Listen, you need a cheat sheet for kickers and defense? I'll give you that. But I'm not going to be tranchant and analytical. I can barely be bothered to make a fart noise about Matt Prater. So, print and let's go.
Don't put this in order, but let's rock this out shall we?
DEFENSE
The Elite!
Pittsburgh
Minnesota
Solid Starters
San Diego
Baltimore
Green Bay
Chicago
New York Giants
Philadelphia
Marginal Starters
New York Jets
New England
Dallas
Tampa Bay
Tennessee
Arizona
Back-Ups/2nd Defense in a Committee
Indianapolis
Miami
Buffalo
Washington
Jacksonville
Seattle
One-Week Plug-In
Houston
Carolina
Oakland
Atlanta
Yeesh (to make an even 25)
Cleveland
KICKERS
The Elite
Stephen Gostkowski
Nate Kaeding
Mason Crosby
Jason Elam
The Solid
David Akers
Rob Bironas
Garrett Hartley
Ryan Longwell
Neil Rackers
Lawrence Tynes
Eh...
Kris Brown
Robbie Gould
Nick Folk
John Kasay
Jeff Reed
Rian Lindell
Joe Nedney
One-week Plug-in/Guys you'll pick up on waivers for the sucky guys above this tier.
Adam Vinateri
Shayne Graham
Josh Scobee
Josh Brown
Matt Prater
Mike Nugent
Phil Dawson
Steve Hauschka
Boom. Learned.
Showing posts with label Defenstration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Defenstration. Show all posts
Friday, August 7, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Day 1 Draft Breakdown: Inside Linebackers
I've decided that I was going to take on an easy draft report for Day 1 propsects here. I mean, Inside Linebackers are a position that is never deep in Day 1 prospects.
This year? There are two.
1. Rey Maualuga (USC)
6'2" 248 4.80
What you have with Maualuga is a pure striker. When you get him going downhill? He can be a scary thought for a running back. He has the hand technique to shed blockers and he can hold on the point of attack. He also has good lateral agility and is in no form or fashion a liability if he has to go into coverage.
But he is not a sideline to sideline guy. As a pure Mike? That's an issue. You also can fake him out. He overpuruses on defense. It's a part of his knock you the fuck out mentality. It works against him on other levels as well. There's a certain concern about him becoming a million dollar blogger with bad knees.
That being said? He's still just 22, and maturity comes at different ages for most people. Flaky Maualuga has a lot to like and when he's at his best? He's a match-up nightmare. He's a top-15 pick, and he may get a chip on his shoulder if a team like say Jacksonville decides to reach for him. I like him a lot. He can play on my team anytime.
2. James Laurinitas (Ohio State)
6'2" 244 4.76
If you've been paying attention to the Laurinitas trends, his stock has been falling. That just means some team may get a second instant starter in the early 30's. There's still a lot to like about son of Animal. He has great instincts and good athleticism. This means he's a sideline to sideline linebacker who can cover as well as show heart in the run game. And if he gets to you? You will be tackled.
But while son of Animal has a good ability to disengage, it does come at a cost of losing ground at the point of attack. He is also not nearly as strong as Maualuga. And he has never been a game changer. Nothing with the killshot. Nothing with the turnover. Just sort of solid. Just sort of there. Even if he takes a bad angle or two.
Now, anybody worth their salt know that the short sellers attack a prospect or two of experience during their senior year. Often, it's an outside linebacker from a Big 10 school. Usually they go to Penn State. But for a team like New England? A foray into Laurinitas-land would be good medicine.
There are some who would consider Darry Beckwith in this class. He isn't. Frantz Joesph may find his way into a sleeper list. Otherwise? Dollhouse.
This year? There are two.
1. Rey Maualuga (USC)
6'2" 248 4.80
What you have with Maualuga is a pure striker. When you get him going downhill? He can be a scary thought for a running back. He has the hand technique to shed blockers and he can hold on the point of attack. He also has good lateral agility and is in no form or fashion a liability if he has to go into coverage.
But he is not a sideline to sideline guy. As a pure Mike? That's an issue. You also can fake him out. He overpuruses on defense. It's a part of his knock you the fuck out mentality. It works against him on other levels as well. There's a certain concern about him becoming a million dollar blogger with bad knees.
That being said? He's still just 22, and maturity comes at different ages for most people. Flaky Maualuga has a lot to like and when he's at his best? He's a match-up nightmare. He's a top-15 pick, and he may get a chip on his shoulder if a team like say Jacksonville decides to reach for him. I like him a lot. He can play on my team anytime.
2. James Laurinitas (Ohio State)
6'2" 244 4.76
If you've been paying attention to the Laurinitas trends, his stock has been falling. That just means some team may get a second instant starter in the early 30's. There's still a lot to like about son of Animal. He has great instincts and good athleticism. This means he's a sideline to sideline linebacker who can cover as well as show heart in the run game. And if he gets to you? You will be tackled.
But while son of Animal has a good ability to disengage, it does come at a cost of losing ground at the point of attack. He is also not nearly as strong as Maualuga. And he has never been a game changer. Nothing with the killshot. Nothing with the turnover. Just sort of solid. Just sort of there. Even if he takes a bad angle or two.
Now, anybody worth their salt know that the short sellers attack a prospect or two of experience during their senior year. Often, it's an outside linebacker from a Big 10 school. Usually they go to Penn State. But for a team like New England? A foray into Laurinitas-land would be good medicine.
There are some who would consider Darry Beckwith in this class. He isn't. Frantz Joesph may find his way into a sleeper list. Otherwise? Dollhouse.
Day 1 Breakdown: Defensive Tackles.
The NFL is of a cyclical nature. The 3-4 was a system left for dead not more than five years ago. And now? You are seeing a return of the 3-4 as a mack defense. And who's leading the charge? Boston College.
1. B.J. Raji (NT-Boston College)
6'2" 337 5.12
There is only one word you need to know when you talk about B.J. Raji. Power. He has an explosive first step. He has the leverage and balance to be immovable on his best days. He is a top notch run-stuffer.
But he brings nothing to the table as a pass-rusher despite his 2008 sack total. It's simply straight-line power. He is also a big dude, and the motor does wear itself down. And while the character questions seem to have been somewhat answered, someone who misses a year due to academics just might not be the plug and player that his Top-10 status belies.
But that being said? He was great in 2006 and did not miss a beat in 2008. He is a game changer for at least two downs. Mention any Williams surnamed defensive tackle? He will be just as good. Not #1 pick level, but a solid pick in the 6-10 range.
2. Peria Jerry (DT-Ole Miss)
6'2" 298 4.98
There's a lot to like with Peria Jerry. As a one gap defensive tackle? He's gold. He has a great motor and an excellent first step. He has good agility, and he is not easily fooled on the run-pass recognition. Those that call him a Top 15 pick have a strong case here.
There's not much to dislike here. He's not a two-gap defensive tackle. But people know that coming in. He's also an overaged defensive tackle who can get dinged up with the minor injuries. Even if he plays with pain.
Now in a different world, Jerry would be the #1 defensive tackle available. He has a lot of strengths that he brings to the table. And I do declare that one of these years he could be a defensive tackle with 10 sacks. But we're living in a 3-4 world, at least among those who could use a D-Tackle. So he may not make the top half of round 1. If he doesn't? Someone's going to be very happy.
3. Evander "Ziggy" Hood (DT-Missouri)
6'3" 300 4.88
You actually have a good tweener set of skills here. Ziggy has a 10-yard dash time to rival a top prospect like Everette Brown, what does that mean? It means the man is quick. He also has good lateral agility. He also put up 225 35 times at his Pro Day. And you know what? He has the heart of a slow white guy. That means he's gritty.
But why is he a tweener? He lacks power. He's not the guy who can blow up a guard and shove him into the backfield. And the lateral agility is there. But it's inconsistent. He has stiff hips and if he has to turn and run? He loses a step. It's also why he has trouble getting through the line.
You don't know exactly where Ziggy will fall this year. A 3-4 team likely can't use him as a defensive end, so that limits his choices. He would not be a stupid move for the Colts or the Eagles (though the Eagles fan will boo him). But the fact is, he has the heart and motor that he can touch the tools and becomes something more. He's an upside play at this point.
4. Ron Brace (NT-Boston College)
6'3" 330 5.48
Now, everybody knows Raji. Raji is good. But there is a real case that he isn't the top run-stuffer in the draft. Never mind his 40-time which was worse during the pro-day, his first step is great. And with his power? It's enough for him to split a potential double team. If he can't? He will not get moved.
But obviously, Ron Brace is a big dude. This means he will wear down. And considering his back issues? That has to be a concern if he goes Ted Washington. And his quickness is solely straight line. And laterally? He's decent, but not spectacular.
For two downs? A 3-4 team has a chance to get a plug and play starter from the end of the second round on. He has definite cult hero potential of the Gilbert Brown variety. He will not have eye-popping numbers, but I would ask if he would be willing to promote local area fast food concerns. It could make him some good money.
5. Fili Moala (DT-USC)
6'4" 305 5.07
If you get Moala? Keep him motion. He's disruptive in slants and angles. He's a solid one-gapper. He was a man who allowed the linebackers of USC to wreak havoc. And there's a weakness that I will mention that he's strong enough to blunt at present.
And that weakness? He plays upright way too often. He's not an explosive player. He has good hands, but he does not disengage easily. But I'm not saying this as a bad thing. He's a plugger. If you have good linebackers, he's a solid assist man.
Not to say that he doesn't have upside. He has a frame to get 25-30 pounds and not lose a step. He needs to learn more about leverage if he's to become a superstar. If he does? He's a great 2nd rounder. If he doesn't? He's overvalued. But he can be interesting.
That's the defensive tackle list. Sen'Derrick Marks could be drafted in round 2, but I have to say that it would be a mistake. He doesn't have the sum near in comparison to his parts.
Yeah. Moving on.
1. B.J. Raji (NT-Boston College)
6'2" 337 5.12
There is only one word you need to know when you talk about B.J. Raji. Power. He has an explosive first step. He has the leverage and balance to be immovable on his best days. He is a top notch run-stuffer.
But he brings nothing to the table as a pass-rusher despite his 2008 sack total. It's simply straight-line power. He is also a big dude, and the motor does wear itself down. And while the character questions seem to have been somewhat answered, someone who misses a year due to academics just might not be the plug and player that his Top-10 status belies.
But that being said? He was great in 2006 and did not miss a beat in 2008. He is a game changer for at least two downs. Mention any Williams surnamed defensive tackle? He will be just as good. Not #1 pick level, but a solid pick in the 6-10 range.
2. Peria Jerry (DT-Ole Miss)
6'2" 298 4.98
There's a lot to like with Peria Jerry. As a one gap defensive tackle? He's gold. He has a great motor and an excellent first step. He has good agility, and he is not easily fooled on the run-pass recognition. Those that call him a Top 15 pick have a strong case here.
There's not much to dislike here. He's not a two-gap defensive tackle. But people know that coming in. He's also an overaged defensive tackle who can get dinged up with the minor injuries. Even if he plays with pain.
Now in a different world, Jerry would be the #1 defensive tackle available. He has a lot of strengths that he brings to the table. And I do declare that one of these years he could be a defensive tackle with 10 sacks. But we're living in a 3-4 world, at least among those who could use a D-Tackle. So he may not make the top half of round 1. If he doesn't? Someone's going to be very happy.
3. Evander "Ziggy" Hood (DT-Missouri)
6'3" 300 4.88
You actually have a good tweener set of skills here. Ziggy has a 10-yard dash time to rival a top prospect like Everette Brown, what does that mean? It means the man is quick. He also has good lateral agility. He also put up 225 35 times at his Pro Day. And you know what? He has the heart of a slow white guy. That means he's gritty.
But why is he a tweener? He lacks power. He's not the guy who can blow up a guard and shove him into the backfield. And the lateral agility is there. But it's inconsistent. He has stiff hips and if he has to turn and run? He loses a step. It's also why he has trouble getting through the line.
You don't know exactly where Ziggy will fall this year. A 3-4 team likely can't use him as a defensive end, so that limits his choices. He would not be a stupid move for the Colts or the Eagles (though the Eagles fan will boo him). But the fact is, he has the heart and motor that he can touch the tools and becomes something more. He's an upside play at this point.
4. Ron Brace (NT-Boston College)
6'3" 330 5.48
Now, everybody knows Raji. Raji is good. But there is a real case that he isn't the top run-stuffer in the draft. Never mind his 40-time which was worse during the pro-day, his first step is great. And with his power? It's enough for him to split a potential double team. If he can't? He will not get moved.
But obviously, Ron Brace is a big dude. This means he will wear down. And considering his back issues? That has to be a concern if he goes Ted Washington. And his quickness is solely straight line. And laterally? He's decent, but not spectacular.
For two downs? A 3-4 team has a chance to get a plug and play starter from the end of the second round on. He has definite cult hero potential of the Gilbert Brown variety. He will not have eye-popping numbers, but I would ask if he would be willing to promote local area fast food concerns. It could make him some good money.
5. Fili Moala (DT-USC)
6'4" 305 5.07
If you get Moala? Keep him motion. He's disruptive in slants and angles. He's a solid one-gapper. He was a man who allowed the linebackers of USC to wreak havoc. And there's a weakness that I will mention that he's strong enough to blunt at present.
And that weakness? He plays upright way too often. He's not an explosive player. He has good hands, but he does not disengage easily. But I'm not saying this as a bad thing. He's a plugger. If you have good linebackers, he's a solid assist man.
Not to say that he doesn't have upside. He has a frame to get 25-30 pounds and not lose a step. He needs to learn more about leverage if he's to become a superstar. If he does? He's a great 2nd rounder. If he doesn't? He's overvalued. But he can be interesting.
That's the defensive tackle list. Sen'Derrick Marks could be drafted in round 2, but I have to say that it would be a mistake. He doesn't have the sum near in comparison to his parts.
Yeah. Moving on.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Now if I knew what it cost to get Gerald Laird?
If I was your Milwaukee Brewers? I would have offered a package of something similar. Or not. I do think he's an upgrade over Kendall, and with a putatively better staff in Detroit? His defense will upgrade even if his offense falls off.
Which it may not. His road splits were actually better away from Arlington?
I KNOW RIGHT?
But for a Manny Parra type who hasn't reached AAA and a dude in the Dominican Summer League? Laird could be a steal for the Dizzle.
Which it may not. His road splits were actually better away from Arlington?
I KNOW RIGHT?
But for a Manny Parra type who hasn't reached AAA and a dude in the Dominican Summer League? Laird could be a steal for the Dizzle.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
So You Know What I Did?
I broke down every potential fantasy football player in terms of real football value. Some is fantastical, some is humorous, some is libelous. And yet? We need to do this in an easy form.
So...I present the breakdowns by position...
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
Kickers
Defense
Please do enjoy, America, Canada, and rest of Earth (who do not read this blog near as much.)
Andrew
So...I present the breakdowns by position...
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
Kickers
Defense
Please do enjoy, America, Canada, and rest of Earth (who do not read this blog near as much.)
Andrew
Monday, July 28, 2008
ESPN needs a better class of filler.
Green Bay is Titletown USA. It's a part of the agreement that the Packers had with the Cowboys. The Cowboys got Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and the rights to being called America's Team for the rights to being called Titletown USA. I know, kind of lopsided. But this was in the Pre-Ron Wolf era.
ANYWAY, as I was watching my AWA Wrestling, I found myself innundated by these commercials for Titletown USA. And I was perplexed. After all? Green Bay is Titletown. And didn't I offer them a quick and easy fix for last year's Summer filler?
I think I did...
So, I had to wait. And I had to hope. They would come to their senses, right? Wrong.
What the Hell? Tarnishing our hard-earned nickname for a city smaller than Eau Claire? Really? Haven't we given you all the news you needed by the Brett Favre
drama?
I'm annoyed. Valdosta has a good high school football team and Mummeball. They only have 8 national championships. Eight! Green Bay has 14! I know it's a stupid contest and I'll feel better tomorrow, but for fucks sake! NORBY TARNISHED OUR NICKNAME FOR VALDOSTA FREAKING GEORGIA!
*looks at comments*
Cody says...
Thank you stereotype Southerner. I think I'm gonna get through this okay. YAY!
ANYWAY, as I was watching my AWA Wrestling, I found myself innundated by these commercials for Titletown USA. And I was perplexed. After all? Green Bay is Titletown. And didn't I offer them a quick and easy fix for last year's Summer filler?
I think I did...
So, I had to wait. And I had to hope. They would come to their senses, right? Wrong.
For years, it’s been called Winnersville. Now, the south Georgia town of
Valdosta has another name: TitleTown USA, thanks to ESPN.
The cable sports network is coming to Valdosta today to declare Valdosta the winner of its summer promotion that earlier this month featured the city as one of its 20
finalists for the national award.
Other cities in the running ranged from small town to metropolitan city. It included Boston; Green Bay, Wisc.; and Williamsport, Pa. The only other cities driven mostly by its high school sports tradition was Massillon, Ohio., and Parkersburg, W.V.
The cities were encouraged to offer evidence of championships at all levels and sports.
What the Hell? Tarnishing our hard-earned nickname for a city smaller than Eau Claire? Really? Haven't we given you all the news you needed by the Brett Favre
drama?
I'm annoyed. Valdosta has a good high school football team and Mummeball. They only have 8 national championships. Eight! Green Bay has 14! I know it's a stupid contest and I'll feel better tomorrow, but for fucks sake! NORBY TARNISHED OUR NICKNAME FOR VALDOSTA FREAKING GEORGIA!
*looks at comments*
Cody says...
id just like to say that ur ignorant for statin that bret favre doesnt deserve to have time takin away from talkin about himself i say hes a good ball player but screw him VALDOSTA is the winningest football team in the nation and
deserves this its about time one of the favorite states werent payed to be
crowned title town we won it and dont even have a PRO team so all i can say is
send ur team on in to valdosta and we will see who comes out smilin
Thank you stereotype Southerner. I think I'm gonna get through this okay. YAY!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
The Defensive Masters...BROKEN DOWN.
Defense. It wins championships everywhere. A good defense can save you when you have a positional hole. It can save you when you're not okay. It's a necessity. Generally.
Broken down by division because fuck you. That's why.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills: Underrated. When you add Marcus Stroud to a defense that was gutted by injury last season? This is a defense that can steal some games.
Miami Dolphins: It's essentially 9 spots that are under camp competition. They may jell by the end of the year. But they will suck until then.
New England Patriots: It's a defense in transition. It's old. It can be thrown on, and there will be injurious blood.
New York Jets: Kris Jenkins was getting lazy before he got paid. Now he got paid. He's the key to the Jets house of cards. When he falls, it's off the cliff.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens: Most of its superstars are getting up there in age. A defensive end and both cornerbacks missed extended periods of time last season. They should be better, but it's still a risky proposition.
Cincinnati Bengals: The transitive rule of Coordinator geniuses who become head coaches is that they never get the talent that they need. The additions of Keith Rivers and Antwan Odom help move the Bengals from crap to decent.
Cleveland Browns: They spent draft picks on defensive line help. Brandon McDonald is the key to the house of cards, if he steps up? The back four becomes passable. And the defense becomes good.
Pittsburgh Steelers: This could be a statistical powerhouse. Lawrence Timmons and Lamarr Woodley are a necessary youth infusion. They could get 50 sacks this year.
AFC South
Houston Texans: The defense has star power, but the fact of the matter is that it will be the reason that they do not make the leap from mediocre to playoff worthy. Don't bother.
Indianapolis Colts: It was a good defense last year despite having no pass rush after Freeney and Mathis went down. It should be a worthwhile enterprise again.
Jacksonville Jaguars: They won't miss Stroud and Sammy Knight too much. If this team can get something pass-rushy out of Derrick Harvey and or Quentin Groves? This will go from a Top 12 defense to a Top 3.
Tennessee Titans: They lost their defensive ends. They replaced them with a done freak, Bryce Fisher, and Jason Jones. If Jason can correspond his way into pass-rushing glory? This defense will be fine. If not? They're the leading contenders for Malcolm Jenkins.
AFC West
Denver Broncos: This was a defensive Epic Fail last year. It had a penchant for getting its shit run over. A healthy Jarvis Moss and a linebacker infusion may turn this defense from the nottie into the dorky but cute girl that John Cusack ran to in better off dead. And if I may put my Bill Simmons hat on...
Kansas City Chiefs: Wait until next year. They're like the Dolphins situation, but with better talent on the ink and paper. But Alfonso Boone as your pass-rusher? Really?
Oakland Raiders: The fact that you won't be able to pass on them won't be a problem. Their run defense is among the worst in football. It would make Arliss Beach look like a stud. Arliss Beach people!
San Diego Chargers: The front seven is good due to an affinity for the cream and the clear. But the secondary is very much the truth. Matrix moves to the essential Mormonness of Eric Weddle. The Chargers are a D you can believe in.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys: Do they have the skills to pay the bills? Yes. Will they end up crapping the bed for a few games? Yes. Will the non-annoying fans of the NFL hate them? Yes and yes.
New York Giants: They can be scored upon. But their strength is in their ability to make the big play. Their linebackers are their weakness.
Philadelphia Eagles: A sleeper defense and special teams. They've made two big upgrades in Chris Clemons and Asante Samuel. And DeSean Jackson is a dollar tree Santana Moss. Jimmie Johnson's got some skill to work with.
Washington Redskins: Even with Jason Taylor? This defense will only be good in terms of bending and not breaking. They couldn't pick off Brett Favre.
NFC North
Chicago Bears: Devin Hester masks any sort of denfensive problem. And the middle of the trenches and secondary are an issue. They can pass rush excellently, however.
Detroit Lions: The defense was awful last season. They've revamped the back four in an effort to get to decent. They likely won't, outside of opportunism.
Green Bay Packers: There are no in-division quarterbacks who can make the Packers pay for their attacking, big-play defense. The loss of Corey Williams hurts because of Johnny Jolly's drug charges. They may be able to be run on.
Minnesota Vikings: Jared Allen, if he stays right off the field. Will make this defense downright scary. Really. As a Packers fan, I'm fucking annoyed.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons: They suck. Flat out awful. They will be useless. But there will be bright spots who will be outweighed by the suck.
Carolina Panthers: A potential bounce-back candidate. Many veterans had off years in 2007. They could show themselves as quality this season. Or not. They have to count on a Raider-castoff Tyler Brayton.
New Orleans Saints: Five playmakers. One hot rookie in Sedrick Ellis. If the other five defenders can be solid? They'll be fine. Odds are, no.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The key to this defense is Gaines Adams. If he can pass rush his way to riches and wealth? He can mask the deficency's of the teams secondary and make this a darned good defense.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals: Here's a second tier defense with good upside. If Chike Okeafor returns healthy and Travis LaBoy generates the pass-rush? They'll be good in other places besides going up the middle.
San Francisco 49ers: The keys are the 3-4 OLB's. If Manny Lawson and Justin Smith are doing it right and makin' it great Pizza Hut style? Then this defense won't be useless. My guess? Half useless.
Seattle Seahawks: Even if you believe Patrick Kerney is going to regress to his mean? Even if you believe the safety's are gonna fall off this pace? This defense will be powerful.
St. Louis Rams: They'll be good versus the pass. They have potential to pass rush. O.J. Atogwe is the big-play man that you've got to love. But as defenses go? It's barely halfway live.
If the eternal sleepers of Arizona and Carolina finally come together? The NFC just may have a game that the middle of the country will not care about.
More to come later.
Broken down by division because fuck you. That's why.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills: Underrated. When you add Marcus Stroud to a defense that was gutted by injury last season? This is a defense that can steal some games.
Miami Dolphins: It's essentially 9 spots that are under camp competition. They may jell by the end of the year. But they will suck until then.
New England Patriots: It's a defense in transition. It's old. It can be thrown on, and there will be injurious blood.
New York Jets: Kris Jenkins was getting lazy before he got paid. Now he got paid. He's the key to the Jets house of cards. When he falls, it's off the cliff.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens: Most of its superstars are getting up there in age. A defensive end and both cornerbacks missed extended periods of time last season. They should be better, but it's still a risky proposition.
Cincinnati Bengals: The transitive rule of Coordinator geniuses who become head coaches is that they never get the talent that they need. The additions of Keith Rivers and Antwan Odom help move the Bengals from crap to decent.
Cleveland Browns: They spent draft picks on defensive line help. Brandon McDonald is the key to the house of cards, if he steps up? The back four becomes passable. And the defense becomes good.
Pittsburgh Steelers: This could be a statistical powerhouse. Lawrence Timmons and Lamarr Woodley are a necessary youth infusion. They could get 50 sacks this year.
AFC South
Houston Texans: The defense has star power, but the fact of the matter is that it will be the reason that they do not make the leap from mediocre to playoff worthy. Don't bother.
Indianapolis Colts: It was a good defense last year despite having no pass rush after Freeney and Mathis went down. It should be a worthwhile enterprise again.
Jacksonville Jaguars: They won't miss Stroud and Sammy Knight too much. If this team can get something pass-rushy out of Derrick Harvey and or Quentin Groves? This will go from a Top 12 defense to a Top 3.
Tennessee Titans: They lost their defensive ends. They replaced them with a done freak, Bryce Fisher, and Jason Jones. If Jason can correspond his way into pass-rushing glory? This defense will be fine. If not? They're the leading contenders for Malcolm Jenkins.
AFC West
Denver Broncos: This was a defensive Epic Fail last year. It had a penchant for getting its shit run over. A healthy Jarvis Moss and a linebacker infusion may turn this defense from the nottie into the dorky but cute girl that John Cusack ran to in better off dead. And if I may put my Bill Simmons hat on...
Kansas City Chiefs: Wait until next year. They're like the Dolphins situation, but with better talent on the ink and paper. But Alfonso Boone as your pass-rusher? Really?
Oakland Raiders: The fact that you won't be able to pass on them won't be a problem. Their run defense is among the worst in football. It would make Arliss Beach look like a stud. Arliss Beach people!
San Diego Chargers: The front seven is good due to an affinity for the cream and the clear. But the secondary is very much the truth. Matrix moves to the essential Mormonness of Eric Weddle. The Chargers are a D you can believe in.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys: Do they have the skills to pay the bills? Yes. Will they end up crapping the bed for a few games? Yes. Will the non-annoying fans of the NFL hate them? Yes and yes.
New York Giants: They can be scored upon. But their strength is in their ability to make the big play. Their linebackers are their weakness.
Philadelphia Eagles: A sleeper defense and special teams. They've made two big upgrades in Chris Clemons and Asante Samuel. And DeSean Jackson is a dollar tree Santana Moss. Jimmie Johnson's got some skill to work with.
Washington Redskins: Even with Jason Taylor? This defense will only be good in terms of bending and not breaking. They couldn't pick off Brett Favre.
NFC North
Chicago Bears: Devin Hester masks any sort of denfensive problem. And the middle of the trenches and secondary are an issue. They can pass rush excellently, however.
Detroit Lions: The defense was awful last season. They've revamped the back four in an effort to get to decent. They likely won't, outside of opportunism.
Green Bay Packers: There are no in-division quarterbacks who can make the Packers pay for their attacking, big-play defense. The loss of Corey Williams hurts because of Johnny Jolly's drug charges. They may be able to be run on.
Minnesota Vikings: Jared Allen, if he stays right off the field. Will make this defense downright scary. Really. As a Packers fan, I'm fucking annoyed.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons: They suck. Flat out awful. They will be useless. But there will be bright spots who will be outweighed by the suck.
Carolina Panthers: A potential bounce-back candidate. Many veterans had off years in 2007. They could show themselves as quality this season. Or not. They have to count on a Raider-castoff Tyler Brayton.
New Orleans Saints: Five playmakers. One hot rookie in Sedrick Ellis. If the other five defenders can be solid? They'll be fine. Odds are, no.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The key to this defense is Gaines Adams. If he can pass rush his way to riches and wealth? He can mask the deficency's of the teams secondary and make this a darned good defense.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals: Here's a second tier defense with good upside. If Chike Okeafor returns healthy and Travis LaBoy generates the pass-rush? They'll be good in other places besides going up the middle.
San Francisco 49ers: The keys are the 3-4 OLB's. If Manny Lawson and Justin Smith are doing it right and makin' it great Pizza Hut style? Then this defense won't be useless. My guess? Half useless.
Seattle Seahawks: Even if you believe Patrick Kerney is going to regress to his mean? Even if you believe the safety's are gonna fall off this pace? This defense will be powerful.
St. Louis Rams: They'll be good versus the pass. They have potential to pass rush. O.J. Atogwe is the big-play man that you've got to love. But as defenses go? It's barely halfway live.
If the eternal sleepers of Arizona and Carolina finally come together? The NFC just may have a game that the middle of the country will not care about.
More to come later.
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