I don't know why, but whenever we talk about our D not being what it was in 2010, I go to the loss of Cullen Jenkins, and the adverse effect on our secondary, forgetting we also lost the best Safety in the NFL (IMO) at the peak of his career, Nick Collins.

Both were huge losses. No real contributors added in 2011. 6 rookies added 2012, with top pick Perry lost for the season early. No FA acquisitions of note on D. No trades for veteran, experienced players. And Capers did see the overall performance of his D improve in a number of areas, some significantly.

To me, our deficiencies on D may have more to do with an inadequate talent infusion, and an offense that didn't chew up enough clock. That's Ted and Mike.

Look at our rushing totals in every loss vs. that of our opponents. TOP can be huge in both saving your D, and in giving your opponent fewer scoring opportunities.

Capers does bear responsibility for not having his players ready for the read option, and an awesome talent in Kaepernick, that many of us fans knew could be big trouble. This in no way should have been any kind of surprise to him.