Why the 2007 defense will be in the top 10

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by TenandSix:Unacceptable

I think it needs to be pointed out that playing defense in the NFL oftentimes comes down to a battle of wills. Because we had slipped out of contention very early, last year could be a case of our guys losing a bit of the sheer determination it takes to stop opponents. Obviously, it had a lot to do with strategy, tackling and personnel, and we were in that hole to begin with because of the fact that we were playing poorly on defense. However, if you look at Gibbs' success over his career in December, I think a lot of that has to do with his teams, who were almost always in contention, taking advantage of teams with the running attack who simply could not match the desire his teams had to win the war of attrition. Honestly, that was always one of the most amazing things about Gibbs' teams during his first go around. They weren't necessarily the most talented teams, they oftentimes just wanted it more than their opponents. I am not making excuses, because last year was an embarrassment, but at the same time, I doubt that we would have finished as low as we did if we were in position to play for more than pride. Playing defense is also a matter of attitude and players must pay a steep price physically to get the job done. I imagine it is harder to do that when you know your offseason is going to start after week 17. I really do wonder if that had a drastic effect on our season stats. Hopefully, we can start off well coming out of the gate. Any moral boost should really motivate these players to give up their bodies, because that is what it takes to win in the NFL. Regardless of personnel issues, and we obviously have our fair share of those, if this team has the right attitude, if they are willing to do whatever it takes to stop the other guy, I think we could see marked improvement.

I understand what you're saying here. But I doubt they quit or even let up. Playing for pride means a lot in a sport that is so full of huge egos. I mean look at the Raiders! They were 3rd in the NFL in overall D despite the worst record in the league. Those guys played with heart and determination despite being paired with one of the worst offenses ever. Our defense just simply wasn't talented enough. Wright, Rumph, Fox, Holdman, Marshall, the entire D-line, they just weren't good. You know that saying the simplest explanation tends to be the best one? I think we stunk because we stunk.