Offense or Defense? Which will be ranked higher after the season?

[Argus Plexus]

This defense is going to be NASTY, the offense is an unknown right now.

[CRA]

Are 2 rookie DTs, who aren't currently project per Rivera to get tons of reps initially, the solution for a defense that allowed opponents the best completion percentage in the entire league?

A little surprised people are claiming hands down the D over an offense that will put the ball in Newton's hands

[Jackofalltrades]

D will be top 5, O will be top 10 and ST's will be average.

[Ace_Aladdin]

Top 5 defense if the DT can play to their talent.

Top 5 offense if the O-line can help establish the run game.

[iamhubby1]

No reason to think either unit cannot finish in the top 10. If so, we will be in playoff contention.

Star can do something no other DT we have had since Jenkins can do. DEMAND a double team, and hold the point. Running up the middle against us just got a whole lot more difficult.

5 O-linemen against our front 4. Yeah, I like those odds.

I also think the kids in the secondary are gonna show up this year. A full offseason with Wilkes and Rivera, should make a world of difference for these kids. They should come back stronger and smarter. Allowing them to play faster. Isn't, faster, the theme of the future?

So....I guess I go with Defense. And GOOOOOO CATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Cj72]

I vote defense due to the fact that I believe both defense and special teams are better. This could also cause ypg to be lower for the offense because they will not have to drive 80 yards every series. Theres a reason almost all the high power offenses have bad defenses (although one could argue its because thats where the money and the emphasis is).

[Guest]

I feel that we will have a better ranked defense than offense this season. If everyone plays to their potential and stays healthy it could be a top five defense. Our offense has talent in the running game, and D-Will and Stewart need to step up; and passing wise if Cam takes a big leap forward we could be a top ten offense without too much trouble.

Problem is last year we weren't overly consistent. So that needs to change. And if they can remain consistent and healthy we could do very well this year on both sides.

[top dawg]

Our overall defense ranked higher than the overall offense last year. People need to stop saying otherwise. Both units had deficiencies and lost games in their own way. 

 

The good thing is that the key pieces that led to us having a top 10 offense a couple of years ago are still place, as well as the pieces that led our defense to be 10th last year.  With the additional pieces that we've added to each unit, especially on the defensive side of the ball, there is reason to believe that both units will be top 10---maybe top five---this year.  The only real piece that is missing from the last couple of years is Chris Gamble, but he didn't even play the majority of last year, so he really doesn't count. The noobs did a good job the second part of last season, along with the offense which began to gel when Chud stopped being so cute, and Cam started protecting the ball and learning to check down as opposed to trying to gain everything at one time, mainly by forcing the ball to Smitty. 

 

Their is reason for optimism on both sides of the ball, and special teams with the addition of Ginn, Hixon, AJ Klein, Chase Blackburn and Kenyon Barner (not to mention that Pilares may be back).

[Mojoman]

Defense for sure.  I think Star will be a star (this cliche will grow tiresome soon).  I also think our defensive backfield is better than people give it credit.  DJ Campbell showed good promise and I think Josh Norman has all the tools, only needed some experience and coaching. 

 

Offense:  O-line is the weak point, especially if there are injuries.

 

[iamhubby1]

I feel that we will have a better ranked defense than offense this season. If everyone plays to their potential and stays healthy it could be a top five defense. Our offense has talent in the running game, and D-Will and Stewart need to step up; and passing wise if Cam takes a big leap forward we could be a top ten offense without too much trouble.

Problem is last year we weren't overly consistent. So that needs to change. And if they can remain consistent and healthy we could do very well this year on both sides.

IMO, the reason we finished so well last year was because we were a pretty good team. Except for the Oakland game, we were a more disciplined team. Fewer penalties and mistakes, were allowing us to play better football.

If we continue to grow, we are going to be scary good. I mean, we are what, a #1 CB and WR, with a RG and RT thrown in. That is 4. Are those 4 players really that important that we can't be good until we get them?

If we can maintain the momentum we started last year. Watch out.

[O-Ther]

Nobody's yet mentioned the REAL reason the D will be better than the O

Luke's 2nd year

I was excited to see what he did to our D after Beast went down last year, and that was BEFORE G-man got him some more bodyguards. Refer to the Ravens D after they drafted Ngata to keep the O-linemen off Ray Lewis

I actually pity the poor bastards that have to play us this year, I really do

[jarhead]

The Offense. 

 

If the defense is as good as some of us want to believe, then this team will be a playoff team. 

 

Remember, the offense was top, upper ranked two years in a row. However, the defense was horrible one year, and better/top 10 the next year. So the offense has shown more consistency, less fluctuation.

 

Many of us are basing the defense off the last half of the season , and conveniently forgetting the season before. I hope they will both be top 10, with the offense being top 5. 

 

We'll see?

I am not sure our offense will be upgraded unless we hire some help on the OL.

[panthers55]

With more emphasis on running and ball control I expect the total yards and points may go down but the offense will be better controlling the clock and the game. It should still be top 10 in points.

The defense will be good against the run (top 8) and decent (top 15) against the pass. Overall close to top 10. Truth is that Rivera defenses by year 3 are typically top 5.  So they might be better than expected.

[CRA]

With more emphasis on running and ball control I expect the total yards and points may go down but the offense will be better controlling the clock and the game. It should still be top 10 in points.

The defense will be good against the run (top 8) and decent (top 15) against the pass. Overall close to top 10. Truth is that Rivera defenses by year 3 are typically top 5. So they might be better than expected.

What makes you think we are going to a ball control offense?

Nothing to date of Newton/Rivera suggests that....nor does simply having a QB of Cam's caliber.

Maybe I have missed what everyone read...not being a smart ass but I am legitimately curious since it keeps being repeated.