People thought I was crazy saying our D might be worse than last year. I still stand by that:
The Bad and Question Marks:
-Selvie might have peaked last year and there's no guarnantee he'll duplicate last year or improve.
-Spencer most likely won't play and if he does he probably won't provide much.
-Lawrence is a rookie and a fringe 1st rounder in a weak DE draft.
-Crawford and Bass are back from injury but have yet to prove anything in the NFL.
-Our most proven vet, Melton, is coming back from a serious injury and still isn't healthy enough to play.
-We're relying on a lot of 7th rounders on defense and JAG vets like McClain and Mincey.
-As expected, no Sean Lee this year.
-Bruce Carter is playing for his job and might be a bust after this year.
-Our "vets" on defense are young unproven guys like Holloman and Wilber.
-Claiborne is reaching bust status along with Carter.
-Carr is a decent CB at best but might still be psychologically wrecked.
-Scandrick is our best CB, which isn't a compliment.
-Church is probably our most proven defensive player, which definitely isn't a compliment.
-The other safeties are Wilcox, Heath and Matt Johnson.
The Good:
-Uhhhhh.....
So...let me see if get this straight....
You are willing to count on every position being a downgrade from last year or insulting every decent guy we do have (Carr, Church, Scandrick) and assume no positives will occur.
Yep....I know a lot of folks like you.
Let me take your list and put the positive spin on it.
-Selvie came in off the street and had a minimal training camp and no offseason with the team and put up his best numbers ever. With a full year in the system and probably being able to play WDE where he may be a better fit, he might blow up this year.
-Spencer basically didn't play at all a year ago...if he comes back it's an added piece of the puzzle to work with even as a rotation player
-Lawrence is a rookie that fits exactly what we need, some speed and a high motor
-Crawford was raved about last year by Hatcher who saw the writing on the wall and said this is the guy that will make me expendable. Bass was the second most talked about DL in the offseason. Again two guys with a little hype looking to prove themselves.
-We've added Henry Melton, a still young guy that has been dominant in Marinelli's system.
-We have several 7th rounders looking like steals. Mincey and McClain know their roles and will excel being in a rotation.
-Lost Sean Lee, but guys got valuable experience last season playing without him that otherwise wouldn't. We will be more prepared for his loss.
-Bruce Carter had a down year but is playing for a contract, you know how that normally works. Cha-ching!!!!!
-What we lack in experience we make up for in youth, determination and athletic ability. Holloman and Wilbur are ready to rock and roll!!!!!
-Claiborne is finally healthy after flashing some decent ability his first year...basically gives us another draft pick on defense
-Scandrick was one of the best slot corners in the league, earned a starting spot...player playing with a chip on his shoulder
-Church is one hell of an enforcer and is all over the field. Big hits, forced fumbles, the guy makes plays
-Matt Johnson has shaken the injury bug, is ready to show that he is an all over the field safety. Wilcox not only brings big hitting ability but has a year in the system and a lot of playing time to build on. Heath adds depth due to his baptism by fire a year ago.
It can go both ways, but chances are, there are going to be some positives, there are going to be some negatives. I think the defense is going to be much improved myself. Top ten? Nope. Top half? Probably not. Top 20? Maybe. Top 25. Yeah, absolutely.
With the improvement to the offense, a defense that jumps 7-10 spots will make a big difference.
, Sean Lee
