Quote:
Originally Posted by Bucket
Well to be fair..The defense has been missing 4-5 starters all year long.
Merriweather
Jackson
Carriker
Orackpo
Cedric Griffin (Just got back today, and actually played really good)
Hard to tell how good this defense can be with all the pieces, or even half of those missing ones...
We do need a FS, and I wouldn't be surprised if we didn't address it in FA.
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I think we can give Haz a break for Orakpo and Carriker being out as they were legitimate starters and producers. But Merriweather, Jackson, and even C.Griffin were either backups or disappointments prior to signing here. They likely would have been better than what the team currently has, but probably not a lot.
Coaching is also about making adjustments depending on personnel or game situations. Realizing a player's strengthes and weaknesses, and then utilizing those positive assets while minimizing the negative ones. I think it is fair to say that Haslett has maximized the weaknesses in the secondary for other teams to freely exploit.
DaShon Goldson isn't leaving San Fran in my opinion, but Jarius Byrd will leave Buffalo for a reasonable price. He should be a high priority this off season. Several good cornerbacks will also be available.
In my opinion, the team should draft offense, and sign free agents for defense. Free agents usually give a faster rate of return, while draftees can be groomed along with RGlll for longer term planning and cohesion.