1. Bagent. He looked so good for a half. Then he looked like the rookie he is. 2. The overall defense (not just the DL) just isn't very good. Looks like this Eberflus D needs elite talent to be good - much like Lovie Smith's defense that it emulates. To get to that level of talent it would not leave much room for building an offense here in Chicago. It would be the Lovie Smith years all over again. 3. The OL blocked pretty well but would do the dumb penalty thing at the absolute worst times. No excuse to still be self-destructing the offense that way. It really put Bagent in some tough spots because it killed good plays and set the ball back - just a horrible burden on your QB.
I think it was a combination of all three factors.
Other. Combination of Bagent's rookie mistakes, no DL, too many penalties and a very good Saints Defense.
Edit: I'm adding Getsy into the mix too. The second half offense was horrible. A complete turn around from the first half. What is up with our half-time adjustments?
Regarding Sweat in this Saints game. Keep in mind that the guy has barely unpacked his suitcase here. He doesn't know the DL scheme yet. He really doesn't know much about his DL guys yet, on a unit that (like an OL) depends upon working as a closely choreographed unit on every single play. I'm surprised they even threw him out there like that, not knowing anything about anything regarding the play calls or the defense or the communications with the other DL guys. I think that is one hell of a testament to his talent ability that they could even try tossing him into that kind of situation - and I did watch him closely. He looked pretty damned good considering the situation. He played BOTH right and left DE for 40 snaps.
I really don't get the meatball fans on this. Meatballs, would have been pissed if the Bears missed out on this guy. Meatballs, still pissed when the Bears do sign him. I think some fans just like to complain and do the "Sky is Falling - Chicken Little" thing. My only complaint is that the offense could have used some love, but I think this Sweat signing frees up the draft a bit for the offense in the coming draft. It may mean that those 2 first round picks now go to the offense instead of one going for an edge guy (in a poor year for edge talent in the draft).
