I feel like we end up having to depend on our 3rd and 4th CB's every. single. season. Do we really have worse luck with this than other teams or does the stats show this is normal for everyone?
I don't know about stats, but I'd wager most teams have the same depth issues on the backline. Think about it, we've claimed three Shields in the last six years whereas the majority of teams have won zero trophies. The depth (and the salaries) have been improving year after year. A Connor Lade coming out of college today will probably never see first team soccer. The problem is that Lade sticks around until Nealis, Buckmaster, etc., are ready. I'm not a fan of the Nealis bashing. Unfortunately he's being forced into service when what he needs is an entire year with RBII. The FO did well picking up Tarek, but it's not enough.