Part of the misery which was derived from this game comes from the opponent. This is not the Detroit team of 0-16 and top-5-pick infamy but learning that lesson was painful.
Part of that stems from the fact that the defense showed little to no willingness to adjust (learn) in covering their wide receivers. They were wide open seemingly at-will and got first downs at about the same rate.
Not having Harrison Smith back factored into that
Cam Dantzler being on the field for the first time in more than a month also contributed
But it was the latest (and worst) example of what's been visible all season. The scheme plays soft and good quarterbacks can pick it apart when they aren't pressured consistently, which Goff was not today - zero sacks.
They've been opportunistic often this season which goes to the credit of the scheme but interceptions can't be assumed and today showed that when they don't get those the defense is clearly the weakness of the team.
Even without the starting center or left tackle Swaggy C had another good game and got Justin Jefferson to one of the best that the franchise has yet had, with his 22nd 100-yard receiving game (third most ever), fifth game of at least 170 yards & then setting the franchise record at 223 yards. He won't get MVP but he's keeping himself in the conversation for votes at a position that never gets that sort of recognition.
His veteran running-mate also added to his ring of honor credentials with his 55th career score!
It's a few bright-spots for an otherwise dreadful performance. If the plan had not already been to go for as many points as possible every week then today should be the last straw in making that the M.O. going forward.
Hopefully the first year head coach puts it into practice and begins to ponder how to better the team beyond this season.
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