The issue on defense is pressure

[SixMileDrive]

In prior years, teams have been forced to take short throws and try to dink and dunk their way down the field because we've had ends and tackles that created quick pressure without the need for frequent blitzing. That's no longer the case. We've got talent at LB and all over the secondary, but Short is getting doubled constantly and Addison + whoever else just aren't winning their one on ones. We don't get there when we blitz four and we are letting teams run on us because our line isn't doing its job. Don't get me wrong, I'm not sold on Washington but it's hard for me to judge him too hard right now when we don't have the talent we're used to at DE and DT. 

[OceanPanther]

Some might say it was our ability to tackle the opposing players .. 

[The Lobo]

I’ve seen this a lot, there were a ton of throws were Stanford completed them in about two seconds. No pass rush will stop that. We sag way too much in coverage. Blitz our best cover LB way too much as well.

[Professor Chaos]

Defensive end isn't the problem, it's not perfect, but the interior line has been absolutely awful. For two guys who are supposed to be pass rushers they've been getting nothing.

[ZoneRead]

Just now, The Lobo said:

I’ve seen this a lot, there were a ton of throws were Stanford completed them in about two seconds. No pass rush will stop that. We sag way too much in coverage. Blitz our best cover LB way too much as well.

That makes we wonder why don't we utilize quick passes.

[RumHam]

5 minutes ago, SixMileDrive said:

In prior years, teams have been forced to take short throws and try to dink and dunk their way down the field because we've had ends and tackles that created quick pressure without the need for frequent blitzing. That's no longer the case. We've got talent at LB and all over the secondary, but Short is getting doubled constantly and Addison + whoever else just aren't winning their one on ones. We don't get there when we blitz four and we are letting teams run on us because our line isn't doing its job. Don't get me wrong, I'm not sold on Washington but it's hard for me to judge him too hard right now when we don't have the talent we're used to at DE and DT. 

Hahahahahaha there's no talent in the secondary. Stop fitting your narrative snowflake

[mc52beast]

If the object of football was to tackle air we’d be undefeated. 

Yeh the d-line is under-performing but that’s not the only problem. Guys are out of position and just not playing fundamental defense. 

[SixMileDrive]

1 minute ago, The Lobo said:

I’ve seen this a lot, there were a ton of throws were Stanford completed them in about two seconds. No pass rush will stop that. We sag way too much in coverage. Blitz our best cover LB way too much as well.

It was the chunk plays that hurt us the most. And yeah, I'm really confused on why we are blitzing Luke so damn often. 

[PhillyB]

gotta get interior pressure. no excuse to have high dollar, big name players at that position and get such lackluster results.

[Joe the Show]

With the new NFL rules the only dependable way to slow teams down is with pass rush.  We are depending on too much from the interior, and not getting enough from Addison and 40 yr-old peppers.  Also Vernon Butler is useless

[SixMileDrive]

1 minute ago, PhillyB said:

gotta get interior pressure. no excuse to have high dollar, big name players at that position and get such lackluster results.

I thought that Poe was going to be an upgrade over Star and was completely wrong. Watching the last few drives KK was doubled almost every play.

[Mage]

Pressure is the issue, but our front four pass rush has sucked for years now.  Hell even in 2015 it wasn't very good other than Kawann Short.  The issue is we aren't good at scheming pressure anymore.  It was either 2017 or 2016 or both where we were near the top of the league in sacks and it wasn't because our front four was great but more so because we blitzed exceptionally well.  Washington isn't good enough to do that.

Our LBs have also regressed massively in coverage.  Either that or Kuechly is too busy being asked to bull rush a 300 pound lineman.

[The Lobo]

6 minutes ago, SixMileDrive said:

It was the chunk plays that hurt us the most. And yeah, I'm really confused on why we are blitzing Luke so damn often. 

Yes you are correct. There were times when he did sit in the pocket for longer, but we had weird stunts called and no pressure. We just stink right now.

[jumpman910]

Everyone should start getting familiar with Montez Sweat, Brian Burns, or Jachai Polite. One of those 3 will certainly be our first rounder. 

Sweat and maybe Burns won't fit the weight we love to go for but neither did Donte