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These guys will bust out on defense
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Dan Pompei /
Posted: 7 hours ago
Ends
Injuries and limited opportunities prevented Jerome McDougle from breaking through in his first two seasons, but everything is laid out for him to change that pattern this season.
The Eagles need McDougle to step up after losing Derrick Burgess as a free agent. McDougle demonstrated his commitment by staying in Philadelphia for the offseason conditioning program for the first time. Playing in the Eagles' aggressive defense, McDougle should get a lot of one-on-one opportunities. Giants coordinator Tim Lewis had a special plan for Osi Umenyiora a year ago, but Lewis wasn.t able to implement it because the Giants lost eight linemen to injuries and Umenyiora was forced to be an every-down player.
This year, look for the Giants to use Umenyiora as a wild-card pass rusher, a player who can stand up, put his hand down, move around and take advantage of specific situations. Playing opposite left end Michael Strahan could help Umenyiora become a prolific sacker.
Tackles
There aren't many 320-pound men who can move like we saw Buffalo's Ron Edwards move occasionally last season. He will get more playing time without Pat Williams in his way, and that should translate to more tackles and sacks. Playing off of Sam Adams should make Edwards a better player. He has the look of a man ready to pounce on his big chance.
Many teams feared immaturity would be Darnell Dockett's downfall, but since being drafted by the Cardinals last year, Dockett has acted and played like someone with the wisdom of experience. He has applied himself in the off-season in an attempt to take the next step. If Dockett continues down the path he is on, his athleticism, instincts and explosiveness will make him a fine player.
Outside linebackers
My first inclination was to put Denver's D.J. Williams in this spot, but being moved from the weak side to the strong side could limit him. That leaves two players whose play should be enhanced by new or expanded roles.
Karlos Dansby will line up on the strong side in Arizona's base defense, but in an attempt to take advantage of the range and playmaking ability he showed last season, the Cardinals will move the second-year player around. Dansby is one of the torchbearers for Denny Green's program in Arizona, and he should emerge as the leader of the defense this season.
The Jaguars plan to keep Daryl Smith on the field for all downs this season after removing him in passing situations last year. Smith was solid as a rookie, and he could be excellent as a second-year player. The Jaguars expect him to respond positively to new linebackers coach Brian VanGorder, who doesn.t let up on his players.
Middle linebacker
After being named defensive rookie of the year last season, Jonathan Vilma has the potential to raise his game to a Pro Bowl level. Last year, Vilma minded himself as a good rookie should. This off-season, as he has earned respect in the Jets' locker room, Vilma has been more forceful as a leader. He has set an example for others through hard work and watching extra tape.
Safeties
After missing the off-season, training camp, the first five regular-season games and then another five games late in the season, Bob Sanders never got into a groove last year. But now Sanders is healthy, and the Colts intend to give him opportunities to make plays on the ball as the free safety in their "Tampa 2" scheme.
Before going suffering a season-ending injury in Week 10, Gibril Wilson was the Giants' best ballhawk and blitzer. Because of injuries to other players, the Giants were forced to play Wilson out of position at strong safety. Now, he's back at free safety, where he should be able to better use his speed and instincts.
Cornerbacks
Yeah, we know Terence Newman didn't have a great sophomore season for the Cowboys. But the skill still is there. The competitiveness still is there. The determination still is there. As the Cowboys' front seven gets better and leaves Newman less exposed, he.ll look like a much more effective cover man.
Phillip Buchanon was not a good cornerback with the Raiders, but he might be one of those players who benefits from a change of scenery. Buchanon's technique was inconsistent in Oakland, so it's possible he could respond well to the strict tutelage of Texans secondary coach Jon Hoke.
Buchanon has embraced the opportunity to play for a new team, buying a house in the Houston area after commuting from Florida during his three years in Oakland. He also should benefit from the direction provided by Texans receiver Andre Johnson, who is Buchanon's best friend from their days together at the University of Miami.
Senior writer Dan Pompei covers the NFL for the Sporting News. E-mail him at pompei@sportingnews.com.
Story Tools: Print Email XML
Dan Pompei /
Posted: 7 hours ago
Ends
Injuries and limited opportunities prevented Jerome McDougle from breaking through in his first two seasons, but everything is laid out for him to change that pattern this season.
The Eagles need McDougle to step up after losing Derrick Burgess as a free agent. McDougle demonstrated his commitment by staying in Philadelphia for the offseason conditioning program for the first time. Playing in the Eagles' aggressive defense, McDougle should get a lot of one-on-one opportunities. Giants coordinator Tim Lewis had a special plan for Osi Umenyiora a year ago, but Lewis wasn.t able to implement it because the Giants lost eight linemen to injuries and Umenyiora was forced to be an every-down player.
This year, look for the Giants to use Umenyiora as a wild-card pass rusher, a player who can stand up, put his hand down, move around and take advantage of specific situations. Playing opposite left end Michael Strahan could help Umenyiora become a prolific sacker.
Tackles
There aren't many 320-pound men who can move like we saw Buffalo's Ron Edwards move occasionally last season. He will get more playing time without Pat Williams in his way, and that should translate to more tackles and sacks. Playing off of Sam Adams should make Edwards a better player. He has the look of a man ready to pounce on his big chance.
Many teams feared immaturity would be Darnell Dockett's downfall, but since being drafted by the Cardinals last year, Dockett has acted and played like someone with the wisdom of experience. He has applied himself in the off-season in an attempt to take the next step. If Dockett continues down the path he is on, his athleticism, instincts and explosiveness will make him a fine player.
Outside linebackers
My first inclination was to put Denver's D.J. Williams in this spot, but being moved from the weak side to the strong side could limit him. That leaves two players whose play should be enhanced by new or expanded roles.
Karlos Dansby will line up on the strong side in Arizona's base defense, but in an attempt to take advantage of the range and playmaking ability he showed last season, the Cardinals will move the second-year player around. Dansby is one of the torchbearers for Denny Green's program in Arizona, and he should emerge as the leader of the defense this season.
The Jaguars plan to keep Daryl Smith on the field for all downs this season after removing him in passing situations last year. Smith was solid as a rookie, and he could be excellent as a second-year player. The Jaguars expect him to respond positively to new linebackers coach Brian VanGorder, who doesn.t let up on his players.
Middle linebacker
After being named defensive rookie of the year last season, Jonathan Vilma has the potential to raise his game to a Pro Bowl level. Last year, Vilma minded himself as a good rookie should. This off-season, as he has earned respect in the Jets' locker room, Vilma has been more forceful as a leader. He has set an example for others through hard work and watching extra tape.
Safeties
After missing the off-season, training camp, the first five regular-season games and then another five games late in the season, Bob Sanders never got into a groove last year. But now Sanders is healthy, and the Colts intend to give him opportunities to make plays on the ball as the free safety in their "Tampa 2" scheme.
Before going suffering a season-ending injury in Week 10, Gibril Wilson was the Giants' best ballhawk and blitzer. Because of injuries to other players, the Giants were forced to play Wilson out of position at strong safety. Now, he's back at free safety, where he should be able to better use his speed and instincts.
Cornerbacks
Yeah, we know Terence Newman didn't have a great sophomore season for the Cowboys. But the skill still is there. The competitiveness still is there. The determination still is there. As the Cowboys' front seven gets better and leaves Newman less exposed, he.ll look like a much more effective cover man.
Phillip Buchanon was not a good cornerback with the Raiders, but he might be one of those players who benefits from a change of scenery. Buchanon's technique was inconsistent in Oakland, so it's possible he could respond well to the strict tutelage of Texans secondary coach Jon Hoke.
Buchanon has embraced the opportunity to play for a new team, buying a house in the Houston area after commuting from Florida during his three years in Oakland. He also should benefit from the direction provided by Texans receiver Andre Johnson, who is Buchanon's best friend from their days together at the University of Miami.
Senior writer Dan Pompei covers the NFL for the Sporting News. E-mail him at pompei@sportingnews.com.
