Plus we get Montgomery back, more DT's to rotate. The defensive backfield is going to be amazing next season. Linebacker is my worry.
Yeah I certainly had Montgomery in mind as well. Has me salivating. Hopefully Freak and Ego are able to contribute early also. LBs are a concern with Sheppard departing, but Baker has the ability to be a stud, and Minter seems like the real deal from all reports (though I don't know if he has the same speed/athleticism K-Shepp provided us, I know he can tackle). I wouldn't be shocked to see Hatcher slide into the Francois/Harry Coleman role either. Baker/Minter/Hatcher is a pretty nice LB corps when paired with our dynamite secondary and pass rushing specialists like Mingo, Monty and Kendrick Adams.
You know I wouldn't mind seeing Mingo moved back to linebacker. Is it just me or did he look way undersized for a defensive end?
He is a bit light, but they wanted him at DE of his quickness. Also, we were a DE short when Clemment switched to TE. Mingo caused all kinds of commotion at the spring game at DE, too, so I guess they figured what the hell and tried him there. That said, I would like to see him put on a few more pounds, wherever they put him.
Huh, I didn't think so many people would think we've been playing well to finish the season. Maybe I need to reevaluate. It really seemed like we couldn't stop much at the end of the season - maybe it was just really good offenses we were facing.
It has been by design. Meant to force the O to play at the level of expectations. The D do just enough to not let us lose the games, but make the O perform at a level where they have to win the games. Not really, but hey it could happen.
You aren't far off at all. We definitely had a whole lot of trouble against the Read Option with mobile quarterbacks this season. Masoli, Newton, Burton, all had success against our D. And it's partially because Sam Montgomery was injured, we didn't get consistency out of our Linebackers, we had some injuries at safety, and for some reason at times this season, Chavis played back on his heels instead of being aggressive. Towards the end of the season, we weren't getting pressure with our front 4, and it hurt us. I don't see that happening next season. This defense is loaded even with the loss of PP7, Nevis, and Sheppard.
Front seven on defense average 20 lbs. lighter than 5 years ago... Was done to combat the spread but I'm not a fan...
