From Mort's chat on ESPN.com

[jsarno]

Originally Posted by SFREDSKIN

Oz (DC): Chris, What are your thoughts on the Skins going into the year? Can the defense get back to its '04 form when Antonio Pierce was roaming the middle?

Mortensen: The Redskins have a little cat-swallowed-the-canary demeanor right now, which means they think they're a lot better than most people think. So, yes, with London Fletcher at MLB, and rookie safety Laron Landry combined with a freak-athlete safety in Sean Taylor, plus Fred Smoot back at corner, they should be more competitive. Maybe a sleeper.

There is no doubt in my mind we will be a MUCH better defensive team!
The way Joe likes to grind it out and win the time of possession battle, our defense will be on the field less and less meaning we could easily be a top ten d with all the improvements we've made. I could see a top 5 defense in terms of yards and points against.