Ok so I think the “ ran out of gas” argument deserves more merit when you look at our offensive drives. Even the FG was not a lengthy drive.
1. 3 plays punt 1:38
2. 3 plays punt 1:40
3. 5 plays punt 3:31
4. 6 plays punt 3:57
5. 9 plays FG 2:49
I also think it’s fair to judge the defense differently than the offense as they have no X factor like Lamar. No one expected this defense to be great. We all knew coming in there would be minimal pass rush and then on top of that lost an all pro CB
I felt the only reason we’re in a position for a come back was the defense. No argument they were terrible in the 2nd half but it certainly didn’t surprise me
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But they also didn't score a lot after those drives. Most of the scoring drives came at well rested points. Two of their TDs came on play #3 to start the game, and play #2 after halftime. Also accounted for like 1/3 of their total yardage. If anything, the argument is that rested vs not rested didn't matter to the defense last night.
I don't expect the defense to be great. It also doesn't require greatness to do better than what they showed last night, and against what has been a very limited offense. I would expect all 32 NFL defenses and about half of College DI programs to be able to execute fundamental tackles, which we didn't do last night. I'm not sure anybody can argue that's not a reasonable expectation.
Good, fundamental tackling is the baseline just to be average. Not to be great. Just to be average. The only legitimate "wins" for this defense is that they held their opponents to less points than their yardage output would probably expect, which was also attributable to a miss kicked and a great ST play by Campbell, and a couple individual great plays on defense.
And, in terms of defensive expectations, there's a good chunk of $ being spent on defensive lineman who got owned up front last night, and on the secondary in particular, who have not lived up to those marks last night or even all season.