categories...considering that the bar for the defense was higher (based on previous rank) than the offense, they fell just as far.
Blame it on the offense all you want, but people who refuse to hold the defense accountable are wearing blinders.
Did the O suck? Absolutely. Did the D suck just as bad? IF you are objective, they did.
If the OC deserved firing, so did the DC.
Playing favorites (as a HC) with your buddies (who sucked just as bad) does nothing to assuage fears of people who watch the team without an ax to grind.