Yesterday, 11:19 AM
(07-31-2025, 05:04 PM)TJ528 Wrote: I think there's a LOT of positives about this defense coming into 2025.
New DC, New DL coach, New LB coach. I truly believe this will make a huge difference this year.
I also don't think the last 5 games of 2025 were an illusion either.
I think you're going see good years from Murphy, Ossai. I think adding Slaton is HUGE. Trey will be signed to an extension its just a matter of when.
I think Stewart will grow this year. I even think we have a ton of talent at DB/S.
If this unit can be top 15, hell even top 20 defense in 2025, you'll see AFC North Champs in January.
I agree.
Better health will health will help considerably. We were down 4 starters last year: Logan Wilson, Dax Hill, Turner, and Rankins. And with Hubbard falling off a cliff, half our projected D was off the board.
I'd also pike to applaud the FO with respect to the D. While I may not love some of the individual moves (this draft pick or that one), I think the general approach was the correct one. Didn't overspend in FA chasing overpriced FA's who are not true difference makers (especially at DT and DE). Re-signed some quality internal FAs for reasonable (Hill & Ossai). Went out and got a true NT/Reader type, in Slaton, so Hill can play his natural spot. Swapped out some underperforming & higher priced vets (Rankins, Hubbard, Pratt) for cheaper, better performers (Slaton, Ossai, Burks). And count on some draft picks, internal improvement, and the new coaches to improve. We don't need to be world-beaters.
New DC and DL coach should help. We were WAY too vanilla and passive. Made things way too easy for the other O way too often. With our offense, the D does not have to be perfect. It should allow MORE aggression. Not less. More man. More disguise. Plus, guys like Turner are much better in man. Play to your personnel.
Run D should be better. And more 3rd and longers gives Trey more chances to impact the game.
