Missing Champ Bailey...

[Beemnseven]

Originally Posted by Hogskin

Beem, you say you disagree, but by the end of your statement, it sounded like you were making my case for marginal improvement. As far as two guys being replacements for Russell and Smith, wouldn't you agree that neither of those contributed anything measureable last season? Russell hardly played and Smith whined and chased a personal record. So anything would be SOME improvement LOL. But I think you will also see Williams' influence have some impact on the DL. Expect defensive improvements across the board this year. We need some DL upgrade to make it to the top, but I fully expect a top 10 D this year. I would bet $$ that we will rank above Champ's new team D!!

I said we could be in more solid shape at defensive tackle, and that's if Brandon Noble returns to full health along with Jermaine Haley. But again, that's at D-tackle, not the ends.

I was no fan of Bruce Smith in his last two seasons or so in Washington, but Smith actually did make a measureable contribution as he wound up to be the leader in sacks last year.

And while I have more confidence in Gregg Williams than George Edwards, he had certainly better be the defensive mastermind that everybody says he is who can overcome any lack of personnel or talent at key positions.