Final thoughts

Ok, my last thoughts from the weekend. 

First, on the Cards-Packers. Wow. The big controversy isn't the facemask on Rodgers on the last play of the game. The controversy should be that Rodgers suffered two blows to the head in separate plays on that last series that weren't called.

After more thought, i'm ok with a review of McDermott's job. Here's the thing - something Sheridan briefly touched on today. For most of Reid's tenure, the defense has been better than the offense. An irony given the head coach's supposed offensive prowess (a qb coach, i know) and the fact of having a true franchise (hall of fame qb).

The situation is now flipped and not just because Jim Johnson died. Now the offense is clearly better than the defense. One of my big questions for the offseason is how much was Johnson able to game plan to mask some of his unit's decline (a la B. Dawkins)? It's sort of not McDermott's fault he's not (yet at least) of the capability of a true hall of fame assistant to do what Johnson did. But JJ clearly didn't place much value at LB. With the injuries this year it is kind of hard to get an accurate gauge of McDermott's defensive schemes, but i wonder if they are going to have to emphasize/upgrade defensive positions they traditionally haven't because of the difference in capabilities and priorities of Johnson vs. McDermott.

That being said. What happened to the d-line this year. supposedly one of our strengths this year. But aside from Cole and occasionally Patterson and Parker, where were Bunkley, Clemons, Abiamiri, Howard, et. al? Not exactly a ferocious pass rush. And the safety problem is well documented (will be interesting to see the moves there with at least one guaranteed opening since jones' contract is expiring) but the corner coverage has declined too.  

Offense appears to be set. Well, aside from whether the starting QB will be back. Its on defense where they should and need to be improvements.