I can’t help but watch the linebackers be completely flat footed or going backwards on every snap. At every level of football, you’re taught to play down hill.

I think this scheme has neutered these guys. Passive strategy has lead to a passive mentality. I watch other defenses and guys are assessing and getting down hill fast. It looks like they’re playing a different game.

There was a play today that was coming right at Pili. Was an obvious run and he sat there and waited for the pulling guard to engage him 5 yards down the field. He NEVER used to play like that.

The only thing I can think of is this gutless scheme has taken the soul of what every great defensive team has.

Who wants to play on a defensive line that has no variation to what they do?

What wants to play linebacker when you’re constantly in a 10 yard drop?

Who wants to play DB when you’re asked to play 10 yards off the ball and play zone coverage 90% of the time?

Who wants to play safety when you’re 30 yards off the ball and rarely involved in the run game?

This wouldn’t be a fun defense to play in. Hard to bring talent into a strategy that is completely gutless.

We’re also extremely easy to prepare for. But that’s a whole other discussion. Just one more way we make teams comfortable. Gutless.