I am baffled that some people think the defensive problems are from a lack of talent defensively.
He has four recent pro-bowl players, a few above average players, and a couple fringe players.
They spent this entire last draft on D, Hayward has turned into a heck of a gem, and Shields has emerged into an upper-tier DB.
I don't know what to tell you. They can't give you an all-pro at every position. Every team has role players. Play the injury angle if you'd like, but every anticipated opening day starter besides Bishop was out there tonight.
Yes, there is a difference between scheme and execution. I don't blame Shawn Slocum for Ross booting the ball in the 2nd quarter leading to a 49er TD. But when you've been completely embarrassed in your last 3 playoff losses defensively, I can't see how that isn't at least partially attributed to a combination of very poor game planning and preparation.