There seems to be a narrative that our D isn't talented. I don't buy that. Payne and Allen are two very talented defensive tackles. Jamin Davis is very talented if raw (why he should be still raw after a full season and offseason under his belt is baffling to me), William Jackson was a very highly rated corner before he came here. Sweat is a very talented defensive end. Holcomb may not be a gamechanger, but he's not untalented. Forrest looks like he has talent (speed and power).
I mean I'm under know delusion that our talent rivals the 85 Bears, but I think this unit has plenty of talent to compete. Are they not because of fit? Because of scheme? Because of predictable and easily exploited play calling? Because of lack of hunger and hustle? Is it lack of discipline?
Regardless, this dodge that the D isn't talented rings false to me. If there are weaknesses that doesn't mean you can't play to your strengths. You shouldn't be so basic that every week you get your weak in space linebackers locked up on their best wide receiver. You should be able to clog running lanes against a third string offensive line. You should be making a QB fear for his life and play erratically if you have three first rounders against their third string line.