My ONLY concern on defense is

[MichaelWinicki]

I am not concerned much about backup NT, but until I see proof on the field we can do it consistently, getting a good pass rush is absolutely problem numero uno in my eyes...we havent done it well for years and its DEFINITELY the main reason for so many blown 4th qtr leads under Zimmer's watch for 6 seasons

I think we have the potential to do it, and its encouraging to some extent that we've hardly blitzed at all in the preseason...however the flip side of that is when we basically rush 4 guys we still arnt getting there...the first teamers got no sacks vs New Orleans or SF, and niether of those teams has what anyone would consider a "good" OL

David

Nope David this won't be a great pass rush-- good maybe, but I doubt it will have more than 40 sacks.


I think Ellis and Ware will combine for 20 sacks on their own.

The problem is we don't have anyone (yet) that can chip in with a half-dozen.

I envision a bunch of guys getting 1-3 sacks each.

Hackett, Ratliff, Carpenter could become 6 (or more sack) guys but I just don't see it this season.

 

[MiStar]

If we loose Ferguson, I think we can compensate by moving Roy closer to the line of scrimmage. Given the calibur of our corners, it shouldnt be a huge problem.

 

[cobra]

I think that concern should only manifest itself with regards our run defense. I'm actually feeling good about our run defense. I think we have excellent ILBs right behind that NT. And then we have Roy behind them. So I feel alright about our middle run defense. And I feel real good about our perimeter run defense. Ellis can hold up the point of attack just fine, our interior guys seem to flow the ball with speed well, and our CBs seem willing to step up.

I would definitely give our run defense a potential B to B+ this year.
And our pass defense will absolutely own and get a A+.

It's going to be awesome watching them this year!

 

[dbair1967]

Nope David this won't be a great pass rush-- good maybe, but I doubt it will have more than 40 sacks.


I think Ellis and Ware will combine for 20 sacks on their own.

The problem is we don't have anyone (yet) that can chip in with a half-dozen.

I envision a bunch of guys getting 1-3 sacks each.

Hackett, Ratliff, Carpenter could become 6 (or more sack) guys but I just don't see it this season.

I think Spears has some pass rush potential and could be a 6-8 sack guy if he stays healthy and progresses...not sure if Canty will ever be a pressure guy, he certainly wasnt at UVA...looks like Hatcher has good rush potential...I agree about Carpenter, he could be a half dozen or so a yr sack guy, but probably not this yr...Burnett has good potential as a blitzer, and if they used Roy Williams enough he could easily get 4-6 sacks, he is an outstanding blitzer

David

 

[wileedog]

Hackett, Ratliff, Carpenter could become 6 (or more sack) guys but I just don't see it this season.

This guy?

I think he's good for at least 6.