Let's say we don't pick up a DE at all.

[jramsey4]

i think i was trying to beat everyone to the punch.

seems every thread says the same thing.

I think I really got to you on this Cutler thing. I agree that on D we need a DT that can supply pressure up the middle. They don't have to be a Haynesworth type of pass rusher but it would be nice to have a guy like we had with Jenkins that commands a double team. Maybe D. Robertson can be that type of player he definitely is athletic enough but can he stay healthy. This along with bringing in another DE that can come into rotation could get us back into the top 10 or 15 in D.

[OneBadassCat]

Brayton will improve alot in my opinion. He was a first round talent. I think we need to address DT more than DE. The better DT gets the easier it is for our defensive ends. This is Charles Johnson's year to shine.

[panthers55]

Brayton was not expected to get many sacks pass rushing. The scheme was skewed to the right side of the line so that the pressure would come from Lewis and Peppers. With Kemo over the center it made defenses single both Lewis and Peppers who lined up in the 3 and 5 technique. That is a one gap penetrating technique with Lewis shooting in between the guard and tackle and Peppers lining up between the tackle and tight end when that is the strong side. Othersie on the tackles outside shoulder.

Since Kemo is over the center shading to the center's right shoulder (our left side) it means Kemo is in a 2 gap read and react. Brayton is usually lined up over the tackle or on on side or the other of him. But it means that Brayton has to potentially take on a double team and is trying to stop the run primarily. We got most of our pass rush pressure when Brayton slid over for Kemo and both he and Johnson played 1 gap defense on third down in the 3 and 5 technique. Brayton did a very good clogging up the left side and making tackles. iwas really worried that teams would gash us big time running right at him in the gap between Kemo and Brayton but they were pretty stout.

[pantherclaw]

We are in trouble if we have to depend on "If this guy can step up..."

We need TALENT on the defensive line plain and simple. Fox and Co. ignored the D-line last year(especially on the interior) so now we are going to have to work very hard to find good players.

Hate to break it to ya, but EVERY team depends on their guys stepping up and playing.

Fox and Hurney have been good at finding lower priced FA's that come in and contribute more than any fans thought they could. Goes to show what us fans know.

We do have options, but all these people who are upset we aren't spending major money, need to take a big chill pill and let the off-season run it's course.

[Ncstatefan]

I think Charles Johnson is ready for a starting job but the other side we need to pick someone up

[pantherclaw]

DE is not the problem, DT is...

I agree.

Our DT situation is far worse than our DE situation. At least at DE, we have a quality vet, and up and coming talent. At DT, we have NO dept cept a second year late round pick.

[top dawg]

i think i was trying to beat everyone to the punch.

seems every thread says the same thing.

That's part of the reason why I haven't been on here lately. It has gotten a little tiresome.

Anyway, I believe that Brayton, Taylor, and especially Johnson will surprise many people. You have to give Johnson and Taylor some consistent field experience before we will really see their natural ability develop. We have guys with realy good promise, and now may be the time to bite the bullet and have the gonads to develop them to their full potential.