I actually disagree with both these statements. Yes, Rzeszow has not excelled so far this year in the Polish league but a loss by a German team in Poland is not a sensational result. Without Lee and Künzler, Stuttgart just isn't as strong as last year, that's not news, we knew that before yesterday's game.
Yes, you are right! The Stuttgart squad has lost quality. You cannot replace Künzler and Lee with Knollema and Hart. Marie Schölzel is also clearly missing. You have to see that realistically.
And Rivers has to play great in games like this. Not just okay or good.