper than most inside LB's? It seems they are always 5-6 yards behind the LOS. Maybe that accounts for the "running back push" you mentioned.

I've always assumed that's to allow them to not be completely out of position when the time comes for them to make a play. ILB play really appears to be the huge weak link in this D now. It's glaring.

[Maxie the Taxi]

I've always assumed that's to allow them to not be completely out of position when the time comes for them to make a play. ILB play really appears to be the huge weak link in this D now. It's glaring.

That's probably Dom's thinking. Compensating for their lack of speed (Hawk's) and inexperience (Lattimore). Look at game film from other teams and the inside backers are much closer to the LOS. They fill the gaps quicker. I'd move ours up a yard or two.

[pbmax]

Is it just me, or do Hawk and Lattimore play deeper than most inside LB's? It seems they are always 5-6 yards behind the LOS. Maybe that accounts for the "running back push" you mentioned.

Yes, its part of the pass alignment, if you see them back there 6 yards deep, they are playing pass first.

[Carolina_Packer]

Is it just me, or do Hawk and Lattimore play deeper than most inside LB's? It seems they are always 5-6 yards behind the LOS. Maybe that accounts for the "running back push" you mentioned.

I am not the x's and o's guy like many here, but I'm gonna guess they play off the LOS so much so they don't give up the middle of the field in the passing game. They were flying to the ball much better last night, and were a lot cleaner than previous weeks.

[Maxie the Taxi]

I am not the x's and o's guy like many here, but I'm gonna guess they play off the LOS so much so they don't give up the middle of the field in the passing game. They were flying to the ball much better last night, and were a lot cleaner than previous weeks.

You're probably right. That's similar to what pbmax was saying. The trouble is they seem to be in that position 90% of the time, whether it's Hawk and Lattimore or Hawk and the nickle back. I rewatched the game yesterday and there was a 3rd and 4 play for the Bears. Hawk and House (I think) were 6 yards deep. Ponder gave the ball to Asiata who was 6 yards deep. Asiata beat Hawk to the line of scrimmage (along with a lead blocker)! Hawk made a good tackle but Asiata was already two yards beyond the LOS and his momentum carried him three yards more for a first down. Hawk had no chance.

It's just frustrating to watch.

[wist43]

I was very impressed with the pass rush until the fourth quarter, and disappointed in the way the line seemed to bend on the running game - things looked bottled up, but a running back would push the line and end up with five or six yards.

I don't think anyone here is seeing last night's win for more than what it was - a nice win that showed improvements in some areas (the offense's running game, getting turnovers) and problems in other areas (the defense's run bulwark being soft at times). And I think we acknowledge that the Vikings' injuries and Ponder's putrid play should not be forgotten.

But it was a win. We hope that this will help the team's confidence and understanding of the schemes as they travel to Miami.

But your refusal to allow for any joy or any hope at all can seem suffocating. Man, enjoy the moment.

I enjoyed the win... and I expect we'll look good next weak against another weak opponent.

I keep my eye on the big picture though... we don't need to beat Minnesota and Miami (of course we do, but big whoop) to win a championship, we need to beat Seattle, and Denver, and SF, etc.

Some of your brethren like to harken back to 2012 when we finished 12th in defense - doesn't mean much when you get completely blasted in the playoffs in embarrassing, demoralizing, 'somebody please stop the fight' fashion.

A win is great, and if it portends true change?? Then I'd be happy, but Dom is Dom... every PackerRat should be fully aware that he is entirely capable of coming out next week with an asinine game plan that gives up 600 yds, 40 pts, and adds up to a loss. That's who the guy is.

I need more than 1 game against a weak opponent before I start polishing laurels.