Defending our defensive strategy

[Peon Awesome]

It goes without saying that our run defense is laughable but I'd say that's an unfortunate consequence of our defensive scheme that has proven to be effective more often than not.

After having a non-existent pass rush last year, we are now selling out to get pressure on the quarterback and the changes are ultimately getting that job done in leading the league in sacks. Sacks/pressures often lead to errant throws that result in easy picks or sack fumbles helping us win the turnover battle and shift momentum. And even when we don't get all the way there, we might force throw aways that result in 3rd and long situations, which moves their team away from running and back into our strength. It's a system that might allow a bunch of 8 yard rushes but limits big plays and can swing the game on a couple critical turnovers. 

This system only works if we can actually get pressure. We will struggle against offenses with elite offensive line play and/or qbs that get rid of the ball quickly, or teams that wise up and choose to run it down our throats. But this is a passing league. Even the most run-heavy teams do something like a 55-45 split in favor of passing plays. Look at Green Bay continuing to force passes yesterday even though they were running on us at will. It's the nature of the league. 

There's a reason we have managed to go 5-2 with Kyle Allen and it's not because we're such an offensive juggernaut that we can overcome atrocious play from our defense. We are a flawed team trying to make the most of our limitations. Last year we saw our pass rush was non-existent and we invested in personnel and scheme changes to fix it. I suspect we'll invest in some space-eating defensive lineman and more tweaks to the system to balance things a bit better next offseason. But unfortunately this might be the best option we have with the team we have now.