Do you still believe Zimmer has an Elite D?

[purplefaithful]

Players?
Scheme?
In-Game coaching?

I remember this D in 15/16...And now? Maybe their still top 5 in key statistics? I'd be surprised if that were the case.

[Guest]

They are definitely starting age.  Time to start looking for replacements, especially for Harrison.  They have infused some young CB's and DL's.  Not as elite as they were, slower for sure.

[Guest]

I guess I don't know what an elite D is anymore. I think its extremely difficult to have your defense be a consistently dominating unit in today's NFL. Minnesota has only allowed 158 points and has a net point differential of 76 (only the Patriots and 49ers are better). Yet the Vikings have lost 3 games and the 49ers and Patriots have only lost 1 between them. 

[Guest]

Nope, but I do think they're pretty good, but not SB Champion good.  Same with the offense.  Going into the season I thought this was an 8-8 team.  Now I think 9-7 or 10-6.  Better than last season, but there are plenty of better teams out there.
The interior DL still doesn't get the push other great Ds can get (like the Bears last season, and Eagles the season before).  That can disrupt both running and passing plays, and frees up LBs.
I'm sure if Zim had players on the DL that could do that, he could do wonders with his schemes.
Same with the OL.  They're improved from last season, but far from being dominent. 

This entire team is good, but it has weaknesses too.

[Guest]

Zimmers unit peaked in 2017, same as Zimmer. 

[Guest]

He no longer has a shut down corner, which appears to be a luxury in the NFL. So he can't play much man press coverage and pressure. They say his zone defense is good, but it sure seems to allow a lot of catches.

The line doesn't get consistent pressure when rushing 4 and they mostly play on the wrong side of the line of scrimmage against the run.

The defensive scheme seems less aggressive and lacks innovation. Their numbers aren't bad so I like to think they can improve. But maybe the personnel is overrated since they have been spending their draft capital on the offense lately.

They are good but not elite. They can beat average teams but struggle against the best teams, and rarely dominate like they used to.

[Guest]

What really showcased the defense was they could put Rhodes out on an island with the opposition's best receiver and took him out of the game.  This also allowed a lot more blitzing, shutting the offense down.  Today, Rhodes gives up too many receptions and too many yards.  So now, they probably push one of the safeties to Rhodes' side to play over the top  to prevent a receiver taking it to the house. 

[Guest]

Da Bears "had" an elite D.  They aren't so much anymore either. 

[Guest]

2nd level maybe/yes,  but no I dont think they are elite,  but I dont know who is and by what metric is the best way to determine elite.

I know that a lot of talking heads rank them by yards allowed.... most fans look at points allowed... however I think time of possession is a big one as well,  now granted our offense has a lot to do with TOP as well as the defense,  but IMO our D is not getting off the field at an elite level.  they are ranked 12th in 3rd down % allowed and 14th in 4th down % converted... those are not elite rankings.  they are also 11th in penalty yards surrendered.  point being,  the money thrown at our defense they should be setting the O up by getting off the field before the opposition can flip the field position.  Our D is giving up on average over 31 yards per drive this season with ranks them 15th.  They are 20th in plays allowed per drive and 19th in time of possession per drive.

[Guest]

Our corners are not playing well. Allowing way too big plays. Waynes is always in good position but can't locate the ball and Rhodes is slow. Better develope Hughes and Hill in a hurry.