Yes, most of us thought we’d be 1-2. However, given how atrocious we were on offense the last 4 years, I doubt many of us thought it would have been the offense that was the reason we were competitive in these games.
Faulkner and the rest of the O staff (and players of course) should be applauded for a monumental turn around. King is a crucial piece who is elevating the whole team.
I think it’s fair for us to be angry about the defense while still applauding the efforts of the offense. We really could be 2-1 or 3-0 if our defense wasn’t playing poorly because of how much better the O has been than expected.
Agreed, for the most part. While let me be clear in emphasizing that I'm not apologizing for the defense (because the fundamentals have indeed been crummy), I do think there's something to be said about losing the 4 best players on that side of the field over the course of the offseason. We knew Charlie, Ace, and Keion were the strengths of the defense last year, but I don't think any of us realized just how important and difficult to replace they were. Additionally, Akelo Stone was voted captain after the spring game, and I imagine Zamari Walton would have garnered some votes for that honor as well. We lost both of them, along with Demetrius Knight, who likely would have gotten the start at LB.
All of which is to say, I think the biggest issue at hand may be the lost talent, and that we swung and missed at the transfer portal this offseason to replace the departing talent. Ultimately, it's Thacker's responsibility - but none of us should underestimate what a crummy hand you start with when you lose the level of talent we lost between last year and this fall. Here's hoping iron sharpens iron, and they continue to improve over the course of the season. If they don't, it's going to be a long couple of months.