I think the defense is ahead of the curve... People keep forgetting that our D is in a major rebuilding mode.
I correctly deduced that the D would use the 4-2-5 cover 3 (McGowan and Merriweather were the key DB's who motioned down much of the time) as a base defense. However, in retrospect, if we had the personnel, I would rather have gone with the 3-4 as some of the cognoscenti in this forum argued for (BOR, pats 1, Jays52, and Andyjohnson).
Why?
People are complaining that we didn't throw too many tricky looks at a rookie QB or at least confound him. The reason we didn't is we weren't really able to do that consistently, and that is because we didn't stop their running game, and when you don't do that, you cannot dictate on defense.
Some quick observations:
Except for the surprise 2nd half barrage that resulted in a TD, I think our D did pretty nice for a D that is in major rebuilding mode. We have a completely retooled secondary, a new LB corp, and a new front. This D does not have an identity yet- don't forget the heart and leader of this D for the past 10 years just retired this season, and Mayo, the real Mike of this D is out for 3-6 weeks, and you tell me they gave up only 16 points today? I find that very very commendable.
Guyton is still having trouble two-gapping. There were one or two times where he was not correctly using two-gapping techniques and allowed a key run past him because he was on the wrong side of a block, instead of maneuvering the block to remain a true 2 gapper.
Also a key personnel, Merriweather had an ankle injury that visibly seemed to have an influence on his performance and a key tackle he could not completed led to a long play.
ST had a brain fart of a day. I believe this is an aberration because Scott usually has his ST troops sharp. Key penalties were, I believe, by recently activated players.. BJGE, and one other I cannot recall.
Brace and Pryor saw action today although not as extended as I'd have liked, but when they did, they had an impact on the game. I hope to see more of them down the road.