[BFritz]

BFritz, I didn't get to see the game last night. What happened early on with the defense? I know Carson fumbled and pretty much gave the Saints a gimme TD, but what about the rest of the time? I know some players had to have looked bad, where did you see the biggest problems?

Sorry so many questions, it just seems from the way the game unfolded that we were never in it. Very disappointing.

Brooks is still getting used to having control of the defense, but he's getting used to it, and once he does that, the physical aspect of the game will follow and he'll start making big plays to stop the offense.

The secondary looked rough, but take into account that we didn't play Joseph, and O'Neal looked to be limping a bit. Hall already made an athletic play Saturday that you woouldn't have seen in the past few years, which gives you confidence that the secondary will be tough with Joseph and Hall starting on opposite corners.

Pass rush was also a big hole: we didn't get any pressure on the QB, and any pro quarterback will pick any team apart if he has all day to sit back and throw.

The score doesn't tell much of the game because the Saints scored some after the starters were pulled, but here's the answer to your question: take out my second paragraph, because that's not a problem; the secondary will be full-go in season, but it's just Brooks getting his physical abilities parallel with his abilities to run the team, and the other linebackers will hopefully step-up as well when he is in full-effect, and the defensive line needs to help stop the run better while also getting a solid pash rush.

Then the offense's problem's just timing, which will come.