Im Expecting a Cam Wake Led Top 5 Defense

  My expectations for this secondary are simple. They derive from the concept of playing at a high level. Here is why, we have Paul Soliai, Jared Odrick, and Cam Wake as starters. However this is just the start. Of course it’s great to have a great starting D line. That is always a must as the 3 keys to winning football games in my opinion lie in, having a top 15 QB (preferably top 10) a strong Offensive line, and a powerful defensive line that can knock opposing quarterbacks on their behind. This accompanied by the fact that defense wins championships (This is of course debatable given the day and age of a passing NFL that we live in.) Last year we had a D line that was great on paper and performed at a very high level. All though they have room to improve, and left some key plays on the field. A lot of it had to do with injuries to a depleted secondary. Along with injuries came the underperformance of players like Nolan Carroll (Think Buffalo game), and Sean Smith (Think Arizona and Indy game). I cannot emphasize enough the magnitude of the mistakes made by the starting CBs of last year’s defense. You can make a clear argument that between them and Dan Carpenters misses we missed out on at least two wins. Those two wins could have meant playoffs. Back to my point though this year Kevin Coyle got two new pieces at CB in Jamar Taylor and Will Davis. This is key because they fit what he wants to do on defense. Granted it’s going to be competitive back there .With the likes of Richard Marshall, Brent Grimes, and Dmitri Patterson fighting for a spot. All in all I think our secondary will be able to hold on just a second longer covering opposing wrs. This will allow our O line which is now deeper with Jordan drafted, and Vernon coming back, to pressure QBS more. This in turn will lead to more sacks, and errant throws, which turn in to fumbles, and interceptions. We also got younger and athletic at LB with the additions of Ellerbe and Wheeler. This will bring flexibility to cover TE (Patriots) and further broaden the defensive schemes along with the play calling. Overall I think this defensive will be top 5 in every category, producing 3 plus sacks per game, and stuffing the run. I also believe that the number of interceptions will also be higher this year. Our safeties are strong as Reshad Jones is primed for a great year, and Chris Clemons came back on a one year deal.