I've griped about the defense constantly giving up 7 or 8 free yards and Schmitty commented that that's kind of what the Tampa 2 does. I don't agree with that.
You are right. Kiffen's scheme was designed to stop the West Coast Offense whose bread and butter are underneath passes.
In this defense everyone is a pass defender. The most notable changes that separates it from the traditional 4-3 is the use of all four down linemen to rush the passer and the transformation of the MLB from a walking brick to a tough athletic guy who can cover anyone.
What's clear to me so far is the linebackers are both not getting this defense and not being protected by the DL. The DL lacks the stoutness to destroy the run and the interior guys have no push whatsoever when the offense focuses on Hatcher.
They need speed and power up front, like KC is getting from Dontari Poe, for example. They need guys who can fill for a 30-year old like DeMarcus Ware with quality snaps. It all starts up front.
Brandon Carr has been outstanding. The market price was insane, but the team hit a home run there no question. Scandrick might be having his best season. Church is fine, and while Claiborne has struggled you get the feeling it's a slump he will play through and not a miss.
The secondary's big problem is it's missing any guile whatsoever. The FS position who's normally the QB of the secondary is now a journeyman or a rookie. No game at all, yet.
This defense is a year and some strong draft picks in the front seven away from being good. Sadly, DeMarcus Ware might not last long enough to participate in it and Hatcher is a goner.
