[Goose]

Different week, same story. Bend don't break defense means too many minutes on the field. In past successful years, our defense got off the field before the opponent crossed midfield a LOT more often.

True. Bend but don't break works only if the defense can reliably execute and the other team's offense makes mistakes. In past years, our defense could reliably execute. This year, it makes too many mistakes (mostly missed tackles) that leave us on the field. In fairness, in past years, our offense kept the other team's offense off the field. That gave our defense more time to rest and focus on NOT screwing up. Not this year.

[Goose]

Different week, same story. Bend don't break defense means too many minutes on the field. In past successful years, our defense got off the field before the opponent crossed midfield a LOT more often.

True. Bend but don't break works only if the defense can reliably execute and the other team's offense makes mistakes. In past years, our defense could reliably execute. This year, it makes too many mistakes (mostly missed tackles) that leave us on the field. In fairness, in past years, our offense kept the other team's offense off the field. That gave our defense more time to rest and focus on NOT screwing up. Not this year.