For me while Tigers have brought in replacements to solve problems, they haven't been the biggest issues. Without Genge for me the front 5 is the problem, not the back 3. 2 props signed, Ma'afu, who while experienced is now 33 and so not a complete replacement for Genge at all, Feao, who according to BBC was capped in the summer and most notable former club is Narbonne. Then there is also the ex-Bristol hooker McMillan, who was released by Bristol in the summer. None of these inspire massive confidence and if anything highlight that Leicester didn't sort out replacements for those who left properly and got desperate at the end of the summer. Line out is still a major issue. Based on ESPN stats, 55% success yesterday, which is just atrocious. One of Tom Young's throws nearly went over the Exeter line at one point. 100% scrums is one saving grace.
Then there was the tackling 73% tackle success with 42 tackles missed and 19 clean break by Exeter. The defensive line was all over the place with players not knowing what the person next to them was doing at times, especially Toomua and Tuilagi. The biggest problem though is Leicesters scramble defense. I feel as soon as a team makes a break the other team is going to score.
One way to counter this is to outscore the other team, but I honestly don't see where this is going to come from. Only 2 clean break and 7 offloads all game. But the biggest issue was just watching the attack. It's so one dimensional. Youngs picks the ball up and has 1, maybe 2 players if he's lucky to pass to, so the defence know who target. Often that player is a forward who just runs into the defence usually with a player behind them to try and make ground. This tactic does work, but not when the defence can see it coming and can double up to defend it. It works when the defence aren't sure who will take the ball and 1 player can be targeted. Tuilagi barely used for his strengths which is to punch holes. No disguises or feints to keep the defence guessing. Yes doing the basics can be a viable tactic, but only if you do it well and Leicester aren't doing that.
The worst thing is that all of these issues where there last year and don't look like they've been addressed at all and I don't see them being addressed.