Many people didn't think this was a SB caliber defense:
LE Tony Tolbert
LDT Russell Maryland
RDT Tony Casillas
RE Charles Haley
LOLB Ken Norton, Jr.
MLB Robert Jones
ROLB Vinson Smith
LCB Larry Brown
RCB Kevin Smith
SS Thomas Everett
FS James Washington
Was just about to post about a bunch of no name guys, other than Haley, got it done before. But wasn't going to list them. Thanks for doing that.
We all know we have the offense.
And maybe the defense is better than what people want to give credit for. Something to blame if we don't win it.
Some of us said prior to the season, that this defense needed time to gel, and to stay healthy. They stayed mostly healthy as to lose guys on IR. Yes we have quite a few. But the main ones of Lee, who McClain replaces rather darn well. Then during the season, Durant, who Hitchens is player well there too. Others on IR mostly were future players types.
So they never gelled as soon as I thought, but because of the nagging injuries during the season, but nothing long term, maybe 2 or 3 to 4 weeks at most. But these last 3 games they are coming together. Playing great, and some great game plans that they are executing like they are supposed to for the most part.
So I think they are being underrated and under appreciated. But these last 3 games, they are showing me they are capable of having a SB winning defense. Does not need to be a Seahawk or Lions type dominant, but peaking and playing close to that level at the right time. I am looking at their current level of play as opposed to the entire body of work. That is what counts, is now, not from game 1.