(08-02-2018, 09:15 PM)imtheblkranger Wrote: (08-02-2018, 09:03 PM)EricC85 Wrote: Yea I get that, but lets not forget last year's schedule was powder puff league compared to this year. We're going to need a lot more offense to get there this year.
Not really though. We faced a lot of the best pass defenses last year. I don't think it's going to be quite as hard as you expect. Honestly look at the schedule, there aren't many tough defenses on there.
Philly
Pitt
Maybe Houston
Maybe Buffalo
Maybe Tennessee
That's really it for good defenses we play. And 4 of those teams we played last year.
I would add Houston as a definite. They have made some good moves in the secondary this offseason. They added Colvin, who knows our offense. They added Honey Badger, who is slowed by knee injuries but is still a savvy vet capable of making a good play. They drafted Reid in the 3rd round-a good S prospect. Finally they moved Kareem Jackson to S-I think that was a very good move. While I don't think Watt will ever return to his heyday of 20 sacks a season, even if he is just an average guy from here on out, Clowney and Mercilus are still good pass rushers, and with Crennell running the defense, I think they will be better than they were from a coaching perspective with Vrabel.
I would add Buffalo into the definite category. I would say Tredavious White is the second best young CB in the AFC behind Ramsey. To me, he was a big part of why we only scored 10 in the playoff game. I think Edmunds has the size and speed to be special in McDermott's schemes (remember, he coached Kuechly at one point). My only questions regarding Buffalo's defense are what are they going to do for an outside pass rush (I know they signed Murphy, but I don't see him as a dominant pass rusher.) and will they get enough support from their offense?
Tennessee always gives us problems for whatever reason. For them, I would add to the definite category, but they have the same pass rush question mark as Buffalo. We'll see what Landry brings to the table for them.
From a talent perspective, I would not consider New England. However, Belichick has long been a defensive genius and has formulated game plans that shut down Montana and Manning at their peaks. From a talent perspective, I would consider the Giants more of a threat. I think it's good for us they are transitioning to a 3-4 scheme and we play them early on, so they still may not fully grasp it until later on.
But because our guys are more experienced now, both in the scheme and in terms of reading coverages, etc., and with the improvement that Norwell is going to bring to the OL, I think we are better equipped to handle a tougher array of defenses.
(08-02-2018, 09:58 PM)The_Franchise_QB Wrote: Most excited: The Dareus effect! He is a former all pro... he now gets the entire offseason to learn and prepare with the team. The entire defensive line may make the pro bowl. If Dareus plays at a pro bowl level it'll take this defense from great to an all time great health permitting... the thought of having an all time great defense has me EXCITED!!!
Most disappointed: Hard to be disappointed so early in TC. I'd say the absence of Moncrief is disappointing. Also the absence of Niles Paul. Who's TE#2? I am sure Marrone wants to use 2 TE sets a lot, nobody seems to be standing out. That's sort of nit picking though I'll wait till preseason to be disappointed.
Most concerned: Punter. Is Cooke legit? Field position is huge. We will find out in preseason.
I've been hearing on the radio they've been using Niles Paul quite a bit in the passing game.
I admit I did not notice him when I was out there, but I wasn't exactly looking for him either.
Worst to 1st. Curse Reversed!
