Week 3: Detroit Lions(1-1) at Washington Redskins(0-2)

[ProfessaPackMan]

Of course it's had an effect.

I don't agree it's had as HUGE of an effect as you think, especially considering we've seen teams manage to improve their teams without either spending THAT much or via other methods.

[wwharton]

I think a big thing to consider IS that they were such a good running team last year, which keeps a defense fresh and the other team's offense off the field. The D was also more opportunistic last year. They'd give up some big games but make big plays of their own (actually, I may have to take that back since they do have 2 pick 6's already this year). Another big thing not mentioned is how insanely efficient, accurate and lucky RG3 was last year. He rarely turned the ball over and did a ton of damage on just a handful of plays. The turnovers by him (and Morris in week 1) have added to the issue as well.

All of that, of course, hides real issues with the defense though. On paper they should be much better than last year, with lots of big parts coming back healthy. They've started with bad match ups too with 3 projected high power offenses. But yeah, the D is appearing legendarily bad. I still don't see it maintaining this level of garbage play, but don't see how they shake the underachiever label for the entire season.

[TracerBullet]

I wish I saw this before the game, but still hilarious.