I agree. Particularly third and longs are really hampering our offense.
It's funny how I like Marinelli but I'm irritated by his defense. The guys I've seen really run a defense that could give anybody fits on a given day are coaches like Jim Johnson, Dick Lebeau, and Dom Capers. If Marinelli's base style doesn't work he has no flexibility. He can't dial up a goddamn thing on a critical play or throw a crazy package out there and force people to stop it. He can't rework his system to let the best guys play. He's stuck in this one way he wants to play every down and that's it.
In Marinelli's defense, his best guys haven't been on the field.
That's true but I kind of feel like it is coming. I mean how many dropped picks did we have against the Saints. And then a fumble recovery that was reversed that was a split second from being a legit turnover. Turnovers can be fluky but I just feel like we are so close to them but just slightly missing out. I have to think some of those balls will start to bounce in our direction.
We missed a couple against Atlanta as well.
Fumbles are fluky. Interceptions can be a little more consistent, and Marinelli has had his guys in position to get multiple interceptions. They just can't catch worth a flip
Rushing, passing, blocking, defense.
How is the defense going to play in short bursts if they can't get the opponent shut down. They give up more third and long situations than almost everyone. They hold the team's to third and long then go soft on coverage giving up the yardage. Watch the corners on third and long. The align at least 10 yards of the receiver and when the snap comes they immediately back pedal. They then have to close about an 8 yard gap when the receiver catches the ball. Then bingo the yardage is made for the first down before they get to the receiver. It is a reoccurring situation.
You'll notice that the defense usually looks pretty stout in The first half of games. As they lose steam they allow more and more conversions.
The corners always play soft on third and long throughout the game. It's one of my biggest complaints about Maranellis defensive schemes.
They usually shut them down early, but they need time to recharge to do it again.
That isn't what is happening now. The defense is giving up too many third and long situations. If you have the last game see for yourself. The hold up well enough to make it a third and long then go soft. That's a large part of the problem now and has been responsible for the last two losses. They just aren't getting the opponent off the field with this game plan.
The db's have filled in ok for Scandrick, but we're missing his blitzes.
