objective look at the defense

talent is an issue but it is not the only issue

our interior DL is very spotty versus the run and does not rush the passer well

on DEs dont hold an edge at all and struggle beating their man in rush

our LBs seem slow and reactive, their tackling is inconsistent

weeks is going to be a player but he is undersized and gets washed out at bad times

speights and penn are just average

Perkins is an enigma and it is clear they are struggling to overcome opponent’s schemes to account for him

our corners that know what they are doing are simply physically not good enough, coverage and tackling is inconsistent

our corners that might be physically good enough are not mentally ready and coverage and tackling are inconsistent

safeties look like they are thinking too much and arent elite athletically to overcome slow reactions

as a unit our secondary can not play straight man and get lost in zone responsibilities plus they struggle tackling

our blitzes are telegraphed and are ineffective

so there are talent problems, ability problems and the scheme is not being taught well, too much uncertainty

honestly I am not sure these things are fixable because there are catch 22s and unintended consequences all over the place

the defensive staff got shuffled before and after the spring game and again at the last minute before the season started when the DL Coach Jimmy Lindsay got sick and it has clearly affected the staff, the staff doesnt seem cohesive and the scheme teaching reflects that

defensive misses in the portal this season have been critical