Quote:
Originally Posted by sevier2
While I agree I really want to see us move the ball through the air, I disagree that we "have the defense." I want them to prove it tomorrow night. On paper, yeah it looks good. But I've been burned too many times by this team to ever just assume we're going to have a solid unit, wherever it may be.
The defensive line is the only unit who has SHOWN and PROVED that they can be relied on. After that it's 2 new starters at ILB, Kerrigan and possibly a Rookie on the outsides (if not then it's Ryan Anderson on one side which is probably worse.) Not the strongest line backing core although Kerrigan is an obvious stud.
Then in the secondary we have Norman who has also PROVEN to be solid but then what? Collins is a beast, but he hasn't played a down here and we can't assume he's going to play at that previous level. (Haynsworth?) Monte has been oft hurt, who plays if he goes down? Is Dunbar coming back healthy and at a similar performance level?
Case in point; I want to see the defense play to the ability I know they're capable of. We assume they will play well and they really should, but I have been let down too many times before to just take it for granted. I think the D-Line leadership is taking over the entire defense and those men up front set the tone and culture. It could and should be something special, I just want to actually see it.
EDIT: I do realize tomorrow is Pre-Season Game 1 and there's still plenty of work to be done. I just want to see that the defense is headed in the right direction with all the talent on that side of the ball.
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I think there are a couple really good players on the defense that are going to make this D one of the best in the NFL. Allen is having a great TC and is poised to really bust out this year. Landon Collins has also made waves in TC and adds a lot in the Safety position. Payne and Sweat have tons of potential, so I'm interested to see how they do in the pre-season with a problem this defense always had had: a weak pass rush. Moreland has been having a great TC and made some INT, so I'm excited to see if he can keep it going. Nicholson, even though he is small has been making some big hits in TC, another guy to watch.
I agree with you that the Redskins often are the best team in the spring and at TC and then can't do anything on the field. But this current Defense has really had some real sparks in TC and a great deal of potential. Many of the really good or potentially good players are rookies or second-year guys. I think this defense is going to surprise the NFL with how good it is.
I'm more worried about our OL, especially if there are any injuries - it has no depth at all without TW.