Why the 2007 defense will be in the top 10

12thMan · 05-08-2007, 04:19 PM

The fact of the matter is we're all speculating right now. I tend to disagree that our secondary will get toasted as it did last year. No one knows that for sure.

I think GW and Gray will work more closely this year. I would also count on guys like Rogers, Taylor, and yes, Landry playing quite well which will help us out. Throw in role players like PP and Smooty, and we should be fine. I think stellar would be the exception, but solid would be the expectation here.

TheMalcolmConnection · 05-08-2007, 04:21 PM

I think that with Marshall back in his natural position, teams will TRY that and find it to be unsuccessful really quick. It's not that I didn't give him a chance, I just cannot fathom how Warrick Holdman was an NFL player.

12thMan · 05-08-2007, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheMalcolmConnection

I think that with Marshall back in his natural position, teams will TRY that and find it to be unsuccessful really quick. It's not that I didn't give him a chance, I just cannot fathom how Warrick Holdman was an NFL player.

Holdman was definitely the weakest link last year. It seemed to me that wherever he lined up, run support was very suspect. Now he's gone, and so are the excuses.

I think we're going to see a defense that's re-energized this year!!

TheMalcolmConnection · 05-08-2007, 04:28 PM

I agree. The linebacking corps is going to be a strength provided Washington is fully healed.

12thMan · 05-08-2007, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheMalcolmConnection

I agree. The linebacking corps is going to be a strength provided Washington is fully healed.

You have to figure either Marshall or Rocky is an upgrade over Holdman, and Fletch should be an upgrade over Marshall in the middle.

We'll be fine, you watchit!

diehardskin2982 · 05-08-2007, 06:50 PM

Well it looks like Westbrook didn't make it as far as looking on the roster in OTAs

diehardskin2982 · 05-08-2007, 07:13 PM

wait I'm wrong rookies can't show until college classes are ended

TenandSix:Unacceptable · 05-08-2007, 08:02 PM

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.

GMScud · 05-08-2007, 08:12 PM

Quote:

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.

GusFrerotte · 05-08-2007, 08:39 PM

IF the D line stayed healthy and got in better shape they have the potential to be somewhat dominant, maybe not getting a ton of sacks, but at least getting a lot of pressure

KLHJ2 · 05-08-2007, 10:59 PM

10. The rest of the D-Line
9. Andre Carter
8. Lemar Marshall and Rocky Mcintosh
7. Carlos Rogers
6. Fred Smoot and Shawn Springs
5. Laron Landry
4. London Fletcher
3. Marcus Washington
2. Sean Taylor
1. Greg Williams

My top ten reasons why they will be a top 10 defense!

05-08-2007, 04:19 PM	#1
12thMan MVP Join Date: May 2005 Location: washington, D.C. Posts: 11,460	Re: Why the 2007 defense will be in the top 10 The fact of the matter is we're all speculating right now. I tend to disagree that our secondary will get toasted as it did last year. No one knows that for sure. I think GW and Gray will work more closely this year. I would also count on guys like Rogers, Taylor, and yes, Landry playing quite well which will help us out. Throw in role players like PP and Smooty, and we should be fine. I think stellar would be the exception, but solid would be the expectation here.

05-08-2007, 04:21 PM	#2
TheMalcolmConnection I like big (_\|_)s. Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Charlottesville, Virginia Age: 44 Posts: 19,264	Re: Why the 2007 defense will be in the top 10 I think that with Marshall back in his natural position, teams will TRY that and find it to be unsuccessful really quick. It's not that I didn't give him a chance, I just cannot fathom how Warrick Holdman was an NFL player. __________________ Regret nothing. At one time it was exactly what you wanted.

05-08-2007, 04:28 PM	#4
TheMalcolmConnection I like big (_\|_)s. Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Charlottesville, Virginia Age: 44 Posts: 19,264	Re: Why the 2007 defense will be in the top 10 I agree. The linebacking corps is going to be a strength provided Washington is fully healed. __________________ Regret nothing. At one time it was exactly what you wanted.

05-08-2007, 06:50 PM	#6
diehardskin2982 Another Year, another mess. Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 3,581	Re: Why the 2007 defense will be in the top 10 Well it looks like Westbrook didn't make it as far as looking on the roster in OTAs __________________ That got ugly fast

05-08-2007, 07:13 PM	#7
diehardskin2982 Another Year, another mess. Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 3,581	Re: Why the 2007 defense will be in the top 10 wait I'm wrong rookies can't show until college classes are ended __________________ That got ugly fast

05-08-2007, 08:02 PM	#8
TenandSix:Unacceptable Special Teams Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 331	Re: Why the 2007 defense will be in the top 10 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.

05-08-2007, 08:39 PM	#10
GusFrerotte Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Detroit area Posts: 4,153	Re: Why the 2007 defense will be in the top 10 IF the D line stayed healthy and got in better shape they have the potential to be somewhat dominant, maybe not getting a ton of sacks, but at least getting a lot of pressure

05-08-2007, 10:59 PM	#11
KLHJ2 Inactive Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: DC Metro Area Age: 48 Posts: 5,829	Re: Why the 2007 defense will be in the top 10 10. The rest of the D-Line 9. Andre Carter 8. Lemar Marshall and Rocky Mcintosh 7. Carlos Rogers 6. Fred Smoot and Shawn Springs 5. Laron Landry 4. London Fletcher 3. Marcus Washington 2. Sean Taylor 1. Greg Williams My top ten reasons why they will be a top 10 defense!

Why the 2007 defense will be in the top 10

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