Houston...err...Tennessee, we've got a problem!

Discussion in 'Tennessee Titans and NFL Talk' started by Gut, Aug 21, 2006.

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  1. Vigsted

    Vigsted Starter

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    Exactly, if you look at the Denver game in isolation, sure you can shrug it off to a bad day, but you need to consider past history. Which is why the offence gets a pass this time, and the defence doesn't.

    What I really don't understand is, how do people account for the defence being so bad, if it's not the coach? Is it because Reese signs the wrong players, because then he has to go.

    As Soxcat put it, it's either lack of coaching or lack of talent and if it's talent we're lacking then it'll be a long time before we start consistently winning games again.
     
    #21 Vigsted, Aug 21, 2006
  4. TitanJeff

    TitanJeff Kahuna Grande Staff

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    I think it all works hand-in-hand. When you can't establish the run, your defense is on the field too long and wears down. Blame the wet turf but the Titans were ineffective those first series due to WRs going down. It lead to turnovers or punts. Add a couple of early drives and the short-handed Titan D were on their heels.

    Which is what they did in the first game. Difference is that the Saints may be bottom feeders while the Broncos are among the league's best.

    I have no idea why Schwartz didn't blitz any more than he did. I'm not nearly as concerned with that as I am gaping holes in the interior and the Broncos RB six yards downfield before first contact.

    I'm going to step out and say that I think Schwartz absolutely is doing what Fisher wants him to do from a scheme standpoint. In the first couple of seasons after Williams, I think Fisher had a lot of input in the defense and, for the most part, played a simular defense. Fisher is a defensive guy. Schwartz isn't doing anything Fisher does not put his stamp of approval on.

    If you don't like Schwartz's defense, you don't like Fishers, IMO.
     
    #22 TitanJeff, Aug 21, 2006
  7. TitanJeff

    TitanJeff Kahuna Grande Staff

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    I don't put all the blame on Fisher. But his stamp of approval is on everything Schwartz does. This isn't Schwartz's defense but the TITANS defense.

    As the old saying goes, coaches coach and players play the game. Schwartz's scheme was not for Sirmon to be plowed when he filled holes. It wasn't for KVB to line up in the neutral zone or Bulluck to bump the receiver before the ball arrived.

    I don't see it that way at all. I see it as a little improvement in a number of areas has a greater impact because everything impacts everything else. For example, I think the more glaring problem was the DT play Saturday. With Hayneworth in the middle taking on two blockers, the entire situation changes, Starks maybe has more freedom, Sirmon maybe doesn't have a body on him as fast, etc.
     
    #23 TitanJeff, Aug 21, 2006
  10. Vigsted

    Vigsted Starter

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    Did we watch the same game, Jeff? It's not like the Broncos were grindind it out against our defence. Below are their scoring drives in the 1st half:
    Code:
     9 plays, 53 yards, TOP 3:51
 4 plays, 44 yards, TOP 1:46
10 plays, 80 yards, TOP 6:44
 8 plays, 65 yards, TOP 2:37
    They used 14:58 and 31 plays to move 242 yards. If our defence physically wears down from that we're in more trouble than I'd like to think about...

    Ohh and in the 1st half we had 31 plays for 113 yards taking 13:52 off the clock. So I don't exactly understand Fisher's comment about lack of snaps, we only had 9 less than Bronco's for the entire game, 6 in the 1st half and 3 in the 2nd in comparison.
     
    #24 Vigsted, Aug 21, 2006
  13. Riverman

    Riverman That may be.... Tip Jar Donor

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    Schwartz is the defensive coordinator. The past 2 years and the Denver game has been some of the most "uncoordinated" defensive effort I've seen. Yes, Fisher is ultimately responsible, but I still contend with a stronger coordinator you will see a better defense. We'll see how long Fisher keeps "stamping approval" on this defense.

    The offense hasn't looked like that for 2 years now. I'm not worried about their performance. I think appropriate adjustments will be made. Our first team defense never stopped the Broncos, they didn't even come close. I don't buy into the argument they were on the field too long.

    I honestly think you were seeing veterans making rookie mistakes because they were desparately trying to stop these guys. The execution wasn't there but the effort appeared to be by these two. A occasional blitz would have helped shore things up.

    OK- well I want to see our 1st team hold its own against an average 1st team. Like I said, I'm expecting improvement- not status quo from last year. Anything short is a coaching/FO failure.

    At least you acknowledge you're stepping out :yes:

    Ultimately, yes. It is up to Fisher to make the distinction by whatever means he wants to be identified.
     
    #25 Riverman, Aug 21, 2006
  16. TitanJeff

    TitanJeff Kahuna Grande Staff

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    My comment wasn't specific to this game but in general. If the offense can't give the defense some rest, it has an impact. A poor offense has meant a short field for opponents and has hurt the defense. It's just a point to show it's a team sport.
     
    #26 TitanJeff, Aug 21, 2006
  19. Sukrillux

    Sukrillux Guest

    The difference between Fisher and Schwartz is that most of the players have respect for Fisher. I didn't see the huddle scene clearly the other night, but I know that I saw what looked like Chris Hope on his knee shaking his head while Schwartz was screaming his head off. I will be watching again for the rolling eyes, but I don't doubt that they were there. The one major thing that burns me up about the starting D is that they fell for a bootleg 5 times or more... a few times on the same drive. I was jumping up and down screaming at my TV during those plays. Isn't QB spy a basic defensive call? If that play has happened 3 times in a game and if I were a DC, I would be making a QB spy assignment quick. Put Bulluck or Sirmon on the QB spy duty... Thornton is great at breaking short passes up. "They fell for it again"..."and again"... that's all I could say. I am no defensive wizard, but even I know to adjust to repetitive plays. If Fisher gets canned at the end of this season, I hope he is so loyal to take Jimmy along to whatever team that hires him. I hope that don't happen, but the Titans need to get back to being feared.
     
    #27 Sukrillux, Aug 21, 2006
  22. Riverman

    Riverman That may be.... Tip Jar Donor

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    #28 Riverman, Aug 21, 2006
  25. dg1979us

    dg1979us Pro Bowler

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    It was the second preseason game. I dont think coaches have the same purpose and goals during preseason as they do during the regular season. The regular season you want to win, the preseason, especially the first few games, are to evaluate your talent on the field. I think you get more into the game planning aspects after cuts are made and you have your team more or less dwindled down to the team you are going into the season with. We certainly sucked, but the sky isnt falling after 2 preseason games, especially when your top DL and run stuffer wasnt even on the field. Not to mention Laboy didnt play, and Odom got hurt early, and plus Rien Long is out for the year. Our starters on the DL during this game was only half of who will be starters. I think it would be in our interest to try and find another veteran DL for depth purposes since Long is out, but I suspect that once Haynesworth, Starks, Laboy, and KVB are all out their together then the DL will improve quite a bit.
     
    #29 dg1979us, Aug 21, 2006
  28. Riverman

    Riverman That may be.... Tip Jar Donor

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    I hope to see an improved, cohesive and well-coordinated first team defense Saturday.
     
    #30 Riverman, Aug 21, 2006
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