What’s wrong with the Thunder?

John Bassetti \ Thunder Insider

I think I’ve finally nailed it! — the answer to the question being asked on every street corner: What’s wrong with the Thunder?

Problem is, there are a plethora of problems.

Defensive backs coach Nick Ward has an answer, but is the solution achievable?

“If you’re 1-6 and being scored on as much as we’ve been scored on, then it’s a problem and the only way to fix it is to bring in new players,” said Ward. “It’s the same as the corporate world or any other job: you’re given a chance until you prove you’re not capable of doing it. That’s what free agents are for.”

For one, the defensive backs are being picked upon because they’re being picked apart.

Opponents have scored 43 touchdowns via pass to the Thunder’s 26.

Opponents have passed for 2045 yards to Mahoning Valley’s 1390 and opponents have averaged 292.1 yards passing per game to the Thunder’s 198.6.

Conversely, the burden could be put on the offense’s shoulders.

Mahoning Valley has thrown 11 interceptions to the opponents’ five and has lost 13 of 18 fumbles compared to six of 13 for opponents.

What if quality players aren’t out there or won’t play for the pay?

“If you’re giving up 70 points, but scoring 81, then there wouldn’t be much of a problem, would there?” Ward said.

This guy makes too much sense.

In the meantime, the Thunder will give its best shot and attempt to correct its course.

To that end, Ward is trying to do his part.

“As far as fixing it, we go over every angle possible,” the coach said of habits on the field, habits off the field and practicing plays.

Aside from signing new talent, there might be another answer.

“The million-dollar question is: ‘How do you get 23 guys in af2 synchronized?’ How do you get them disciplined not to make errors?’ If you could answer that, then you’d probably be Bill Belichick or Tony Dungy or somebody that’s winning championships.”

He said it’s really no specific problem.

“When you’re losing, regardless of the sport, there’s no panacea. It’s a number of things: you could bring in more players, you pick up the practice habits, you discipline [drill not to error] the players a little more. There’s no real way to fix it. There’s not a specific thing we can do, especially when you’re 1-6.”

If Ward could put himself in the game, he would.

A big part of getting burned on a play is mental, he said.

“Like I said, the million-dollar question is how do you get four DBs to play on the same page and be disciplined at the time — to not get the pass interference calls and, when we have our hands on a thrown pass, to catch it and make the interception.

“I think two weeks ago we had one go right through our hands. So, if there was an answer, we would have turned things around weeks ago.”

In defense of his players, Ward is quick to point out the quality of af2 competition through seven games.

“I think we have one of the toughest schedules in the league. Most teams start off the season playing the weaker teams, then they get stronger. Our first seven games included only one team that didn’t have a winning record: Albany. It’s hard when you’re facing the best right away [Tulsa twice, Wilkes-Barre twice], especially with a brand new team and, after a couple games, a brand new coach.”

Now, back to square one.

If suitable replacements can’t be found, what then?

bassetti@vindy.com