QB or defense: what's the bigger problem?

[celts32]

Defense...not even close. Brunell is not a come form behind Qb and neither would Campbell be one as a rookie. The redskins were a team built on controlling the game on the ground and playing with a lead. This defense is AWFUL and the main problem with the team. The give up a TD on the opening drive every week it seems. AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL!!!!!!

[MTK]

If we put in Campbell and open up the offense a bit maybe we'll lose 36-28 instead of 36-22.

But if we put in Campbell and the offense opens up, AND the D somehow comes around, only then will we see a different team.

[Longtimefan]

I'm of the opinion the Defense is the biggst problem at this time and the unit that needs the most fixing. Let's face it guys our D line is not very good, plus the guys we count on the most are older, or always injured. Regardless of how good a player, if he can't be counted on to be there for you, he's not a lot of help. Would really like to see us start rebuilding both lines, offense and defense because that's where it all starts. If we could pressure other teams the way Brunell is pressured all the time maybe our secondary wouldn't look quite so bad.

[BDBohnzie]

Back in the day, when the Skins couldn't score, I believe it was said that the magic number on offense points per game was around 20. Score 20 points and you'll win most games. Our offense is currently putting up an average of 20 points a game. However, the defense is giving up 24. Throw out the Houston game, and the defense is giving up 26 points per game.

While Brunell isn't doing much (11th rated QB thus far), the defense couldn't stop a bug with a brick wall right now. The Skins defense is incompetent to say the least. They are 29th against the pass because of a depleted secondary that has 2 INTs. The linebackers have been inconsistent, and the defensive line has had many injuries and cannot get a consistent pass rush.

GW's theory about being able to plug anyone into his system has been deeply flawed this season. It's quite obvious that this isn't the case...either that, or these players just don't get it.

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

The defense is definately the bigger problem. That said, the offense has more tools to work with (see Portis, Moss, Cooley, ARE, Lloyd) than our defense (see injuries to Griffin, Springs, Marshall, Rogers) and should be outperforming our defense.

[Big C]

easily the defense is the bigger problem. brunell has been decent at least, whether u all will admit it or not, our defense just cant stop anyone, not even the titans or texans

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Originally Posted by Big C

easily the defense is the bigger problem. brunell has been decent at least, whether u all will admit it or not, our defense just cant stop anyone, not even the titans or texans

I agree that our defense is the bigger problem. As for Brunell, I could look decent if Gibbs asked me to hand the ball off or pretend to look deep and then throw it to a guy in the flats 3 yards behind the line of scrimmage.

[dmek25]

i really don't understand that philosophy at all. in Gibbs first go round, it was pounding the running game, and throwing long to the posse

[illdefined]

i love how they're just handing the ball off to our recievers now instead of throwing it to them. better taking the whole QB thing out of the equation.

[Paintrain]

QB because he can affect the defense. By consistently going 3 and out and/or not gaining the field position advantage the defense is being put in difficult positions or worn down late in games. Now they need to step up a little and perform but they also need the offense to carry it's weight. By getting turnovers it's a bonus to the offense if the defense makes a play but the offense HAS to help the defense.

[61cad]

Originally Posted by Paintrain

QB because he can affect the defense. By consistently going 3 and out and/or not gaining the field position advantage the defense is being put in difficult positions or worn down late in games. Now they need to step up a little and perform but they also need the offense to carry it's weight. By getting turnovers it's a bonus to the offense if the defense makes a play but the offense HAS to help the defense.

What does field position have to do with shutting down an opponent’s offense? Three an out can happen in between the Skins 49 and 40 yard line.

There hasn’t been that many opponents drive that started inside the Skins 40.

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

I posted this in another thread, but in the Colts, Giants, Cowboys, and Vikings games, the offense scored a total of 37 points! That's about 9 points per game!

BTW, the defense is worse.

[70Chip]

It's the defense. 22 points would have been enough to win most games in 04 or 05. They are a below average group, injuries notwithstanding.

[Paintrain]

Originally Posted by 61cad

What does field position have to do with shutting down an opponent’s offense? Three an out can happen in between the Skins 49 and 40 yard line.

There hasn’t been that many opponents drive that started inside the Skins 40.

Couldn't find a bigger or darker font? ;-)
Without absolving the defense of responsibility, there is a big difference in defending 80 yards than 45 yards. Drives don't have to start at our 40 but if you get the ball at the 20, gain 7 yards, punt and they start their possession at the 35-40 yard line that's a huge advantage vs. if you have to punt, punting from midfield or a little beyond, worse case they'll start at the 20.. Plus 3 and outs don't build any offensive rhythm and let their defense remain fresh while ours tires from being on the field all day.

[skinsguy]

Defense. I want to see Jason Campbell and see what he can do, but our biggest problem is defense.