03-14-2023, 04:35 PM
(03-14-2023, 03:43 PM)Crazyjdawg Wrote: I think we're going to feel Bates' absence in 2023. He didn't make a lot of splash plays and he wasn't a punishing tackler, but his instincts and range probably prevented more plays than any of us realize.
Bell, on the other hand, was good, but a significant portion of his contribution to the team was as an emotional leader. I thought we'd keep him for sure because we knew Bates was gone and we wouldn't want to replace both starters in a single season since Lou's scheme seems to be fairly complicated. I think we'll probably give up more big plays than we did in 2022 just from the unfamiliarity with Lou's scheme causing some confusion with 2 new safety starters.
All told, we had 28 turnovers (13 INT, 15 FF) last year and 11 of them (8 INT, 3 FF) just left the building.
Pratt staying, however, may make up for a fair amount of that. He was a playmaker in every sense of the word for our defense. He led the team in passes defensed with 10 and had 3 turnovers as well (2 INT, 1 FF and FR, same play). He was also a key figure in the Sam Hubbard TD return as he is the one who held at the point of attack.
I think our defense is currently worse than it was last year, but if we sign a good veteran safety like CJGJ or Thornhill, we're probably at ~90% defensive strength and that's before the draft, where I hope we add a good cornerback and pass rusher (as well as getting Awuzie back).
If we just roll with Tycen, I'll be concerned though. a 5th round 2nd year player who didn't play a snap as your de facto starting SS is...not good. That's something bad teams do. Championship teams don't let unproven, low drafted players get uncontested starting spots.
The key to getting back to the Super Bowl next year will be all about the offensive line, which is why it's frustrating that we haven't addressed RT yet.
Great post CJD. Also expect us to struggle more than say last year at Safety for sure, just because Dax will be starting and will
have to make mistakes to learn from them as all young player's do. Pratt staying is also not what I expected and it freed up money
with the great deal we got for him and both our Safeties leaving. Gardner-Johnson could be an upgrade over Vonn for all we know,
he is younger, with 3 less years of tread on his tires. Had a couple more ints last year too.
Highly doubt we just roll with Tycen. I also would be concerned if this is the plan, highly doubt it is though.
Eluemunor is still out there and is exactly what we need at RT, he is on his honeymoon and for all we know we have contacted
him but we are really secretive right now rightfully so.
(03-14-2023, 03:48 PM)casear2727 Wrote: I dont see any way in which we simply roll with Tycen. He is not a good a coverage safety and he has never played a snap in the NFL.
He has a lot of range but yeah, raw as can be. No way we roll with Tycen Anderson as our starting Safety opposite Dax this year.
(03-14-2023, 03:51 PM)Au165 Wrote: We won't (unless a bunch of things go sideways). I am pretty confident there is a vet coming. It may be one year for the right guy but I think we will have someone with 20+ starts on the roster back there come draft day. I also think as prices start falling it could end up a 2-3 year deal.
Same, pretty confident in a vet coming in here and it doesn't have to be immediately like some are acting.
Might get a real good one and for a decent contract if we just wait and let things cool down.
(03-14-2023, 04:01 PM)Synric Wrote: Taylor Rapp reminds me of Vonn Bell before he signed with Cincinnati.
Also really like Rapp, sounds like another perfect fit.
