How much better will the defense be against the run

[Captain Morgan]

our offense is going to score a lot of points....teams won't have the time to pound the ball if

they want to keep with us on the scoreboard. That will take some of the load off our run stoppers.

[CRA]

Statistically, You have to expect mprovement from one or two of the rookie DTs from last year. Odds are that one will show signs of busting. The Neblett stupidity hurts because he is our second most experienced DT.

Since we will show some 3-4 looks, this could be good in the long run. In addition, Hardy is 300 lbs and can rush from inside on passing downs from the 3 technique.

I expect better end play and obviously better linebacking to be the reason we should expect to be at least average.

Hardy has always been a promising pass rusher....but got abused often in the run game. Let's hope this weight helps him be more rounded....and doesn't take away from his pass rushing ability.

[Catalyst]

Depends on how well Ron Edwards plays and how fast McClain develops.

[thefuzz]

Until Hurney values the DT position as much as the RB position, we will continue to be a decent defense.

I worry a ton about our CB's and S's coming into this season.

[nosuchthingasapanther]

Giving up 100 yards on the ground isn't a problem if it takes them 30 carries to do it. Instead of total yards we need to look at how many big rushes we gave up and the yards per carry surrendered. Last year we gave up an average of 4.6 yards per rush good for 24th place. We gave up 110 first down, 18 TDs and 15 plays of 20 yards or more.

To be top 10 we need to average 4 yards or less per carry, 95 first downs, around 12 TDs and less than 10 runs of 20 yards or more.

Yards per game can be misleading. If you give up 100 yards on the ground per game because you are surrendering 300 yards in the air, you are not doing a good job as a defense. For example the Saints** gave up 108 yards rushing a game but surrendered 5 yards per carry. They surrendered 275 yards a game in the air which equated to 12 yards a completion. On the other hand we gave up less passing yards at 257 yards a game but it equated to 13 yards a completion which is not good at all, as we gave up 52 passes of 20 yards or more.

in a nutshell, you're saying the same thing...the defensive line needs an overhaul.

[panthers55]

in a nutshell, you're saying the same thing...the defensive line needs an overhaul.

Actually I don't think we need an overhaul. I think the current personnel will be a top 15 defense this year which is all we need to win 9 or 10 games if the offense continues to put up points.

[iamhubby1]

Actually I don't think we need an overhaul. I think the current personnel will be a top 15 defense this year which is all we need to win 9 or 10 games if the offense continues to put up points.

This!

If you play D-Line for the Pantherz you had better show up. Rivera will give the kids one more year before he blows the line up. And I believe Rivera is capable of doing so.

In that vein I present my who is safe listing. Edwards, Hardy, and CJ are safe. If that is the extent of my list, I think we are going to need some help.

Kearse and McClain need for their "Flashes" to be the norm, for them to be safe. I do however, believe they are both capable of solid minutes this year. So if they can help, it helps their case.

Fua needs to show he can make an impact to even get consideration, he is in need of a good year. Which leaves my favorite, Nwagbuo. He needs to show up at TC and beast out just to have a chance. But I am pulling for my State guy. These two are in a position where they are against the wall. Going to be interesting to see how they fare.

Alexander is safe, and is in a position to be of help this year. He can develop at his own pace, as long as that pace is at double time. Some third rounders show up. Why Not?

So yea, I can see this group as capable maybe even pretty good. But, I expect changes along the way. Whether that is this year, or more likely next, is up to Rivera.

We have to give the kids one more year to develop. But that may be the limit to their grace period.

I see improvement coming just from general growth. But, if we want to be top 10 or better on D. This group needs some help.

[panthers55]

This!

If you play D-Line for the Pantherz you had better show up. Rivera will give the kids one more year before he blows the line up. And I believe Rivera is capable of doing so.

In that vein I present my who is safe listing. Edwards, Hardy, and CJ are safe. If that is the extent of my list, I think we are going to need some help.

Kearse and McClain need for their "Flashes" to be the norm, for them to be safe. I do however, believe they are both capable of solid minutes this year. So if they can help, it helps their case.

Fua needs to show he can make an impact to even get consideration, he is in need of a good year. Which leaves my favorite, Nwagbuo. He needs to show up at TC and beast out just to have a chance. But I am pulling for my State guy. These two are in a position where they are against the wall. Going to be interesting to see how they fare.

Alexander is safe, and is in a position to be of help this year. He can develop at his own pace, as long as that pace is at double time. Some third rounders show up. Why Not?

So yea, I can see this group as capable maybe even pretty good. But, I expect changes along the way. Whether that is this year, or more likely next, is up to Rivera.

We have to give the kids one more year to develop. But that may be the limit to their grace period.

I see improvement coming just from general growth. But, if we want to be top 10 or better on D. This group needs some help.

If Fua or McClain suck they could be jeopardy but most players on a rookie contract are usually safe if they are third rounders as long as they can provide depth and show promise to start. I expect both of them to be much better this year as well. I doubt Fua starts and think McClain will have significant competition at undertackle. It is surely possible that both will sit the bench this year. If they start it will only be because they have made great strides.

[Kuech the Sneak]

They could be a top 15 run D If they stay healthy and McFua and kearse make strides in their second seasons( which I think they will)

[iamhubby1]

If Fua or McClain suck they could be jeopardy but most players on a rookie contract are usually safe if they are third rounders as long as they can provide depth and show promise to start. I expect both of them to be much better this year as well. I doubt Fua starts and think McClain will have significant competition at undertackle. It is surely possible that both will sit the bench this year. If they start it will only be because they have made great strides.

Here is my thought on McFua. They basically had two months of training before hitting the field. I am sure they felt overwhelmed, and they played like it. Are they training to erase those memories? Or are they training to reverse those memories?

I expect some improvement, just as a matter of evolution. But when half the group is still only 2nd year players. Ouch. I do trust that Rivera is tweaking his master plan for this year, and I cannot wait to see it.

I really expect Rivera to tweak his master plan for this year. So the traditional 4-3 may look different. Which could mean all these DTs that are a little underdeveloped shall we say, may not have so much responsibility.

Tomorrow Night. Green Michigan State shorts, and a Panther T-shirt. Taking notes and grinning from ear to ear.

[Beast_3000]

Edwards will allow the linebackers to run down hill. We will be a top 10 run defense. I am more concerned with our pass defense.

[CRA]

Edwards will allow the linebackers to run down hill. We will be a top 10 run defense. I am more concerned with our pass defense.

Last time we were top 10 against the run....

We had Peppers, Jenkins, Buckner and Rucker up front....

Not sure a middle of the road Edwards is going to get us back there so soon

[Argus Plexus]

The homerism in here is almost laughable, and I'm a homer.

[PhillyB]

if the front seven stays healthy all year i see no reason why we couldn't be top ten.