NHPB: Strong But Slow DL & What Linebackers?

Here is my read on the Saints game:

Aside from Stinko which applies to everyone (save perhaps Aaron Kampman), this game exposed what a sham the defense is. Aside from turnovers, this defense has not stopped anyone. Being last in stats can be overstated, not here. It really does mean something. NFL requires both size and speed. The Packers lack the latter. The DL can be strong and stout without looking like overstuffed rag dolls. I'd comment on linebackers, but how can you comment on something that is not there!! They were invisible - how do you describe a slow ghost?

Special teams deserve some mention - not positive of course. Have the Packers not heard of a wedge on a kickoff return?

Speed also kills the offense - lining up a running back 10-12 yards behind the line of scrimmage and running a slow developing running play merely gives a quick defense time to shed blocks which are not sustained and allows linebackers time to react and fill the hole. The only sustained running is between the tackles on fairly quickly developing plays. But nobody can get to the second level to block, so it is no wonder that few runs go past 5 -7 yards. Grant lacks finish and goes out of bounds too easily. Wish that he had some of Driver's interest in getting extra yards - course he needs to stop fumbling if he is going to get hit.

Coaching - is there no such thing within the ranks as adjusting? It's the same pattern all the time with no innovation on either side of the ball. I am not sure if there is any scheme to any special teams play.

A special note of appreciation to the architect of this mess - the wonderful Mr. T who has not solved the O-line dilemma, and has left us with an overweight, slow, front seven who can't tackle. Defenders of this regime may say it was only one game. I think the game exposes the real issue that everyone who counts has overrated this team and made excuses for each failure. It is not a good team - it only appears that we are competitive due to being in the NFC north and the saving grace of turnovers.

Sincerely,

New Hampshire Packer Backer