I am anxious to see this defense. Bordering on giddy. I think guys we have who have been much maligned are suddenly going to shine like I've always believed they could. This defense has depth, power, speed, and a good balance of youth and experience.
Here's what I look for this year.
1. Ken Hamlin will be a mentor in the secondary and a vocal leader. He will allow Roy to play closer to the LOS where he can cause havoc. I loved the reports that he had the Seahawks secondary staying late for film sessions. That kind of focus can't be measured.
2. Pressure on the QB from every direction. Can anyone still be convinced there isn't a difference in the way this scheme will function as opposed to last year? Even the much maligned Mike Zimmer was less than pleased with the defense we ran. Remember when he was asked if it was his defense? He said, "it has my label on it." When other players are asking our players why we didn't make adjustments or turn loose, what does it tell you?
3. Phillips had bookend pressure in SD as well as up the middle from the front three. What he did not have was someone like Roy Williams on blitzes. I have wanted to see Roy turned loose for 4 years. Finally it's going to happen. Look for a lot of big plays this year. Get ready to say this a lot. "He got jacked up!"
4. Expect breakout or big years from these players. Spears, Canty, Hatcher, Carpenter, Burnett, and Williams. All of them are going to get to do what they want, go after the ball.
5. Expect Anthony Spencer to wow you. I said it before, I'll say it again. He and Ware are going to race to the QB and then "make a wish."
6. Expect Ware to be the defensive POTY. No more dropping 20 yards deep. Go after the ballcarrier.
7. Expect Greg Ellis to be a situational pass rusher from the LDE spot, not an OLB. Same from Hatcher but RDE. Expect Ratliff at NT in these situations. 5 to 6 guys will be coming after the QB, especially on 3rd and long. The offenses will not know which guy is coming for sure.
I think the 2.5 second rule will really be in effect for QBs this year with this defense. Therefore I expect better coverage from the DBs across the board.
Sacks
INTs
Forced fumbles & recoveries
Few points allowed
Those are my dream. We'll give up the occasional big play, but the overall tone of the defense will be hard hitting and havoc causing.