The defense was terrible. It seemed the philosophy was 'break but don't bend'... They didn't want to allow the possession receiver like Fitz to pick up lots of short catches, but seemed fine giving up 50yd + plays (Kings TD, 70 yd Punt return, 80 yd TD from unknown, Fitz' big 3rd down conversion). And this happened against a team with no real running threat.
The offense was impressive, no one will question that, but there is need for more balance. 74 yds rushing is not reaching the team's potential. If the other team wants Cam to beat them with his arm, sure, increase the pass attempts, but we have to get the running game involved as well. I also didn't like the playcalling at the end of the game. 5 straight passes in the redzone (one free play form an offsides). And not a single pass to a tight end or Smith iirc. I recall two passes to Goodson and two passes to Legedu. Not sure about the other play, maybe someone can refresh my memory.
The Special teams play was just amateur. I think 3 ST players ran past the guy and just sort of stood there as if he'd called a fair catch.
Overall the team lost to what likely may have been the easy competition they'll face all year. The loss could've been much worse as well. The roughing penalty called on Marshall was a ridiculous call. When a player who weighs probably 150 lbs less than the QB launches from inches away, I think you have to have some common sense and realize there is no safety threat at all. Also the Cards had a turnover in the redzone which gave us the edge early in the game.
Of course there's no point second guessing every play, but I don't think the playstyle is sustainable, especially if we aren't lucky. They'll give up 72 points next week if they try to play Rodgers the way they played Kolb. If it's break but don't bend, we'll be broken every play.
And playing less risky on defense may not be any better. The defensive line is like swiss cheese and the best player on our defense may be out for the season.
0-16 is still very much possible. Let's watch some more football before jumping to conclusions.
Edited by sylvianlight, 12 September 2011 - 12:04 PM.
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