What unit do you think needs the most work on defense? Here are my completely randome thoughts on this. I apologize for jumping around, its really how I think. Consider the following stats: 23rd overall defense -- 342 ypg 32nd run D -- 153.5 ypg 4th pass D -- 188 ypg 30th pts/g -- 27.3 points T 23rd INTs -- 14 ints 24th sacks -- 30 sacks 31st in 3rd downs made -- 98 for a 47.1% success rate Obviously we need to stop the run. It is my opinion that our pass D is inflated because teams found it so easy to run on us. Had we not had injuries to YB, and ZT and Holliday, I think our run D would have at least been middle of the pack. Our first priority this offseason has to be a big run stopper or two; ala Daryl Gardner/TimBO In '06 our leading tacklers by position went: LB, LB, S, S, DL, DL, CB That tells me that not alot of players are getting to the second level on us (assuming that the LB and Safeties are doing their share stopping the run). Whereas this year, our leading tacklers by position goes: LB, LB, LB, S, CB, CB, DL Lots of second level there. The very next position should be CB. When we begin to stop the run, they are going to pass like crazy on us, and we need a guy to intercept some balls. The problem I have with this is the potential for us to loose alot of LB before the draft. We need to continue to add depth at LB. What do you think our needs are? I guess I rate them in this order DL, CB, LB, S ( insurance)
OLB - assuming the shift to the 3-4 is completed and JT is gone. Otherwise DL first, primarily DT/NT. CB S
We need most of the positions. NT, LB, safety & CB. It seems we have issues with our safeties & corners every year...
If you want success your foundation has to begin with the line; regardless. A strong, consistent pass rush will make mediocre DBs look good.
