Defensive struggles

[TheCasillas]

1 hour ago, Smithers said:

Yeah I understand that.  But it wasn’t like Jones sat back there for 8 seconds while guys played backyard ball to get open.  He unloaded after 2-3 seconds and hit his guy open every time.  It’s worrisome that our back 7 can’t cover a guy for more than 3 seconds.  Even the best pass rush can’t do much to help there

we were running soft zones (no press)... there is no "one on one" situations in soft zones outside of deep thirds... which no play went to a deep third. Also, Chinn only played 5 snaps last night. It was Waller and Paris Campbell who had the catches. 

There really is no point you can make here to make it sound like our defense is a concern.

[panthers55]

2 hours ago, Smithers said:

Yeah I understand that.  But it wasn’t like Jones sat back there for 8 seconds while guys played backyard ball to get open.  He unloaded after 2-3 seconds and hit his guy open every time.  It’s worrisome that our back 7 can’t cover a guy for more than 3 seconds.  Even the best pass rush can’t do much to help there

Is it though? Did we gameplan against Wallen or even adjust after the first few catches? Did we try any double coverage or even change things up? Did we body anyone up at the line or give them free releases?  This is working on general zone concepts and rallying to the ball.  Basics when you are rotating folks in every few series.  So no it isn't concerning.

[hepcat]

Burns and Houston aren't playing and there's some positive early signs from DJ Johnson. Let's wait until there's a real pass rush before we panic. 

[Mistuh Jones]

The Lions went 4-0 in the preseason then went 0-16 in the regular.  Just saying... for perspective 

[Wolfcop]

4 hours ago, ncfan said:

How much will those pass rushers really matter if the QB is getting the ball out to open guys within 2-3 seconds like yesterday?

You don't get 3 seconds with good pass rushers on the field. 

[BeenPounding]

At first I was upset watching Jones drive down the field on his first and only drive, but as I continued to watch the game I noticed a few things.....

• We did not have Huston, Burns, or Brown playing.  That makes an incredible difference.
• There was no elements of planned blitzing, even with the back ups.  We either rushed two at the DT spot and held at the edge, or sent the three down linemen while the edges on both sides tried to read the plays.  Nothing was complicated.
• With that being said, I think Evero is looking for guys who know their base roles before all the razzle dazzle.  Who is staying in lanes, who know where to drop in zone, are our defenders hitting the gaps?
• I am concerned with the middle of the defense.  We need a HUGE NT or two that just clogs up two blockers.  If that isn't cleaned up we will be susceptible to getting run up the gut on the regular.

Maybe I'm wrong.  I'm sure there are people out there who know more about 3-4 defense than I do.  Thoughts?