Everyone knows the O-line situation is worrisome. Ditto that Cousins, while a good QB, is not among the league's elite. Likewise that the kicking game has been a big "?" seemingly forever. But what the ever-loving #### is going on with this defense? Man for man, this is arguably the best in the NFL, at worst top 5. Since halftime of the Saints playoff game, the D has been terrible. Like 4-alarm dumpster fire terrible. Like they remind me of the 2013 defense that was one of the most pathetic Viking squads to ever suit up. They can't stop anything. They don't tackle. They commit stupid, drive-extending penalties. They let receivers run free wide open.
What the hell is going on? Has the rest of the league just figured out Zimmer's scheme? Are the players just not executing? Has Zimmer just lost "it?" I don't pretend to know the answers. I am heartened by the fact that this team under Zimmer seems to do this annually, losing an ugly early season game against an inferior opponent before righting the ship. Hoping that's the case here. But the way this team is playing, losing to the Rams by less than 14 would be a "victory." I have little hope of an actual victory.