Has our defense been HARSHLY judged?

[UChieffyBugger]

It seems to be in fashion to knock the Chiefs defense. WE as fans slaughter them daily, the local press slaughter then daily, the NATIONAL and INTERNATIONAL media slaughter them daily, and when I sit and think about the circumstances sounding that group, one could argue that they are getting judged a little harshly.

Now let's start with the preseason. Ragland and Hitchens played ONE warm-up together against the Bears and both missed several practice sessions. Nelson got knocked out of the Atlanta game and missed sessions himself, whilst Parker wasn't even In our building during the preseason. Then we have Ford who Is just returning to the team after being out for most of last season, and Houston barely played In the warm-up games himself.

Last year there was a perception that we had "the worst defense known to man", but I argued it was an overblown notion because the reality was that we were around fifteenth In the points allowed tally. But that notion has stuck with the team and now this unit that has barely played together Is thrown together and Is trying to both gel as a unit and get their football legs going all whilst facing TWO quality offenses on the road. The Pats defense started off badly too last year and then managed to be a decent unit until the superbowl where they contrived to drop their best corner, so there is a clear example of how things can change quickly In this game.

[ToxSocks]

Originally Posted by Mecca

They have a 200 million dollar defensive line and go several players deep at CB and have a top of the line FS.

Talib being out is not why they gave up those yards.

Talib goes out and they turn to Sam Shields. It's not like they had a hole at corner or something.

[Mecca]

Originally Posted by Detoxing

Yup. Just look at the SB.

Of course some games will be won by a game clenching INT or Sack, and people will go and scream, "See! D's win championships" while ignoring the final score of 42-38.

Yea I mean it's not like we witnessed any good defense in that super bowl that just happened.

You basically need a defense that can grab a few stops and create some turnovers to compliment the offense.

Jacksonville built a team to win 20 years ago, in today's game you'll have a hard time winning a title that way.

[WhiteWhale]

Originally Posted by RaidersOftheCellar

That's only proof that it takes players playing at an absurd level to make Sutton look good.

For the record, I don't think Sutton is the worst DC out there. But to say that a great DC wouldn't make a difference for this team is ridiculous in my opinion.

The problems with the defense aren't the plays being called.

It's preparation, execution, and talent.

FFS, watch the long pass to the FB. Do you know what happened?

Everyone ran a 3 deep zone except Murray, who for whatever reason plays man and runs across the field vacating his deep 3rd responsibility. What happens? FB flares out and catches a pass in the vacated zone for a long TD.

All because ONE GUY screwed up. Is that because the play call is bad? Or is it because Murray sucks?

You can blame the staff for poor preparation. Lack of attention to detail.
Blame the scouts for drafting bad players. You can blame the head coach because ultimately this IS his responsibility. HE's not just head coach of the offense. Errors like that should be unacceptable.

You can't say that happened because the DC called a bad play though. There's no scheme that works if you have one guy cluelessly and incorrectly playing man in a cover 3 zone and literally abandoning a deep 3rd of the field.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by Detoxing

Talib goes out and they turn to Sam Shields. It's not like they had a hole at corner or something.

Shields was better than Peters last night.

[The Franchise]

Originally Posted by WhiteWhale

The problems with the defense aren't the plays being called.

It's preparation, execution, and talent.

FFS, watch the long pass to the FB. Do you know what happened?

Everyone ran a 3 deep zone except Murray, who for whatever reason plays man and runs across the field vacating his deep 3rd responsibility. What happens? FB flares out and catches a pass in the vacated zone for a long TD.

All because ONE GUY screwed up. Is that because the play call is bad? Or is it because Murray sucks?

You can blame the staff for poor preparation. Lack of attention to detail.
Blame the scouts for drafting bad players. You can blame the head coach because ultimately this IS his responsibility. HE's not just head coach of the offense. Errors like that should be unacceptable.

You can't say that happened because the DC called a bad play though.

That TD was actually on Ragland.

[ptlyon]

If Sutton would give up the play calling to Mahomes we'd be fine

[RaidersOftheCellar]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

The Chiefs 2014 defense was 30th in turnover percentage and 2nd in points allowed. Try again.

We were talking about '13 and '16. I was mainly referring to 2016 in terms of turnovers. We all know that defense benefited from an unsustainable turnover rate coupled with an offense that never turned it over.

2014 was a legitimately effective D. Largely because of Houston.

[Coogs]

In the 3 games we have played, we were up by a combined score of 87-19.

Yes, the defense could use some improvement. But enjoy what's happening fellas. A phantom loss is just that. A phantom loss.