The good news is the pass rush was only temporarily absent. You don't get the same team every week. A road game after a road victory is a negative situational scenario, almost guaranteeing less ferocity than if we've lost to the Browns. I mentioned last week that it would be very difficult for the defense to maintain intensity level. Too many posters were ignoring the situational deficit and projecting multiple sacks and dominance from Wake and everyone else, based on how the Colts offensive line struggled against the Raiders. The talent level in the pros is tight enough for situational factors to counter apparent gaps in ability.
This week in a home opener the defense will be incredibly energized to begin the game. Now, Ryan and Co. are talented enough to slip some plays beyond us, even if we are playing at max effort. But you'll see Wake more similar to week one, and so forth.
It's the reason I like to bet first halves. I can project the intensity level to open the game but how long it will last is the wild card. Like that game hosting the Saints a few years ago when they were unbeaten. Many situational factors favored the Dolphins but the Saints managed to persevere and overcome them late, thanks to some breaks.
I still don't understand the rush to sign Reshad Jones to that extension. Even though we are 2-0, his value is no higher if not somewhat lower. And that's the way it figured to go, given our schedule. There was no reason not to sample the first 5 or 6 games against all the premier quarterbacks before approaching that contract issue. Poor poker playing instincts by Ireland.
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