They played well today. They haven't been for most of the season, same goes with the offense. Not really ready to say they are underrated, they need to be more consistent before we can reach that conclusion, IMO.

 

I think Vance Jospeh can be a good one. Still needs better CB's and LB's tho

 

Thank you!

This myopic, compartmentalized group of newbie posters have been trolling it so hard I was beginning to think it was a marketing ploy by thephins.com to push people into a club membership...

#noclue

 

You're defense plays a lot better when you can run the ball. For many seasons, we've put our D in bad spots because we couldn't sustain drives.

 

Obviously being on the field less helps...but the first few games, the defense wasn't really stopping people in the first quarter.

They defintely aren't underrated. Played a very good game today, though.

 

They finally figured out how to run the ball. That helps any D.

 

Agree.. I'll be more specific though. I think the defense has been better than people think when it comes to points allowed. We've been middle of the road there. But the run defense has been deservedly panned. Before this game, we were LAST in rushing yards allowed per game. And other than the Seattle game, I think the defense can only blame itself for being on the field too long.

 

Good game today. Need to do it consistently though.

 

Defense not underrated, they just had a good game. Plenty of plays where they made stops today they stayed on the field in past games. Like the crucial INTs, or Byron Maxwell with key pass breakups on third down.

Need more of today and less of the first 5 games.

 

In no way shape or form is this defense "underrated". However they played a solid game and refrained from embarrassing themselves regardless of TOP. I'll admit I got nervous at the sight of a 2nd/3rd string QB coming onto the field.

Love me some Jones and IAQ. Maxwell had a lot of nice pbus and plays down the stretch which we really needed to see.

 

Guys have been in position all year long really, they just haven't been making the plays. Today, they made plays. Hell, Byron Maxwell made several of them in the second half.

 

Today, they reminded me of the defense that faced Seattle. They pressured Ben. They stopped the run, they made plays against the pass. Guys just did what they were supposed to do today. Hopefully they can look at this tape and trust the system, and realize they just need to execute.

 

They played, well, like most of us think they should play.

However, don't get ahead of yourself. A lot of the times they're on the field for so long is because they were giving up 12 play, 8 minute drives. Sure, the offense hasn't helped them much this season, but the defense has (had?) their own problems.

 

I havent actually seen the game yet, wasn't on here, but I understand Maxwell was playing Man/Press coverage today. And that is what he is good at. He struggled last year in Zone and has done the same here this season. Would make sense cause the guy hasn't made ANY plays all season. The guy was a magician because he sure made Brown disappear!

Can one of you guys tell me if this is actually what happened?

 

Maxwell made some nice plays in coverage. Once again gave up the edge on the TD run though.

 

I think some of the stats can be misleading a tad given the time they have been spending on the field, esp being last in run defense. I'm not naive to think they aren't still responsible for that stat, but if a team is putting it away, inevitably they're going to run at the end, and the D is also tired. Doesn't make for a good outcome. Tackling is still something to note.

Honestly, I think Vance is doing a pretty decent job considering it's his first gig as a DC. He does have the guys in position to make some plays. I cannot tell you how many potential TFL plays that have been left out there. Basic tackling. That run by Heyward-Bey doesn't happen if someone just tackles him.

 

First game it looked like all the players were playing within the system. Guess it took six weeks but I think they are grasping Joseph's system finally and not free lancing. it can take up to eight weeks to learn a new system so we beat that by two weeks

 

I knew we have the best safety in the League - with the Addition of IAQ we field a formidable duo.

 

Maxwell broke up several passes. he was much tighter on the receiver then I had seen previously. I am sure they read my posts on here and made the adjustment.