If you want to see a microcosm of the failure of this 2017 defense all you have to do is look at James Hearns decline or lack of improvement at the very least.
In 2016 his end of season stats were (12 games):
Unassisted Tackles - 31
Assisted Tackles - 12
Tackles for a Loss - 11
Unassisted Sacks - 7
Assisted Sacks - 2
Forced Fumble - 5
His 2017 stats through 9 games:
Unassisted Tackles - 19
Assisted Tackles - 11
Tackles for a Loss - 7.5
Unassisted Sacks - 3
Forced Fumble - 0
The past 5 to 6 games have not been pretty:
1 - sack in the past 6 games.
6 - unassisted tackles in the past 5 games.
3 - tackles for a loss in the past 6 games.
So has James Hearns regressed? Are the schemes not working to his strengths? Has he checked out on the season and coaching staff?
In 2016 his end of season stats were (12 games):
Unassisted Tackles - 31
Assisted Tackles - 12
Tackles for a Loss - 11
Unassisted Sacks - 7
Assisted Sacks - 2
Forced Fumble - 5
His 2017 stats through 9 games:
Unassisted Tackles - 19
Assisted Tackles - 11
Tackles for a Loss - 7.5
Unassisted Sacks - 3
Forced Fumble - 0
The past 5 to 6 games have not been pretty:
1 - sack in the past 6 games.
6 - unassisted tackles in the past 5 games.
3 - tackles for a loss in the past 6 games.
So has James Hearns regressed? Are the schemes not working to his strengths? Has he checked out on the season and coaching staff?
