We are not used to having an average or slightly above average D line. That is what we have now. They were thoroughly beat on both run stop and pass rush. Dont get me wrong, I am not saying these guys are bad players, they just arent at the same level weve been spoiled to expect.
We could also use another hard hitting safety.
But there is another thing we also arent used to. Despite getting run over on defense, the offense kept the team in it. Rising had a good game and he was under some pressure at different points. I never felt that a comeback was off the table until the fourth and goal miss. In previous years I would have given up far earlier.
The future with Rising is very bright. We have a totally different dynamic going on now. I am going to enjoy this season for what it is and pin my hopes on the next two seasons.