Attyla the Hawk
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SkolVikes":lk00dkiu said:And I am not saying you should get worked upit is just the pre season. I was just pointing out a observation that the Hawks base defense even though great against the run does leave a opportunity open for those dump/short passes.
Well here's to a great season! Glad we don't have to play you guys this year!
I could agree with this if it weren't for the fact we're talking about situational 3rd down passing defense. Not the base defense.
These were 'death by 1000 cuts' kinds of plays. The kinds that really did impact us last year in our losses. Of course they assuredly have played a role in our wins just as well. It just seems that situationally speaking -- teams aren't trying to get gash plays on us, but instead content to take the free and easy 1st down we're conceding.
It's definitely a huge reason why this defense has had difficulty in closing out games. I see the same demons that tormented us last year in losses in the first two preseason games here. I can't help but consider that the book could be out on how to beat this defense and we're seeing the new norm going forward. It just feels like the league has made their adjustments to our style and the cycle needs to begin anew with some new wrinkles.
I'm also not so inclined to dismiss the absence of some players as a cause for understanding in this regard. Teams lose players. Backups have to play. This defense last night is likely not as far removed from the defense we might see come December as we might think.
It is just the preseason. But what we're seeing is a continuation from almost the entire last season.