My analysis (opinion, really) of the defense follows. I am basing it on the assumptions the 3-3-5 and Heacock stay in place.
Defensive Line - I think we will be fine at DT. Orange and Hawk bring experience and talent, lots of talent in Dom's case. I also believe we will have talent to fill the DE spot. What we don't have, and I think necessary, is a dominant Rush End, one who demands double-teams and offensive scheming. Similar to this year, I believe, and dependent on which of the younger guys step up to bigger roles.
Linebacker - This should be a strong Unit, assuming everyone fully recovers from the unbelievable spate of injuries. Bacon, Willich, Brezina, McLaughlin, Ebel, Lovett, Sadowsky, Goodwin, etc. The issue I see is first speed. The speed of the unit is not good but perhaps the worst issue is instincts, or lack thereof. Maybe it was because thy were young. I hope so.
Corner Backs - If we can build depth around the gemstone of Williams, we will be fine. It seems to me CB takes the most talent, but perhaps is the least intricate of the defense positions. There are allegedly some talented young backs. We shall see.
Safety - It starts with Cooper and James. Surges, Patton and others have some experience. We ask a lot of safeties. Right now, more than i see next year's group being able to give.
The 3-3-5 was strong until the last two years. I don't know if it is personnel or the scheme being caught up to. Probably both. It is not the same versus the run. Can it be fixed? We will see.
Defensive Line - I think we will be fine at DT. Orange and Hawk bring experience and talent, lots of talent in Dom's case. I also believe we will have talent to fill the DE spot. What we don't have, and I think necessary, is a dominant Rush End, one who demands double-teams and offensive scheming. Similar to this year, I believe, and dependent on which of the younger guys step up to bigger roles.
Linebacker - This should be a strong Unit, assuming everyone fully recovers from the unbelievable spate of injuries. Bacon, Willich, Brezina, McLaughlin, Ebel, Lovett, Sadowsky, Goodwin, etc. The issue I see is first speed. The speed of the unit is not good but perhaps the worst issue is instincts, or lack thereof. Maybe it was because thy were young. I hope so.
Corner Backs - If we can build depth around the gemstone of Williams, we will be fine. It seems to me CB takes the most talent, but perhaps is the least intricate of the defense positions. There are allegedly some talented young backs. We shall see.
Safety - It starts with Cooper and James. Surges, Patton and others have some experience. We ask a lot of safeties. Right now, more than i see next year's group being able to give.
The 3-3-5 was strong until the last two years. I don't know if it is personnel or the scheme being caught up to. Probably both. It is not the same versus the run. Can it be fixed? We will see.
