How bad is our defense?

[Oakland Red]

Getting Shawn Springs back will make a huge difference for us, because we were not able to be ourselves - rushing the passer with such effectiveness, instead having to stay back and protect the corners. The defense has a hard time changing its approach and I think it takes some of the enthusiasm away from the players.

Carlos Rogers isn't developing as fast as I would have liked, but he clearly has extraordinary physical talent and I just think he isn't comfortable yet enough with the Williams defense to play up to his ability.

Obviously we needed to pay more attention to depth at corner. But not only is Springs out but so is Prioleau, leaving Archuleta in on passing downs in a defense he doesn't yet understand.

These problems really show up against a team with outstanding receivers like the Giants have.

Hopefully we will pull up to 3-3, our team will become all the more focused on being comfortable in the scheme, maybe through simplification like the Giants did, Springs will come back in a few weeks, and we will make another late run at the playoffs.

Next year will be our Super Bowl chance - this year it looks like the Bears will at least be the heavy favorites for the NFC.

Hope is on the way. Pray for Springs to heal fast!