This defense: The sky is the limit

[JohnsKey19]

The sky is a top 15 defense. Unlikely. More realistically can this bunch hustle their way to a 20-24th ranked defense thereby giving the team a good chance at competing for the playoffs?

 

[Bluestang]

I got my qtrs all messed up, late night, early morning for me.

Correction on Minter:

- He still got blown up playing the 1T on the Ravens rushing TD, but that was against 2nd team OL and to begin the second half.

Sorry for getting that part wrong.

 

[Mr Cowboy]

I read I another post it was him, but would like to see the video myself... May be that lit a fire in his backside..lol

It was him, that first drive in the second half was a pathetic effort bu the defense. The OL were on McClain before he had a chance to move. The DL, Minter and Colman did not occupy any blockers, it was way too easy for the offense. Minter was doing a belly roll near the end line on that TD.

I didn't watch the second half last night, I just watched it today. There were some positives on defense, but still too many bad angles and poor tackling. I think our LBs will be alright, but it is dependent on the DL taking on blockers, that didn't happen last night or last week. Too many injured players on defense, and the real hitting hasn't even started. It may be a long season, with these guys not being to make it out of camp healthy, I can only imagine what it will be like when the real games start.

The starting OL didn't have its best game. Martin was not at his best. This season is on the shoulder of the offense, and the same problems cropped up the last two pre season games that has plagued them for years. They get a good drive going, and then the penalties and negative plays come, and kills the drive. The defense don't stop this offense, their own offense stops them. On defense, stupid penalties extend drives, when they should be sitting on the bench. Its almost as if they practice it. Very disappointing.

 

[Bleu Star]

So the responses lend validity to my angle that he got blown up early in his stint on the field and came back later to redeem himself nicely (Minter).

I would still like to see more of him against elevated competition this week.

 

[jrumann59]

With this defense I would settle for tree top level at this point.

 

[ShiningStar]

Give it time. first game for some of them. I liek wha i saw too. I think Rod will have things going soon. Lets not worry about winning in September but remember the long haul.

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

After the Defense fell flat on it's back last year...I guess you could say it is looking up to the sky.

<---Hoping for best, prepared for worst.

 

[Jack Burton]

Wasn't he playing the one technique early in the game when he was getting handled, and then the three later on when he did well? That could be a factor. Or it could just be that he was up against scrubs. At the very least, he flashed a little. I'd like to see him get some more snaps.

 

[xwalker]

Are you sure that was Minter? I thought it was someone else.. I could easily be wrong though.

It was Minter, but he was playing the 1-tech spot in that series. When he came back into the game later it was at the 3-tech spot which is where he had all of the big plays.

The LBs are going to need to be stout because very few of the DL are playing good run defense.

 

[big dog cowboy]

On defense, stupid penalties extend drives, when they should be sitting on the bench. Its almost as if they practice it. Very disappointing.

We simply can not afford to beat ourselves. We have to play smart.

 

[Sportsbabe]

Albeit a sky full of low hanging clouds but I really liked some of the things I saw last night.

First and foremost, Rolando McClain! Please please please let this McClain story continue to bear positive results. He really does look like a very active beast out there in the middle. Very shifty and can quickly lay the wood in compressed space. His cover skills are pretty decent too. We NEED THAT in the middle.

Secondly, did y'all see the wood JJ Wilcox laid on Rice at the end of a nice Rice run? Oh I know you saw it. Rice was seen traversing the tunnel to the Ravens locker room shortly thereafter and is now listed on their injury report with a shoulder issue. The combination of a physical McClain with a physical Wilcox behind him makes me giddy.

Lastly, Zach Minter. Wow. Getting too excited early is bad medicine. Very true. However, that guy is very active at the point of attack. Strength, emotion, disruption. . . Everything we need on the Dline that we still wonder about. I look forward to seeing Minter ascend the depth chart.

That's it. Nothing negative regarding the defense. I already know that side of the ball is going to be a major work in progress. Those few positives from last night really hit home. Perhaps they willl surprise us.

I'm with you on Rolando. He makes me smile. No way in the world Jerry is going to let him get out of Dallas. If he can keep the 90s Cowboys in check, I'm sure he can handle a guy like Rolando. We really, really, really need him.

Also, Minter. Just imagine what he can do with a few weeks of practice.

I think we may be putting together something respectable (hopefully).