How Many PPG Will The Defense Allow?

[skinsfan69]

Originally Posted by SirLK26

Tough to say. We lost Fletcher, and I think Keenan Robinson will be better physically, but can Fletcher's leadership be replaced? Been hearing good things about Clark in that area, and we already know what we have in Hall and Bowen, but Fletcher was the anchor of this defense for years. Some of the young guys are going to have to step up as well; Amerson needs to play well as the #2 corner and continue to improve, Phillip Thomas needs to have a large role in the secondary, Robinson needs to start and play well at ILB, and Baker and Jarvis need to get better up front. Final question: how well is Hatcher going to play at the age of 32 and coming off a knee surgery? He needs to give us a strong rush up front to let Rak and Ryan do their thing well. Lots of questions, but how can we be worse than last year?

Going with around 24 PPG. That's a huge improvement, and would put us around the middle of the league. I think an improved offense and special teams will help out somewhat, as will more talent, but with Haslett it'll never be a great defense.

Fletcher was the leader of a bad defense. Riley has been there for a few years now. He should be able to be a leader now. Plus we need an athlete at ILB that can cover a TE. Personally I'm glad we have some new blood in there.

[SirLK26]

Originally Posted by skinsfan69

Fletcher was the leader of a bad defense. Riley has been there for a few years now. He should be able to be a leader now. Plus we need an athlete at ILB that can cover a TE. Personally I'm glad we have some new blood in there.

Fletcher was obviously very near the end of his career last season, but in the mental department he was the best player we had. And I just don't think Riley is the type of person that can be an emotional leader like #59 was. Also, like I said, Fletcher's career was obviously close to being over, but the fact remains that he put up 111 tackles. Sure, he may have missed a ton too, but that kind of production won't be easily replaced. It's sort of like the Eagles fans who justify letting DeSean go by saying, "Oh, he disappeared from games," and, "All you have to do is jam him at the line and he quits." Whatever bro, not gonna argue that, because 80-1300-9 obviously proves that he disappeared quite a bit.

Bottom line: right now it's fun to say, "I'm glad we've got some new blood in there", but it might not be so fun once September rolls around.

Edit: <puts homer glasses on> Although, looking long-term, I think an ILB duo of Riley/Robinson has a ton of potential.

[skinsfan69]

Originally Posted by SirLK26

Fletcher was obviously very near the end of his career last season, but in the mental department he was the best player we had. And I just don't think Riley is the type of person that can be an emotional leader like #59 was. Also, like I said, Fletcher's career was obviously close to being over, but the fact remains that he put up 111 tackles. Sure, he may have missed a ton too, but that kind of production won't be easily replaced. It's sort of like the Eagles fans who justify letting DeSean go by saying, "Oh, he disappeared from games," and, "All you have to do is jam him at the line and he quits." Whatever bro, not gonna argue that, because 80-1300-9 obviously proves that he disappeared quite a bit.

Bottom line: right now it's fun to say, "I'm glad we've got some new blood in there", but it might not be so fun once September rolls around.

Edit: <puts homer glasses on> Although, looking long-term, I think an ILB duo of Riley/Robinson has a ton of potential.

I just think the Fletcher leadership thing was vastly overrated. Especially last year when he was not very good. These guys are professionals. Both Riley and Robinson have been here a few years. They're not rookies. They know the defense and they should be able to make the calls.