Is this defense going to cost us in the postseason?

Let's face it, the D just hasn't been the same since Drew has been back. What has it been? The run D is still stout, though they showed some holes against San Fran and yesterday. But still solid.

Davis, Klein and Alonso have been very good. Lattimore and CGJ have been good. Are Williams, Bell and Apple dragging us down that much? Was our defensive performances earlier in the year more of a product of us facing shitty offenses? When Williams, Bell and Apple were playing well earlier in the year, our defense was lights out. But since all three have taken a step back, so has our defense. Instead of a top 10 unit, we look middle of the road. We have flashes of brilliance like for the second quarter today and most of the third. The Colts game and most of the Thanksgiving Night game (outside of the onside kicks).

Which is so strange since Davis, Klein, Alonso and the front four have still played well despite injuries. It's a really good thing seeing our offense clicking like it is, which gives me hope, but the way the D is playing makes it seem like we are destined for another late collapse in the divisional or championship game. Besides injuries, it's got to be the play of Bell, Apple and Williams, right? Which is a shame since they played really well earlier in the year. Can 3 guys drag us down this much? Is it Dennis Allen calling horrible games?