Defensive expectations this year

[ForJimmy]

Last year’s stats seem misleading because the opponents were constantly working with a short fields due to the turnovers and 3 and outs by our offense. If our offense makes a jump it’s going to help our defenses play better, rested football.
I think our LB upgrade is getting overlooked. The guys we signed Wilson and Littleton aren’t great, but are solid upgrades from last year’s crew. Luvu is playing great, Shaq is solid, and Smith has the tools to grow into the role as the season progresses. 
Woods was also a solid upgrade. He allows Chinn to play more of the SS role and make his tackles almost like a Buffalo/LB/Safety hybrid depending on what scheme we are running. 
The only downgrade I see is a pass rusher to replace Reddick. Reddick was a great pass rusher, but having him on the field with Burns was a run defense liability. YGM should be better at stopping the run and Barno has flashed as a pass rusher this preseason. 
Our schedule is tougher so it may not look that way, but I think our defense is actually better than last year’s. 

[Snake]

On 9/4/2022 at 2:23 AM, Jackie Lee said:

Rewatching some stuff and pretty sure YGM isn't the answer opposite Burns. He makes the occasional flash play but doesn't really seem to have the instincts 

Imo his biggest problem is he's hurt all the time.