No. Talent is lacking. And we need player leadership.
Granted there might be some talent issues. But if that is the case then our opponents are killing us in the development phase. We haven't been getting beat out for kids that play DB. Front seven is a different story. Leadership is character based and some of that is learned or is a by-product of the coaches.
Other teams have similar issues. Players graduate and there is attrition. But with the exception of 2011-'12, Auburn has the same damn chance every season to get it right as does every other team.
That we play inconsistently, sandbag or lie in wait to play harder for certain portions of a game is mind boggling. WTF does any of this have to do with getting lined up right and applying proper technique in coverage on a receiver, or tackling?
CEJ is hand picking larger corners with more reach and enough speed to handle the large receivers we face. But that doesn't excuse the failures NOW. A staff should do its best when challenged. Bill Oliver would tell you straight up that anybody can coach the best cover guys, the best leaders.
Auburn isn't alone in this search. Our opponents either succeed or fail in the same regards to these same issues. I just think we are failing when it keeps happening at this level-OUR LEVEL!
And our level contends for titles.
We shouldn't be stinking up the joint with shoddy play.