This is more or less what the problems have been: we are losing the battle up front. Particularly, on defense. Last year, the pressure came from Ware/Ellis and nothing else. A lot of collapsing the pocket from the outside, with little to no push inside (except at NT from Ratliff). This year, Ellis has fallen off. So its been basically Ratliff/Ware... or nothing. Spencer was supposed to help, but he missed a couple of games to start the season with an injury. Good news is, he is back. Or rather, has been, for a couple of games. Spencer gives us more athleticism on the field too. Anyone else cringe when Ellis had that rb in coverage and almost give up a TD? Basically put, we need to either get a stout NT (and move Ratliff to end) or get an end who can provide occasional push for a 3-4 DE. Because that is not happening. Its ok when Spears/Canty are run stuffing and getting occasional pressure; but the run defense has been hit or miss at times. When its there, I can live with mediocre pressure from them. When its not; you better be at least pressuring QBs. They aren't.
