[skinsfan69]

Originally Posted by SirLK26

Tough to say. We lost Fletcher, and I think Keenan Robinson will be better physically, but can Fletcher's leadership be replaced? Been hearing good things about Clark in that area, and we already know what we have in Hall and Bowen, but Fletcher was the anchor of this defense for years. Some of the young guys are going to have to step up as well; Amerson needs to play well as the #2 corner and continue to improve, Phillip Thomas needs to have a large role in the secondary, Robinson needs to start and play well at ILB, and Baker and Jarvis need to get better up front. Final question: how well is Hatcher going to play at the age of 32 and coming off a knee surgery? He needs to give us a strong rush up front to let Rak and Ryan do their thing well. Lots of questions, but how can we be worse than last year?

Going with around 24 PPG. That's a huge improvement, and would put us around the middle of the league. I think an improved offense and special teams will help out somewhat, as will more talent, but with Haslett it'll never be a great defense.

Fletcher was the leader of a bad defense. Riley has been there for a few years now. He should be able to be a leader now. Plus we need an athlete at ILB that can cover a TE. Personally I'm glad we have some new blood in there.