In Scot we trust?

[metalskins]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

It depends how much you want to pin on coaching vs how much you want to put on McCloughan. On the defensive side, I saw us basically trot out all the same players but with Norman added. We can definitely put that on McCloughan - he didn't do enough. But Barry had basically the same talent from 2015 plus a very good CB, and yet the defense got so much worse. Our third down conversion rate was among the worst in league history.

I pin that on Barry.

McCloughan needs to come up with more defensive help, but Barry added no value this year. We could make improvements with a change at DC and be back in the playoffs. McCloughan can't rest on that, but Barry is the guy that deserves the most criticism.

I think McCloughan was hoping for a healthy Junior Galette, who could've been a difference maker. And of course, Cravens not getting hurt like he did. With those guys in addition to adding Norman, McCloughan probably felt the defense couldn't be any worse than it was a year ago. But then, Galette misses the entire season (again), Cravens misses time, and Norman is about the only upgrade of talent. It was one of those things where I think McCloughan kind of gambled on hoping he could do just enough for the defense this season so that the team had a legit shot at the playoffs again this year, and he would look into solidifying the defense next year.

Unfortunately, it didn't work out like that. Partly blame injuries to key guys, but I put most of the blame on Barry. I think he's gone (I hope so), but I think McCloughan has his work cut out for him on the defense this coming season.

[Schneed10]

Originally Posted by metalskins

I think McCloughan was hoping for a healthy Junior Galette, who could've been a difference maker. And of course, Cravens not getting hurt like he did. With those guys in addition to adding Norman, McCloughan probably felt the defense couldn't be any worse than it was a year ago. But then, Galette misses the entire season (again), Cravens misses time, and Norman is about the only upgrade of talent. It was one of those things where I think McCloughan kind of gambled on hoping he could do just enough for the defense this season so that the team had a legit shot at the playoffs again this year, and he would look into solidifying the defense next year.

Unfortunately, it didn't work out like that. Partly blame injuries to key guys, but I put most of the blame on Barry. I think he's gone (I hope so), but I think McCloughan has his work cut out for him on the defense this coming season.

Pretty much how I see it, too.