I'm gonna say Outside Linebacker. Geno Hayes is pretty average and Laroy Reynolds and Dekota Watson are unproven. Watson has been backup most of time in Tampa despite a weak Bucs lb core outside of Lavonte David. I'm intrigued by Telvin Smith but I expect him to be used mainly on 3rd down this yr because he needs a full offseason next yr to bulk up.
Struggling through the dead zone so I spent a little bit to get PFF stats. Overall numbers for our DB's.
Safety Cornerback
Evans -10.9 Ball +7.5
Guy -6.9 Blackmon +7.2
Cyprien -17.5 (bad early, better later) Gratz +3.3
Prosinski -.04(Spec Teams, few safety snaps) M. Harris +1.1
Not a single safety in positive numbers, not a single cornerback in negative numbers. If you only consider PFF stats then FS is the weakest area now that the offensive line has been upgraded.
Other.
Until we have a dominant pass rusher that is proven, that's the biggest defensive need.
how many of these threads are we going to get
FS
FS is high but defensve end is a bigger need. Until proven we have a consistent pass rush we need pass rushers. Here is hoping clemons and branch can turn it on.
Center position is a concern
Every level of play will improve tremendously with a better pass rush. Part of Seattle's Legion of Boom is the absolute sick play of their d line. This isnt to take anything away from the LoB but when you can get tons of pressure with your front four, everyone's life is easier. So, in a nut shell, my answer is "Other," for DE
Areas of the concerned will be determined by individual performances within the 2014 season. The acquired, more experienced players surely could squash any "Areas of Concern", concerns...
Time Will Tell...
NH3...
Defense lacks speed and length.
Quote:Struggling through the dead zone so I spent a little bit to get PFF stats. Overall numbers for our DB's.
Safety Cornerback
Evans -10.9 Ball +7.5
Guy -6.9 Blackmon +7.2
Cyprien -17.5 (bad early, better later) Gratz +3.3
Prosinski -.04(Spec Teams, few safety snaps) M. Harris +1.1
Not a single safety in positive numbers, not a single cornerback in negative numbers. If you only consider PFF stats then FS is the weakest area now that the offensive line has been upgraded.
I would have to agree. The Jaguars let a lot short catches turn into TD's. Ineffective safety play means an average QB can pick your team apart by simply playing keep away.
It's hard to blame the DE's for not producing sacks when the opposing WR's are open after 2 seconds, and if they catch it, they normally pick up the 1st down on 3rd and long or just flat out score by running to where the FS should be.
Any position Andre Branch fills.
Quote:QB
A GOOD OFFENSE IS THE BEST DEFENSE...
Quote:Other.
Until we have a dominant pass rusher that is proven, that's the biggest defensive need.
I don't understand how pass rusher wouldn't be on the list of defensive needs.
This is a defense that gets blocked. Opposing QBs feel nice and safe in the pocket against us. That has to stop.
Passrush and LB. Once the front 7 gets better the safety position will get better also.
I am going under the assumption that Clemons and an improved Branch plus the rookie Chris Smith will alleviate our pass rush needs, so I voted free safety.
Quote:Other.
Until we have a dominant pass rusher that is proven, that's the biggest defensive need.
Clemons is pretty proven.
Quote:I don't understand how pass rusher wouldn't be on the list of defensive needs.
This is a defense that gets blocked. Opposing QBs feel nice and safe in the pocket against us. That has to stop.
That was Then...
This is Now...
NH3...
Throught the off season our D has been geared up to "Rush the Passer", to say the least. We must implement that Wait and See scenario to determine just how improved the pass rush will be.
Or Not Be...
NH3...
Our coaching staff must like who we have at DE because they released Babin before camp even started. I got a feeling several have showed consistent work.
Clemons is the real deal!