I think the biggest thing with JCM was the fumbles, not his ability as a runner. He fumbled in back to back games (Chargers / Bears), and his running appeared to lean more toward the 'timid' side of things. He wasn't hitting holes as quickly and explosively, like he was thinking more about 'not fumbling' than he was about cut backs and open running lanes. He then got 'benched' and when he worked his way back, it appeared the spark was there... and against the Giants he fumbled again. Yesterday he once again looked like he did earlier in the year, hitting holes, anticipating cut backs, driving through tackles, and running angry. We all know its in there, its all going to be dependent on his ability to hold on to the football.
As far as the nonsense with the pass rush, I don't think anyone believes were setting our secondary up schematically to be the most successful. We have individuals that have made plays this year.. but I also think it can be mentioned how quickly a good pass rush can change the dynamics of the pass game... Dak had multiple errant throws yesterday after we had gotten to him... he was vacating the pocket to the right which largely hinders the ability to throw across to the other half of the field... He had a couple times where he was throwing worm burners and behind guys. It was effected... not neutralized, but effected, and Dak is an MVP candidate (yuck, it tastes terrible saying that).
Yes a schematic change on the back end looks like it needs to happen, but largely a lack of pass rush, especially off the Edge isn't doing the secondary any favors. Again, it's not just about the sacks, it's about moving Dak off his platform so he can't hit Turpin 40 yards down field.
Here's the big TD... A couple things I notice... there isn't a DT on the field. That's Jacob Martin next to Frankie Luvu on the interior... that's really weird to me
The ball is snapped at the :03 mark on the video... 4 seconds later, Dak launches it down field with absolutely zero pressure. If you've got a difference maker at Pass Rush on that play and you don't give up an 86 yard touchdown.... how much different are things instead of going down 21-3 you instead are getting the ball with 7:08-ish to go before half time, likely with good field position and down 14-3. Of course you could argue that the Secondary shouldn't have let Turpin behind them, they're not absolved, but plays like that show how much different a premium pass rush can effect all levels of the defense.
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