One Offseason Move Ruined the Defense

[NJPanthers89]

It's actually amazing that the one  piece that we replaced this off season in our front 7 has been the reason for our defensive collapse.  That of course is Star.  I wont get into Dontarie Poe and the massive failure he has been.  He get's no pressure whatsoever, and is abysmal against the run.   The Panthers miss Star so badly that not only are teams gashing us right up the gut with chunk runs, but Luke has looked lost without him.  Luke is an all world linebacker, but everyone knows the DT eating up blockers freeing up the MLB too roam is a recipe for success.  It's not happening.  Short looks awful without Star next to him as well.  The only difference in our front 7 this year is Poe over Star.  It's either Star or Washington right?

[Carl Spackler]

It's Washington. Star would have 10 tackles and one TFL if he were here. He'd also be dropping into coverage on third down.

[The Lobo]

Just now, Carl Spackler said:

It's Washington. Star would have 10 tackles and one TFL if he were here. He'd also be dropping into coverage on third down.

Agreed. When all the players look like hot trash, it’s scheme and coaching. No way Luke, TD and KK are this bad.

[NJPanthers89]

It wasn't about the stats with Star, never was.  He was so strong, he ate up blockers.  He got a hell of a lot more pressure than Poe who is a known pass rusher.

[Nate Dogg]

Lol! We were terrible last year with Star too. At least we saved some $. The common denominator here is Rivera. 

[TheRed]

Whatever is going on with the defense isn't a one player issue.

To be that inconsistent on defense, there has to be numerous players not buying in. Our coaching staff has repeatedly absolved themselves of blame while throwing players under the bus and that has taken it's toll on the locker room. That is why you see even players like Cam Newton having to make public statements that the players in the locker room believe in him.

[BrianS]

Agree.  Star vs Poe is a wash.  This is a coaching issue.  We haven't been consistently good this year, and we've been tackling very poorly.  When your base fundamentals are failing, after the same players have demonstrated the ability to master those fundamentals in the past, the problem falls squarely on the coaches shoulders.