Having seen the entire offseason and preseason play out the way it has, I am left with the opinion that this is the best, most athletic and talented defense we have fielded in quite some time.  As I tried to put this in perspective,a question popped into my head.  Which of the guys on this defense, if any could have started on the best defenses in this franchise's history, most notably the 1999 defense and the 2004-2007 defenses?

 

I  contend that Malik Jackson, Jared Odrick, Myles Jack, Poz, Ramsey would definitely start on that 1999 defense, with Amukumara and House being possible starters on that team.  I would start Malik Jackson over Seth Payne and Jared Odrick over Renaldo Wynn on that defensive line.  At LB, I think Jack would do well at either Will with Hardy playing in Paup's spot, or, when you consider what Coughin and Capers asked Paup to do, Jack could have played Paup's role and easily upgraded the position.  I think Poz starts over Marts inside.  I think Ramsey easily upgrades either CB position on that team.  I think Amukumara/House would be great competition with Aaron Beasley.  One omission from earlier.  I think Gipson has as much range as Lake did then and would have ben the better longer term free agent investment.  However, because Lake was familiar with the concepts utilized by Capers, I think he would have gotten the nod over Gipson.

 

There are guys on this team who would be candidates to start on those early JDR era defenses as well.  As dominant as those teams were, JDR never found a consistent, long term pass rusher.  Accordingly, I think Fowler would be a good fit on those defenses.  Jack fits in at will on those teams, and any of Ramsey, House or Amukumara fits in  opposite Rashean Mathis.  I don't think, however, that Gipson starts over Deon Grant.

 

For a good chuckle, try plugging in some of those Gene Smith era guys into those defenses.

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