ITDS: It's the Defense, Stupid

[kerouac9]

The ineptitude of the offense is really overshadowing how terribly disappointing our defense has been. The plan was to use an improved, more consistent defense to help staunch the tide while the offense finds an identity for the stretch run and try and sneak out with a divisional championship.

Last year's defense averaged 20.3 PPG, good enough for 14th in the NFL in scoring. This year's defense is DEAD LAST in scoring, allowing 29.2 PPG.

Yes, Derek Anderson is ugly and Max Hall has no discernable talent, but this team is very bad because the defense hasn't been able to keep the offense in games while it figures out what it's good at.

Blame Whis if you must. Blame Derek Anderson and Max Hall. Blame Larry Fitzgerald and Levi Brown and Beanie Wells. But the real responsible party for why our team is so bad isn't on the field with those guys.

 

[82CardsGrad]

Been saying this for weeks now...

It's so hard to believe that our defense has fallen so far so quickly... However, now, with more than half the season gone, the picture does become more clear.
We have ZERO, as in NOTHING to offer anywhere on our defense... literally, nothing.
There is not one single player across the entire defense who you can pick out say, YEA - he's been solid all year. Not one.
On offense, at least you can make a case that Breaston has been solid most of the season.

Wilson, Dockett, Hayes, Lenon, Porter, Rhodes, Toler, DRC, Campbell, B-Rob... Good grief have all of them been so much worse than adequate...

That's just way too much SUCKYNESS to overcome. Kurt might have had a shot as he would have been putting up huge numbers on offense to compensate for the epic SUCKYNESS on defense. But I would bet the best Kurt would have been able to do is lift the team to .500. Which of course, would most likely be good enough to win the west this year!

 

[MadCardDisease]

I agree 100%.

We all knew that the offense would struggle this year and that we would rely on the Defense to carry this team. Unfortunately the Defense has struggled. They have made 3rd string RBs and WRs look like Pro-Bowlers.

I think it is a travisty that we didn't bring in more help at LB. Especially after losing Dansby, Berry and Okeafor. Paris Lenon has played better than I expected but he is more of a depth player. Porter is a shell of his old self. I hope the Cardinals go after defense heavily in the draft. CB, OLB, and ILB all need to be addressed early.

 

[conraddobler]

Sure our defense has collapsed even from it's less than stellar postion.

It's a lot of things on this team but it all starts at the top, the very top, the entire agenda and attitude of this team comes from who's been chosen to comprise it, both in terms of addition and subtraction.

That shows all over the place.

 

[WarnerHOF]

Also add that the defense tires themselves out with long drives because they cannot stop the offense on 3rd down or stop the run or the short pass.

 

[82CardsGrad]

First order of business has to be to get rid of Davis. I just can't see any reason for keeping this guy around.

 

[Buckybird]

The ineptitude of the offense is really overshadowing how terribly disappointing our defense has been. The plan was to use an improved, more consistent defense to help staunch the tide while the offense finds an identity for the stretch run and try and sneak out with a divisional championship.

Last year's defense averaged 20.3 PPG, good enough for 14th in the NFL in scoring. This year's defense is DEAD LAST in scoring, allowing 29.2 PPG.

Yes, Derek Anderson is ugly and Max Hall has no discernable talent, but this team is very bad because the defense hasn't been able to keep the offense in games while it figures out what it's good at.

Blame Whis if you must. Blame Derek Anderson and Max Hall. Blame Larry Fitzgerald and Levi Brown and Beanie Wells. But the real responsible party for why our team is so bad isn't on the field with those guys.

I've been saying for 4 years that this defense isn't as good as the stats have said. It all starts with 2 damn good edge rushers!!!

 

[kerouac9]

I agree 100%.

We all knew that the offense would struggle this year and that we would rely on the Defense to carry this team. Unfortunately the Defense has struggled. They have made 3rd string RBs and WRs look like Pro-Bowlers.

I think it is a travisty that we didn't bring in more help at LB. Especially after losing Dansby, Berry and Okeafor. Paris Lenon has played better than I expected but he is more of a depth player. Porter is a shell of his old self. I hope the Cardinals go after defense heavily in the draft. CB, OLB, and ILB all need to be addressed early.

OLB for sure, but I'm not sure about CB. It's not time to replace Toler or DRC, and I don't think that Michael Adams is the deep pit of terribleness that he was last season. Maybe it's because Adrian Wilson has looked like an over-heated piece of rye bread all season long.

I don't expect a quarterback to be available when we pick in the draft, but we better take a pass rush specialist somewhere, because the guys that we have attempting to put pressure on the quarterback is just not getting the job done. Unfortunately, there isn't a wealth of OLB talent in this draft pool. We might be better off switching to a 4-3 defense and drafting one of the top five or seven picks. On the other hand, maybe you take a chance on Adrian Clayborn of Iowa and hope for the best.

With our luck we'll take Gabe Carmini and we'll have Levi Brown, Pt. 2.

 

[desertdawg]

I agree with you 50%.
The offense does deserve its half of the blame (IMO), both are leading to the pathetic numbers we are putting up.
I have at least seen the defense function at times, although rare, but they are not doing it right now. No pressure on QBs who then dissect our secondary. Getting ran on the way we do is sad.

 

[kerouac9]

Also add that the defense tires themselves out with long drives because they cannot stop the offense on 3rd down or stop the run or the short pass.

You'd think that, but the Cards are only 18th in the NFL in 3rd down percentage. They're better than the Colts, Titans, or Browns.

The real issue is big plays. Tied for last in the NFL in 20+ yard passing plays, 31st in the NFL in 20+ yard rushing plays. They're stout enough in the red zone, but guys are getting free between the 20s and we're not pulling them down.

 

[kerouac9]

I agree with you 50%.
The offense does deserve its half of the blame (IMO), both are leading to the pathetic numbers we are putting up.
I have at least seen the defense function at times, although rare, but they are not doing it right now. No pressure on QBs who then dissect our secondary. Getting ran on the way we do is sad.

Yeah, but the offense is working in a bunch of young dudes or guys in new positions, especially on the offensive line. 7th round pick Jim Dray is getting significant playing time (and I'm saying this as a guy who LOVED Dray coming out of Stanford).

You have a ton of money and high picks dedicated to the defense. You have a bunch of castoffs and late-round guys on the offense. You HAVE TO expect more from the defense than the offense, especially early in the season, and they haven't delivered.

Porter was supposed to be an upgrade over Berry.
Many here convinced themselves that Daryl Washington was an upgrade over Dansby from day one.
Rhodes was supposed to be an upgrade over Rolle.
Toler was supposed to be an upgrade over McFadden.

Did anyone really expect for Brandon Keith to be an upgrade over Levi Brown? Did anyone expect for Steve Breason to make us forget about Anquan Boldin? Did anyone expect for Derek Anderson OR #7 to make us forget about Kurt Warner?

I put some onus on the coaching staff for not running/designing an offense to protect the deficincies of the personnel on that side of the ball--something you're quietly seeing them start to do now. There were a lot of 2TE sets that we were running yesterday, and a lot of play-action. We should have been doing that in Week 1.

But the putrid state of affairs right now falls mainly on the 11 guys who take the field when the opposing offense has the ball.

 

[Jetstream Green]

I agree 100% percent. Yes, Anderson is throwing high and getting our WRs killed but he actually has gotten better. It is the defense which has been horrible...for instance, Campbell has all but vanished since a strong start at end, Porter is a hugh bust in my opinion and maybe the most telling problem...our Defensive Corr. Davis, laugh at me but I would move him and hire Wade Phillips for the D

 

[desertdawg]

Porter was supposed to be an upgrade over Berry.
Many here convinced themselves that Daryl Washington was an upgrade over Dansby from day one.
Rhodes was supposed to be an upgrade over Rolle.
Toler was supposed to be an upgrade over McFadden.


I put some onus on the coaching staff for not running/designing an offense to protect the deficincies of the personnel on that side of the ball--something you're quietly seeing them start to do now. There were a lot of 2TE sets that we were running yesterday, and a lot of play-action. We should have been doing that in Week 1.

But the putrid state of affairs right now falls mainly on the 11 guys who take the field when the opposing offense has the ball.

Porter has been a disappointment, him and AW have been reduced to simple roles or they get burned.
Dansby really made an impact in our games and its clear we miss him. I still like Toler, call me crazy.

The offense made me shutter when I saw DA have all the time in the world (props to the O-line blocking schemes and misdirection) and DA kept sailing the balls. I know you don't dig Hall, but I think he would do better with the time DA had in the pocket. Don't quote me on that, I think I just despise Anderson that much.

 

[football karma]

the funny ( i guess) thing-- they are looking bad against very average offenses

Crossing routes appear to be a real problem: I have never seen some many guys running seemingly uncovered across the middle of the field.

some of it is lack of pass rush, but it seems like many of those routes are hit with the Qb throwing right on the fifth step of a drop -- so that unless the pass rusher just totally jailbreaks, he isn't getting there.

Seattle came out -- with a QB coming off a concussion and a back up left tackle mind you -- throwing from the start. They decided that they could throw at will ( and they were right).

 

[Hypothesis]

I agree 100% percent. Yes, Anderson is throwing high and getting our WRs killed but he actually has gotten better. It is the defense which has been horrible...for instance, Campbell has all but vanished since a strong start at end, Porter is a hugh bust in my opinion and maybe the most telling problem...our Defensive Corr. Davis, laugh at me but I would move him and hire Wade Phillips for the D

Phillips is ok...I wouldn't complain too much if we got him. He is after all better than what we have by far. But he is more of a finesse style coordinator and his teams have always seemed to lack the takeaways.

If I had my choice for DC, it'd be Marvin Lewis once he gets cut loose from Cincinnati. Here is another very bright defensive mind who brings a very aggressive defensive approach. He is also a great defensive evaluator of talent.

Either way...I really hope we upgrade this position this off season. We really need it.

 

[Cardiac]

I have posted thousands of times that the D owns their results, which are pretty sucky.

I do think that with Warner we would have better TOP, be playing with the lead more which allows the D to get after the QB etc. This D would still be pitiful but not dead last in the league pitiful.

I also agree that if the D did get more 3 and outs the O would have a better chance to not only find out what they do well but make it easier to stay with the run game longer.

 

[Hypothesis]

the funny ( i guess) thing-- they are looking bad against very average offenses

Crossing routes appear to be a real problem: I have never seen some many guys running seemingly uncovered across the middle of the field.

some of it is lack of pass rush, but it seems like many of those routes are hit with the Qb throwing right on the fifth step of a drop -- so that unless the pass rusher just totally jailbreaks, he isn't getting there.

Seattle came out -- with a QB coming off a concussion and a back up left tackle mind you -- throwing from the start. They decided that they could throw at will ( and they were right).

Alot of it is our lack of a pass rush. The OLB's don't have to get to the qb to be effective. On the quick slants, it's also the responsibility of the pass rusher to impede the throwing lanes. Our OLB's can't even disengage a blocker to get his hands up or get even close enough to have a chance to interrupt the quick slant. Watching our games, alot of this is due to the players ability, but also because of where Davis has them line up. They are constantly trying to take wide angles trying to generate the rush, leaving wide open passing lanes with no obstructed view. That also helps lead to our porous run defense as well. Most of this is on our DC imo.

Another HUGE part of our problems on defense that has been neglected by some, is our LB's ability to drop into pass coverage. Not one of our LB's has done a good job of coverage, and in a 3-4, the LB's have to be able to cover. Our secondary has not been that good either, but their job doesn't get easier when they are always trying to compensate for our LB's shortcomings in coverage.

One last thing...shouldn't a LB be able to beat the block of a RB from time to time?

 

[bg7brd]

The ineptitude of the offense is really overshadowing how terribly disappointing our defense has been. The plan was to use an improved, more consistent defense to help staunch the tide while the offense finds an identity for the stretch run and try and sneak out with a divisional championship.

Last year's defense averaged 20.3 PPG, good enough for 14th in the NFL in scoring. This year's defense is DEAD LAST in scoring, allowing 29.2 PPG.

Yes, Derek Anderson is ugly and Max Hall has no discernable talent, but this team is very bad because the defense hasn't been able to keep the offense in games while it figures out what it's good at.

Blame Whis if you must. Blame Derek Anderson and Max Hall. Blame Larry Fitzgerald and Levi Brown and Beanie Wells. But the real responsible party for why our team is so bad isn't on the field with those guys.

Excellent Post!!!!

 

[Capital Card]

You'd think that, but the Cards are only 18th in the NFL in 3rd down percentage. They're better than the Colts, Titans, or Browns.

The real issue is big plays. Tied for last in the NFL in 20+ yard passing plays, 31st in the NFL in 20+ yard rushing plays. They're stout enough in the red zone, but guys are getting free between the 20s and we're not pulling them down.

It's funny in a sad kind of way, but yesterday, on both occasions when the 'efense faltered and finally made the tackle inside the 5, I said to myself, "Got KC right where we want them." Unfortunately, couldn't get them to settle for the FG this time around.

Go Cards!!!

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

CP > Davis

 

[Arizona's Finest]

Defense is about heart, intensity and discipline. My read is that after that QB stink bomb in Seattle, the defense folded up shop and quit on the season. Sad to say, but I can't really blame them. I can't tell you how demoralized I am, and I'm just a fan.

With something to play for, and more importantly a offense they had confidence in and that could actually sustain a drive (can anyone look up plays per drive stat? I bet we are near the bottom of the league) this defense may not be the 85 Bears, but it isn't last in the league.

Still getting your players focused and motivated is part of being a good DC.

Someone fire Bill Davis ASAP.

 

[Buckybird]

Someone fire Bill Davis ASAP.

Our wishes will be done no later than a week after the season ends IMO.

Wiz's first decision must be: do we run the 3-4 or the 4-3. If it's the 3-4 I want Kevin Greene. The 4-3 bring in John Fox. With the laid back personalities of the HC & most the other staff, a fiery DC is just what the doctor ordered!!!

 

[DoTheDew]

I don't really think you can zero in any one unit and say "it's their fault" this year. If ANY of the major units were doing their jobs we'd be winning the division this year. The offense is abysmal. The D is abysmal. The play calling is abysmal. The front office was pretty abysmal too when you look at talent added vs talent lost and the un-patched holes on this roster.

The title of this thread should be "It's the (insert whatever you'd like here) stupid."

It's clear now that the only thing we had going for us the past 3 years was Kurt Warner and his good mojo. The so called football gods liked him more than they hate this franchise apparently. Maybe we can "Luck" our way into some more good mojo or maybe we can't.

 

[Big D]

The D has been bad for sure but other than against ATL and SD and maybe SEA at home they have at least played ok enough to keep us in the games, or should I say keep the game within reach for a team that at least has an offense that somewhat resembles an average NFL unit. That is until our offense fails to reach the endzone and goes 3 & out enough times in the game to where they just give up. Usually they quit sometime around the end of the 3rd-start of the 4th once it becomes apparent the O has zero chance of actually putting us in position to put points on the board. At least that is how I see it. The O is so terrible we have no chance to win unless we score on ST AND defense.

 

[Duckjake]

The D has been bad for sure but other than against ATL and SD and maybe SEA at home they have at least played ok enough to keep us in the games, or should I say keep the game within reach for a team that at least has an offense that somewhat resembles an average NFL unit. That is until our offense fails to reach the endzone and goes 3 & out enough times in the game to where they just give up.

Usually they quit sometime around the end of the 3rd-start of the 4th once it becomes apparent the O has zero chance of actually putting us in position to put points on the board. At least that is how I see it. The O is so terrible we have no chance to win unless we score on ST AND defense.

The O has been so terrible that the Cards haven't won even when they score on ST and defense which they do almost every game.

The defense doesn't get off the hook. Too many long scoring drives allowed at the start of the games and at the start of the second half and after the Cards have had one of their rare long drives to use the tired out and gave up excuse.