[CTcard]

Missed tackles (too numerous to delineate), missed assignments (#2 on one of sc's TD run), lost in pass coverage (not 1but 2 receptions by Mitchell in back of end zone, almost same spot, with 2 Stanford DBs covering "each other"/ "open space" just a few yards away)

Understand we had no pass rush nor Front 7 run stops, but still...worried

My initial view is overrated, but in a different sense than you imply.

I think what is overrated is the value of a great secondary versus being great on either the line or the linebacking corps, particularly against a team built in the manner of $C (or us for that matter).

A strong line can control the game and dictate what the opposing offense can do. If a team cannot run, they have to pass sooner or later - particularly on third down. If a team cannot protect the QB, they have to throw quickly or lob it up, can't play action, etc.
A strong secondary simply cannot do that.

That calculus will change versus more spread teams, particularly teams that are going to throw a lot and throw quickly regardless of what is happening along the line. I hope we'll see more value from our secondary there.

[Though I also agree there was some poor secondary play vs $C, particularly in run support.]

[CTcard]

Missed tackles (too numerous to delineate), missed assignments (#2 on one of sc's TD run), lost in pass coverage (not 1but 2 receptions by Mitchell in back of end zone, almost same spot, with 2 Stanford DBs covering "each other"/ "open space" just a few yards away)

Understand we had no pass rush nor Front 7 run stops, but still...worried

My initial view is overrated, but in a different sense than you imply.

I think what is overrated is the value of a great secondary versus being great on either the line or the linebacking corps, particularly against a team built in the manner of $C (or us for that matter).

A strong line can control the game and dictate what the opposing offense can do. If a team cannot run, they have to pass sooner or later - particularly on third down. If a team cannot protect the QB, they have to throw quickly or lob it up, can't play action, etc.
A strong secondary simply cannot do that.

That calculus will change versus more spread teams, particularly teams that are going to throw a lot and throw quickly regardless of what is happening along the line. I hope we'll see more value from our secondary there.

[Though I also agree there was some poor secondary play vs $C, particularly in run support.]