[JoeRedskin]

In terms of projected talent levels alone, the defense clearly improved on the DL and in CB's. The LB's are a bit of a wash but may improve with Murphy and Robinson continuing there growth and with the addition of Smith.

S seems improved but it's pretty speculative at this point. Duke's coming back from an injury, Goldon's coming off a horrible couple of years, and Johnson hasn't been a regular starter. While I think they are an improvement, they could end up being just a continuation of the sorry state of the D's back-end. To me, this is both the biggest question mark and the area most likely to end up sabotaging the otherwise improved defensive talent. If the safeties can't get turnovers and can't stop the big plays, one or two big plays will undo a game's worth of solid play in the trenches and force the offense to make long scoring marches.

Crossing my fingers.