First our top payed players Tuitt and Heyward can't combine for one tackle. That was unthinkable going into this game. The DL has to be disruptive, and they were stonewalled by a 3rd string O line.
I really wanted Mitchell to make plays, he just doesn't. He sits back and is still 10 yards deeper than the deepest player catching a 25yd-35yd pass. Come up and make a play!
Sean Davis is boom or bust, but at least he booms. He led the team in tackles with 12. Sure he missed some tackles, and had coverage errors, but he also defended passes and made some big tackles around the LOS. I think he's got to adjust his game by figuring out how to play without Shazier in front of him. That will be tough on anyone.
Haden coming back will fix a lot of coverage issues with WRs. Burns will improve, and the Safeties will look better. I still think he's a week away from practicing, but I wouldn't mind being wrong here.
You guys also have to realize, we are missing our #1 and #2 ILB. Matakevich would be a big boost to this D. Instead we're playing our 3rd ILB Fort, a 4th ILB Moats, who is playing out of position, and a 5th ILB Spence who was a street FA who hasn't played in 13 weeks. If you don't have talent in the middle, don't expect results.
I'd like to put Watt in the middle, but with his effort on the edge, I'm now apprehensive about that thought. He has a limitless motor, and is crashing through the "rookie wall". You will never see Watt or JuJu hit it, because they are too well conditioned, and never take a play off. Great to watch.
Finally, I'm all for putting Harrison on the field in pass rush situations. Flip Watt and remove Bud. Couldn't hurt. But really this D starts with the DL and we have 2 players who should be playing up to their All pro contracts, and just aren't.