@Kontradiction @RobertWeathers
I really feel that little Steven might be the problem. This D has played flat for a few games now. Tells me the championship level leaders are not bought in to what they are doing. Looking back, Slate was talking about guys stepping up. Perhaps that’s what he’s talking about ?
I dunno. Just how I feel. Something is amiss on that side of the ball. There’s still vet leadership there, but something just ain’t right. I’d like to hear your opinions.
This is what I believe.
I believe the in-prime talent and quality depth on the defense is not where it needs to be. If this was the 01, 03, 04,14, 16 or 18 defense we aren't having this discussion. That is THE root of the problem. More talent on D improves your chances for victory and success....and covers up for coaching misses.
I still have full confidence BB is a defensive mastermind but he's playing with a short hand.
I think it's important to look at the DC job here historically and who gets it and when.
BB draws a clear distinction between when a coach has earned the "DC" title and when he hasn't. He has said what makes a DC is his ability help him with the game plan, make in-game adjustments, call the game, marry personnel to the game plan, etc.
Let's look at the DC history.
No DC in 2000. It was BB and in 2001 got RAC to do the job.
In 2005 after RAC left, the official title went to Mangini. Bill felt he was ready. Fine.
Bill felt Pees was qualified to be DC and was from 06-09.
In 2009 after Pees left, a DC was not named and Fat Matt was ultimately given that title 2 years later in 2012
When Fat Matt left after the 2017 season, BB did not name Flo as DC. Had he stayed I believe Flo would have been named DC.
When Flo left after 2018, BB named no one DC and that has not changed. Schiano declined the job and we are going on 3 years w/o a DC and it was reported BB named himself DC.
What we can conclude is for whatever reason BB does not think his son has earned the title. Also maybe he thinks he has earned it but for other reasons he won't give it to him. I don't know.
I can't sit here and say BB Jr sucks b/c for all intents and purposes the DC is BB and BB Jr is calling plays I believe BB has told him to call and executing the game plan BB put together.
With that said, does that take extra load take away from BBs ability to oversee other aspects of the team and fix what is needed to be fixed (like those maddening pre-snap penalties, special teams snafus or dumb mistakes that have popped up at the worst possible moments?)
So, does getting someone senior been there-seen that kinda guy like RAC, Pees, Fat Matt to take the load off so BB has the bandwidth to fix other areas during prep week?
Only he can answer that. Tough situation for BB.