AFCN - who do you fear the most in 2024?

[Joelist]

(07-12-2024, 11:42 AM)lone bengal Wrote: Ravens, Lamar difficult to defend plus now has Henry in the backfield  , Flowers explosive trending towards a good WR1 , Andrews one of the best TE ‘s. Tyler Linderbaum has all pro potential at center same goes for Kyle Hamilton. Justin Madubuike one of the better young Dt's in the league , Roquan Smith's a stud, Humprhey one of the best slot cb's, Tucker the best kicker. They lost a bunch of guys this offseason but they always draft good and reload.

Actually they didn't really get to reload this time. This offseason was the first one since Ozzie Newsome retired from being their GM that they saw significant turnover in the starting roster and coaching turnover. Usually they might replace one starter here and there - this time it is six at once. Flowers has serious hands issues (and off field issues) also. Henry has a LOT of wear on the treads and a line in front of him with three new starters. 

As to Lamar the defensive game plan is always the same - mush rush with emphasis on gap discipline and change the coverage up on him to make him read and process the defense after snap - something he is not good at. Make him have to fit the ball into small spots - again something he is not good at. Do it right and he is not unbeatable. 

[lone bengal]

(07-12-2024, 12:45 PM)Joelist Wrote: Actually they didn't really get to reload this time. This offseason was the first one since Ozzie Newsome retired from being their GM that they saw significant turnover in the starting roster and coaching turnover. Usually they might replace one starter here and there - this time it is six at once. Flowers has serious hands issues (and off field issues) also. Henry has a LOT of wear on the treads and a line in front of him with three new starters. 

As to Lamar the defensive game plan is always the same - mush rush with emphasis on gap discipline and change the coverage up on him to make him read and process the defense after snap - something he is not good at. Make him have to fit the ball into small spots - again something he is not good at. Do it right and he is not unbeatable. 

Good point on the coaches forgot they lost there DC and some position coaches on that side. Far as there D goes I still think they'll be a top unit with studs at all 3 levels with Madubuike, Smith then Hamilton / Humphry on the back end. They lost Clowney as a starter but a guy like  David Ojabo could step in who would have been a 1st rd. pick if it wasn't for an injury. Far as Stone he's a loss but he was there 3rd Saftey they still got two good starters. Agree on Henry but feel but like being on a better team with a better QB could balance that.  Plus a read option with Henry and Lamar could be hard to stop, you hesitate Lamar could run buy you or Henry run you over with a full head of steam. Agree on Flowers but he was a rookie and his biggest threat to a D is he stretches the field you need to respect his speed. Also agree on Lamar but he's given us fits at times and is still the best Qb in the North in my opinion. 

[Lucius Cincinnatus]

(06-29-2024, 11:22 PM)Nate (formerly eliminate08) Wrote: Bottom line, when you are one of the worst run stopping Defenses in the league you shouldn't get worse just because one player left that 
was oft injured and was on one of the worst run stopping Defenses in the league. The DC in the name of Lou Anarumo needs to get this shit
together and I believe he will even if you don't.

We don't even know if DJ Reader will ever play a snap again in the NFL or even be a shadow of his old self.

Our run Defense was top 5 a couple years ago, it could be at the very least mid pack especially with an Offense that scores a lot and makes 
other teams throw the ball to catch up.

Blind optimism. I was overly optimistic thinking this defense would be a bit better than last year as well.

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(10-11-2024, 12:39 PM)Lucius Cincinnatus Wrote: Blind optimism. I was overly optimistic thinking this defense would be a bit better than last year as well.

Still 5 games in, my blind optimism says we will get better lol

[Whacked]

(06-23-2024, 11:35 AM)Whacked Wrote: Browns here.

Errrrr. Is it too late for me to change my post …. D’OH!

[TKUHL]

Everyone! Not even trying to vote on this. Look at our record last year and so far this year. We better fear all of them.