Blame the Unit Responsible

[run pMc]

Of course you need playmakers. Having a DC who knows how to use them is important too. One more playmaker on D might have been the difference in the SF game.

I blame the defense for the 8-8-1 record. The safeties played poorly, the DL couldn't provide enough pass rush to help the secondary, and the LBs were either hurt or blocked. I believe that a good defense will win a game or two during the regular season, when weather, injuries, or the other team's defense makes your offense look pedestrian. That didn't happen.

The defense blew the last possession of the SF playoff game: Hyde's drop and Bush's blitz were killers. I don't have a problem with M3 taking the points to tie with 5 minutes left -- let's say the defense forces a punt and gets Rodgers the ball back with ~2 minutes...I'd take that. Overall the offense lost the SF game more than the defense -- they had a real sluggish start. IIRC their first 9 plays gained ~10 yards total. Better execution (and some points) in the 1Q would have made a difference.

[denverYooper]

Most of them have not gotten past three years yet with the current team. Greg Manusky had some terrible times in San Diego with his D. McDermott was fired by the Eagles and I think one other team.

LeBeau has a standing in his organization that gives him an advantage many do not enjoy, I would suspect it carries over to personnel.

Capers situation is unique in that the system might not be best for rookies and he with one of the the top 5 teams for youthful turnover.

Let me put it in terms Bretsky will have to appreciate: Tom Coughlin hired Capers to rescue his D. His only caveat was to stay with a 4-3 to let their star DE stay at his position.

LeBeau stepped into a good situation also. Pittsburgh's defense has ranked no lower than 13 in scoring going back to the start of Coach Chin's tenure in 1992:

	Def Rank
Year	Pts	Yds
2013	14	13
2012	6	1
2011	1	1
2010	1	2
2009	12	5
2008	1	1
2007	2	1
2006	11	9
2005	3	4
2004	1	1
2003	15	9
2002	16	7
2001	3	1
2000	6	7
1999	12	11
1998	7	12
1997	11	6
1996	4	2
1995	9	3
1994	2	2
1993	8	3
1992	2	13
1991	22	22

LeBeau had mixed success as Cincinnati's DC in the previous decades:

		Defense	Defense
Year	Tm	Yds	Pts
1984	CIN	13	16
1985	CIN	22	26
1986	CIN	20	23
1987	CIN	8	24
1988	CIN	15	16
1989	CIN	15	7
1990	CIN	25	19
1991	CIN	28	28
1995	PIT	3	9
1996	PIT	2	4
1997	CIN	28	27
1998	CIN	28	30
1999	CIN	25	31
2000	CIN	22	21
2004	PIT	1	1

[woodbuck27]

LeBeau stepped into a good situation also. Pittsburgh's defense has ranked no lower than 13 in scoring going back to the start of Coach Chin's tenure in 1992:

	Def Rank
Year	Pts	Yds
2013	14	13
2012	6	1
2011	1	1
2010	1	2
2009	12	5
2008	1	1
2007	2	1
2006	11	9
2005	3	4
2004	1	1
2003	15	9
2002	16	7
2001	3	1
2000	6	7
1999	12	11
1998	7	12
1997	11	6
1996	4	2
1995	9	3
1994	2	2
1993	8	3
1992	2	13
1991	22	22

LeBeau had mixed success as Cincinnati's DC in the previous decades:

		Defense	Defense
Year	Tm	Yds	Pts
1984	CIN	13	16
1985	CIN	22	26
1986	CIN	20	23
1987	CIN	8	24
1988	CIN	15	16
1989	CIN	15	7
1990	CIN	25	19
1991	CIN	28	28
1995	PIT	3	9
1996	PIT	2	4
1997	CIN	28	27
1998	CIN	28	30
1999	CIN	25	31
2000	CIN	22	21
2004	PIT	1	1

Yooooonnnnkkk !

Your eliminated...YOUR using Statistics to try to make a point.

LOSER !

I declare pbmax 'now reformed'..... !! The WINNER !!

[denverYooper]

Not sure where to put this, so here it goes:

Eric Branch @Eric_Branch 9m
#49ers haven't allowed a RB to rush for more than 81 yards in 13 games.

...That would be Eddie Lacy in their last game.

[MadtownPacker]

If you would have told me our defense would hold SF to 23 points before the game I would have booked us for a win.

Exactly. Look at the scores in the 4 losses to these fucks.

L 23-20
L 34-28
L 45-31
L 30-22

Offense lost it but there are more Negros on D so easier to blame for these honkies.

[Cheesehead Craig]

http://www.theonion.com/articles/defense-needs-to-be-more-physical-reports-man-slum,34922/

[woodbuck27]

Exactly. Look at the scores in the 4 losses to these fucks.

L 23-20
L 34-28
L 45-31
L 30-22

Offense lost it but there are more Negros on D so easier to blame for these honkies.

What to do with you!???

[woodbuck27]

http://www.theonion.com/articles/def...an-slum,34922/

Great Post ..Repped.

Really a hoot.

[Joemailman]

http://www.theonion.com/articles/def...an-slum,34922/

"The linebacker just has to shove blockers out of his way, rush up the field, grab the quarterback, and whip him to the turf.”

We need a guy like that.

[Zool]

http://www.theonion.com/articles/def...an-slum,34922/

How I picture most people clamoring on about most NFL teams, complaining about coaching or GM moves.

[denverYooper]

Your eliminated...YOUR using Statistics to try to make a point.

I guess my point was that, as with players, the fit is ultimately the most important aspect of the coach you pick. Pittsburgh seems to have nailed both and have been good at it for 20 years. Why is that? Maybe because they've run a 3-4 for 30-some-odd years and got the right pieces in place over time.

The 49ers are an interesting team right now in that regard. Have they built a system for themselves that will lead itself to continued success? They have a lot of high-drafted, very talented players who are staying healthy. With teams like that, I think they can afford to bring younger guys into it and develop them, or have enough veterans around that it helps a young player learn on the job (a la Reid -- talented but made a lot of mistakes). They were a pretty good defense for at least a couple of years before they really became known for dominance. Or do they lose a couple of guys and get worked over? Time will tell.

So, with teeth gritted, I can look at the Packers' investment in Capers 34 as that -- an investment with the idea that they are thinking about it in terms of building something that will last longer-term. They obviously need to rework the player procurement pipeline, but it sounds as though this year's struggles might have smoked out some pretenders that were hurting the overall performance. Will there be a point at which they reach critical mass and it turns into a reliable top 10-ish unit? Will player health, an FA safety/DL, or high-drafted ILB, and development of another pass rusher (D. Jones, looking at you kid) get them over the hump? Or are they just too hampered by Rodgers' contract and constant playoff appearances that they're doomed to defensive mediocrity?

[woodbuck27]

We need a guy like that.

Lets recommend employing that man in the Green Bay Packer Scouting Dept.

We'll have to Warn TT though about a downside... that he might need to offer him an expensive Per Diem.

[woodbuck27]

I guess my point was that, as with players, the fit is ultimately the most important aspect of the coach you pick. Pittsburgh seems to have nailed both and have been good at it for 20 years. Why is that? Maybe because they've run a 3-4 for 30-some-odd years and got the right pieces in place over time.

The 49ers are an interesting team right now in that regard. Have they built a system for themselves that will lead itself to continued success? They have a lot of high-drafted, very talented players who are staying healthy. With teams like that, I think they can afford to bring younger guys into it and develop them, or have enough veterans around that it helps a young player learn on the job (a la Reid -- talented but made a lot of mistakes). They were a pretty good defense for at least a couple of years before they really became known for dominance. Or do they lose a couple of guys and get worked over? Time will tell.

So, with teeth gritted, I can look at the Packers' investment in Capers 34 as that -- an investment with the idea that they are thinking about it in terms of building something that will last longer-term. They obviously need to rework the player procurement pipeline, but it sounds as though this year's struggles might have smoked out some pretenders that were hurting the overall performance. Will there be a point at which they reach critical mass and it turns into a reliable top 10-ish unit? Will player health, an FA safety/DL, or high-drafted ILB, and development of another pass rusher (D. Jones, looking at you kid) get them over the hump? Or are they just too hampered by Rodgers' contract and constant playoff appearances that they're doomed to defensive mediocrity?

Solid post. I'm feeling generous today Repped.

Yea so many questions the closer you get into 'the Packers' and NFL.

The San Fran 49ers and Seattle Seahawks are what? 2 years away from having to $shell$ for their young QB's. That will place those team more in terms of CAP and where the Packers were challenged to maintain in terms of health and exist today. I know that CAP money will be forthcoming but I hope that it is held off for another five years.

I just want to see Aaron Rodgers get one more shot at a Super Bowl.

GO PACKERS !

[bobblehead]

Exactly. Look at the scores in the 4 losses to these fucks.

L 23-20
L 34-28
L 45-31
L 30-22

Offense lost it but there are more Negros on D so easier to blame for these honkies.

I'll be much happier when our negro OT gets healthy enough to play so I can bitch about him.

[Freak Out]

The Offense is getting POUNDED! Can't say as I agree with that.....