Quote:I get that.

 

I get that our defense wasn't too bad last year and actually seemed to pressure QBs decently. 

 

I get that a rookie typically isn't supposed to be a world beater out of the gate.

 

I get that the team would likely improve beyond the first overall pick without Fowler.

 

I just don't want to exaggerate Fowler's potential impact prior to the injury-positively or negatively.

 

The impact of Fowler's injury on the pass rush is going to be significant, but even without him last year using a rotation of guys who don't have his draft pedigree, we managed to register top 10 numbers for sacks.  There was QB pressure there.  He was going to be a difference maker for the defense in improving upon those figures, but at the end of the day, his injury, at a position where we have quality depth, is only going to impact the stat line and not have nearly the impact on the wins and losses.  The defense is still going to be improved, as will the rest of the team as long as we keep #5 healthy, and he has adequate weapons to do his job. 

 

Fowler's loss sucks, but it's not the end of anything for this team this year. 

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