The real call for a back-up to start.

[Doc-phin]

Everyone is caught up on Pennington vs Henne.  And perhaps in a few weeks I would agree that it should be discussed at length.

For now, I believe a better cry out for change would be to request Clemons over Wilson.  This defense is flat out slow.  Clemons is flat out fast.  Speed isn't everything, but they are going to attack Wilson and Bell until they demonstrate that they can win there coverage matchups.  I would say it is time to put Clemons out there unless there is little doubt they will run the football.

I am not saying Clemons should go full time, but I am suggesting he should get more than 50% play time.  If Wilson blows another game in coverage this week, I would be disappointed if they don't at least try this.

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I also have some suggestions on how to fix our problems...

Defense: 

My recommendation would be to play a lot more Nickle against passing teams.  I would also recommend a heavy blend of zone alternated with man coverage outside (try not to give vanilla looks).  Occasionally blitz corners and rarely blitz linebackers.  Drop our line backers in zone (our linebackers seem to struggle in man), if our backfield allows the catch our linebackers should be close enough to make the tackle.  The idea is that this would result in longer drives for the opposing team and more opportunity for them to make a mistake.  Once we get into the red zone our defensive size should be an advantage instead of disadvantage.  In the red zone, we can run the same defense we have been running.

Offense:

Go back to Fasano.  He had a bad game, but it was uncharacteristic.  He was open in the second level regularly in both games.  Go to Haynos just to establish him as a threat for film against future defenses.  Nobody will respect him until we do.  Run a ton of playaction out of the double tight end set.  To create YAC, we will have to rely on WR blocking.  This means closer route running.  I figure this would take a few weeks to work on, so lets just hope our O-line can continue their recent success for a few more weeks.

If the offense returns to being anemic, strongly consider bringing in Henne after the bye and make sure you establish a deep threat even if you go three and out a for a while.

Criticism welcome.

[fyo]

I'll make one related observation (since most of your recommendations have little to do with backups getting playing time):

If you're going to use Pat White in the Wild Cat, ever, you need to establish him as a threat to do SOMETHING, ANYTHING other than handing off the ball. He's looked down-right scared out there (in addition to very, very slow), so maybe it's just too early, but if the intention is to play him, there's an acute need to establish him as a threat somehow.

Personally, I'd let him run the ball. Both on the direct snap and on the handoff from Ronnie. Maybe even have him in as a regular running back and throw it to him in the flat. Heck, maybe even have Ronnie throw it to him on a Wild Cat.

Bottom line: Having him hand off twice in the Colts game was a waste. I get that they were probably looking to see how the defense would react or that White probably thought he saw something. Rookies don't read defenses well, though, so I really think he needs to be established as a threat FIRST.

Or, just don't use him if he's not ready. The Wild Cat worked great without him.

However... and this will be my last Wild Cat thought for now... the ONE thing San Diego won't be expecting from the Wild Cat is a lot of Pat White. Might be a good way to surprise them.

[BigDaddyFin]

I'd play every backup we have at both inside linebacker spots and both safety positions.  I'd say look if you guys can't tackle, goodbye, I'm sure one of your understudies will.