There are three things that can potentially move the dial from the greek tragedy that has been our defense the past two seasons:
1.) Our returning players will be a year older, stronger, fitter and have more experience with our system (2nd year) with the general improvement that comes from having played defense at this level
2.) The potential value coming from both adding new talent and subtracting under performing talent to and from our two deeps: Add in Kragen, Broussard, Looney, Drew, Espitia, Wilson, Albert, Brown and others. See less of Walker, Dozier, walk on safeties, etc
3.) Depth on the Defensive Line: We basically played 7-8 kids last year with 5 players getting the bulk of the snaps. The belief is that they got really tired and that killed us in the 2nd half of games. With more depth, the hope is that we free up our LBs to be more effective, play more in the opponents back field and have some semblance of a pass rush.
Are their others that folks see? Do you buy into any or all of the above?
I tend to believe that #1 will move the dial but just incrementally. The biggest jump in this regard will be a modest increase in playing speed as kids think less and the impact that an improved Allensworth and White can have.
#2 is a question mark. With new additions, I'm tempted to say this is also more incremental than fundamental. I believe the reinforcements will help but I don't see any big time impact players in the group. We may gain more by seeing less of Dozier and Walker at CB than anything else. I will remind folks that the loss of Michael Lowe will hurt - he was quite good last year.
#3 gives me the most optimism. In some sense it's the increased depth AND the addition of what Looney will certainly bring, Kragen will likely bring and what Wilson and other newcomers (Ude/Saffle) might bring AND the improvement in players like Westerfield, Manley, Kelly and Johnson. Look at the list of bodies who are almost certain to see snaps this year: Jalil, Looney, Kelly, Kragen, Johnson, Barr, Lopa, Westerfield, Manley, Mekari. That's ten players without counting the newcomers and RS frosh - Wilson, Ude, Saffle, Emesibe, Palmer, etc
1.) Our returning players will be a year older, stronger, fitter and have more experience with our system (2nd year) with the general improvement that comes from having played defense at this level
2.) The potential value coming from both adding new talent and subtracting under performing talent to and from our two deeps: Add in Kragen, Broussard, Looney, Drew, Espitia, Wilson, Albert, Brown and others. See less of Walker, Dozier, walk on safeties, etc
3.) Depth on the Defensive Line: We basically played 7-8 kids last year with 5 players getting the bulk of the snaps. The belief is that they got really tired and that killed us in the 2nd half of games. With more depth, the hope is that we free up our LBs to be more effective, play more in the opponents back field and have some semblance of a pass rush.
Are their others that folks see? Do you buy into any or all of the above?
I tend to believe that #1 will move the dial but just incrementally. The biggest jump in this regard will be a modest increase in playing speed as kids think less and the impact that an improved Allensworth and White can have.
#2 is a question mark. With new additions, I'm tempted to say this is also more incremental than fundamental. I believe the reinforcements will help but I don't see any big time impact players in the group. We may gain more by seeing less of Dozier and Walker at CB than anything else. I will remind folks that the loss of Michael Lowe will hurt - he was quite good last year.
#3 gives me the most optimism. In some sense it's the increased depth AND the addition of what Looney will certainly bring, Kragen will likely bring and what Wilson and other newcomers (Ude/Saffle) might bring AND the improvement in players like Westerfield, Manley, Kelly and Johnson. Look at the list of bodies who are almost certain to see snaps this year: Jalil, Looney, Kelly, Kragen, Johnson, Barr, Lopa, Westerfield, Manley, Mekari. That's ten players without counting the newcomers and RS frosh - Wilson, Ude, Saffle, Emesibe, Palmer, etc
