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Bill Johanesen -> RE: General Vikes Talk (12/27/2023 1:23:50 PM)
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ORIGINAL: Tom Sykes
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ORIGINAL: Bill Johanesen
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ORIGINAL: Arlowe84
The defense has been a bit of a roller coaster this year.
I stated early on in the season, that I thought our personnel was bottom tier. In particular the front 7.
Many of the advanced analytics supported this. But I thought Flores, pure scheme would hide a lot of flaws particularly early on. But as teams adjusted and had more film, eventually the lack of talent would catch up.
But I think the opposite happened for a bit, as Flores players better understood the scheme, the defense became stronger slightly past mid season. Perhaps playing some bad offenses helped.
It seems in recent weeks, the defense has finally seen that regression to better match their talent. Injuries haven't helped, but almost all teams battle injuries this time of year. Pace hit the wall hard his last couple games, and he's a prime guy to run right at.
I've always thought Flores has to blitz so much this year because he doesn't have 4 guys who can get after the QB on their own consistently, except Hunter.
In a way it's good, as I could have been fooled into thinking this defense was most set going into next year.
But I'm pretty confident in that now we need some upgrades in the front 7 and better depth going into next year.
The good news is there are not a ton of needs on O.....oh, except a QB, ugrade at C, and an explosive RB (maybe Chandler), and who knows what will happen to Hockensen with this injury.
I'd still like to see a burner as the 3rd WR to really open up some stuff for doubling and trippling Jefferson.
That is exactly what occurred with the D. Growing pains - D hits their stride - DCs then have an accurate picture on what's going on - DCs expose the D as smoke and mirrors can't mask the lack of talent.
And it's a good summation of where the D stands, but I submit the upgrades extend to all 3 levels on D.
All three levels and then some!
Plus, let me just call it now ... our first moves of the offseason are going to be resigning Akers and Mundt! (if they aren't extended before the Packers game!)
With the Hockensen timeline in doubt, the next sandbag in our competitive dike rebuild is resigning Muse.
With those tasty nuggets bundled and out of the way ...
then Kwesi can tackle the big offseason question (not literal tackling obviously, he'd snap off at the bare ankles): Cousins -or- A Defense.
Can't wait to see.
You won't see either of those big questions answered.
KAM will sign the bundle of cheap nuggets then Brzez will drop off the memo deducting (as of now) $50+ million dead cap from what's available.
The theme of the offseason will be 'Let's Collaboratively Feel the Sting' as the final band-aids are ripped off.
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