(12-06-2022, 11:48 PM)Jagulars Wrote: Worst defensive performance this season. I get it. Caldwell is under his first season as DC. There is still a lack of 3-4 more great starters to push this defense to be better. However, his several adjustments made to fix injury holes and late-game meltdowns which cost the team 3-5 wins have been painful to watch. He may not also really see what he has and utilize the players better. A few notes:
Travon Walker needs to be planted on the DL. Not standing. Period.
Might as well keep both your rookie LBs out there with Oluokun for the remaining games. They will both turn out to be great players in the right set up. Muma needed to be in the lineup earlier on on the season. After watching this game with the Lions, you can see how smart he is in reading the plays. He will make mistakes here and there as a rookie. But, I see a great LB in the NFL in him. Devin Lloyd had a great early start on the season and was exploited a bit later on. However, he should not be benched. He still needs to be out there. Even at OLB. Where I feel he will benefit the most with his ability. And he will still turn out to be a great LB as well.
Defense is currently 12th against the run I believe. I believe the team needs to get a few explosive pass rushers on the DL for next season. Quickly disrupt the QB's timing and collapsing the pocket. Defense is also near bottom in pass. Time to part ways with Griffin and Jenkins and get some better players.
You could see 4-5 new starters on defense in 2023.
Highly unlikely. You're going to see a new starter opposite of Campbell at CB1/CB2 for sure. Outside of that? Everybody else is on the roster for another year or two. Smoot, Key, Robertson-Harris & Griffin won't be back. Griffin was the only starter from that group. Jenkins should be back at safety with Cisco. Your LB core is pretty much set with a 1st and 3rd RD pick invested there plus Oluokon. Allen is on his 5th year with Walker now entering his 2nd year. Fatukasi and Hamilton will be back.
I think we'll be lucky to see 2 new starters on defense in 2023. CB and DT/DE being the most glaring and obvious needs at the moment. The back seven has been rough but so has the lack of pass rush and lack of an interior presence. Whatever top pick we land is more than likely going towards one of those two positions. Jalen Carter, Bryan Bresee, Keelee Ringo and Joey Porter Jr. Those are one of your likely picks in the top ten.
Baalke is going to have to make some upgrades on offense though. Cannot understate this enough. Even with Ridley onboard next year. You're looking at no TE's at the moment. Marvin Jones out. Potentially a need at RT/LT/LG. Just seems to me there will be more holes to fill offensively. TE and WR need to be on their radar entering day two of the draft and beyond.
"What do I know of cultured ways, the gilt, the craft and the lie? I, who was born in a naked land and bred in the open sky. The subtle tongue, the sophist guile, they fail when the broadswords sing; Rush in and die, dogs - I was a man before I was a king."