re: I BELIEVE there is HOPE for DEFENSE - how would you fix?

To blitz or not to blitz... I say keep mixing it up. The idea of one or the other the vast majority of the time is the weakness exploited, not which one you do.

I say we're trying to use our DL too much and need to go back to basics of the 3-4 Bear.

If our LBs are engaging blocks, they aren't getting off of them allowing big plays. They shouldn't be engaging them that often, they should be cleaner to make plays.

Many times they aren't engaging blocks because they are either out of position in the first place, or because they ran out of position trying to dodge a block. Using the DL differently partially solves this also.

Using the DL to eat blocks also makes blitzes, particularly in the middle, run and pass, more effective when you choose to do it.

It is always at it's most base form a numbers game. Because one way to defeat the numbers game on the ground is to occupy 2 for 1, you start a play from an advantage when you have clean LBs.

ETA: speaking of eating blocks, why did we see more of Ika than Shelvin against OM? If injury and/or rest for the big(est) man, fine. If it was based on the theory that Ika was more athletic vs. a running QB we're approaching dumb levels (let's just call it 'over-thinking' since it is Aranda).