Tampa Bay vs. Rams: 4.2 YPC
Carolina vs. Rams: 4.1 YPC
The defense was the difference.
id argue the offense being shit and having us down 14-0 early set the tempo of the game
as soon as Otton did his thing, that was game over
Yeah, the pick-six in Q1 didn't help anything. But the defense gave up 24 points in the first half - not counting the pick-six.
The defense never got off of the field in the first half. Their offense had 4 first-half drives: TD, TD, TD, FG.
but we knew we had to score against the Rams....
I'd argue you need to put up 30 on any given sunday to win the game. Rams averaging 28 points a game
We put up 7 and the offense flow of the game just put the team down for the count.
First drive, we go 9 plays for 29 yards, control 5 minutes of the clock. Actually somewhat promising but come away with zero points and punt. A classic Grizzrun call on 2nd and 10 all but ended the game setting up a 3rd and 9.
To not expect the Rams to score is a fools errand. Cade Otton then follows up with a retarded bitch move to make it 14-0
Our next offensive drive, let's go 3 and out.
So yeah defense was certainly butt cheeks but the offense was brutal and contributed to the shitness.
i mean even Buffalo was a brutal performance by the defense but it's hard to look at that game and not wonder how much of the blame was actual on special teams field position blunders, the Bucs offense not punching it in from the 7 yard line, the Bucs going for 2 when they shouldn't have and then having to do it by chasing points; shit that's 6 poitns right there. You then factor in the mind boggling decision Bowles had to punt on 4th and 2 and really even though 44 points, i somehow am blaming coaching more for this game.
Thoughts:
Man, what the hell happened to 27? He was great for most of the year last season and then this year just became the biggest liability on the outside. I was 100% on the lets move on from Dean campaign but after the year this dude had, I think we have to get Dean back. Maybe on less years, more money up front type situation. That kid is playing with 0 confidence in either man or zone. Its just frustrating to see the same shitty CB play when we've got new players, faster and more athletic with the same results. Tykee had a rough game but he's been stellar all season so I won't beat em up as much.
Reddick welcome back, we've needed that pass rush juice since you been out. Earn your keep for the rest of the season
Offensively, Grizzard is not the answer, barring an amazing performance from now til the post-season. I miss Coen calling the plays - has nothing to do with personnel b/c he's gotten production with starters out last year. We have a OC who isn't very good, Baker who has now seemed to regress into his normal inconsistent QB play, and the supporting cast around haven't helped much.
Lastly, the ST coach still having a job at this point is negligence. Awful Kick off unit week in and week out, yet Bowles does nothing but says coach idioms. Can't wait til they cost him in an important game and he gets grilled by the media.
Very much so over the Bowles era. He gives people way, way too many chances to prove their worth. Look how late it took him to take action on an insubordinate player in Devin White. Accountability just doesn't happen here until its too late, and he gets a way with playing in one of the worst divisions in the NFL. Telling you now ladies and gents this man will not be coaching in the league much longer. I'd say 2 more years tops until owners have enough.
