Maybe that's the problem

Since Saturday night I've been racking my brain trying to figure out how the hell it's possible that this year's defense could possibly look as bad as it has even though it returned almost all of the key components of last year's squad, which was one of the better defenses in the conference. Throughout the non-conference schedule I believed the unit would turn it around by the time Big 12 play started. It showed signs of life against Okie St. but after the Austin Massacre I think everyone can agree there are serious issues with this defense that have to be addressed.

I just couldn't figure out who to blame. I wanted to point the finger at Eberflus and I do think he does deserve to take some heat. I said after Illinois that Willy Mo's blitzes were completely transparent and that hasn't changed a bit. But it's not logical think 'Flus all of a sudden forgot what he was doing. So I was left baffled.

But then I read this response by Dave Matter on his blog when someone asked him if he thought Mizzou needed a new defensive coordinator:

I've never played a down for Matt Eberflus, but I thought he did a great job with this defense last year. I don't think he's suddenly a lesser coach a year later. One of his senior starters told me on Monday that the difference between last year's defense and this year's is that many of the regulars were young and first-time starters and were out to prove themselves a year ago. This year, the player said, they've found a comfort zone. And he didn't mean that as a compliment. (Check out Tuesday's Tribune for more on that topic.)

If that's the case then a lot of players on this team pulled a Major League II. You know, historically crappy team rises from the ashes to the top of their respective sport before falling just short of their ultimate goal (the Indians didn't win the Series in the original, remember that) and came back the next season with lofty preseason expectations, which nearly led to their undoing. 

The sequel to that movie ended up not nearly as good as the first. I mean, you can't expect to be able replace Jeremy Maclin with Omar Epps and no one know the difference...wait a sec, I think I got something switched around.

But back to the original subject, I might be more pissed off at the defense than any other part of this team right now. We knew the O-line had question marks, but remember all the talk about how this defense could end up being as good or at least comparably to the offense? Remember all the talk through the non-conference schedule that they were getting sick of hearing all the criticism? Well, here's an idea, and I want Carl Gettis, Castine Bridges, Justin Garret, Tommy Chavis, Ziggy Hood and company to listen up (I think those are the guys I've been most frustrated with), SHOW UP. 

I'll be looking forward to tomorrow's Tribune to read more about this.