I think it's a better version of what we've had the last two seasons. But you're right. It is. So the same flaws (while slightly less prominent hopefully) will still show. I'm just saying that this particular off-season especially, the defense isn't poised to succeed against the offense as well. On top of the fact that the veteran talent available is not as good as it has been in the past.
I'd say look back on that 2017 Roster that performed so well and tell me how impressed you are with the guys in that two deep on defense in retrospect.
Here's how I see it.
We will have some questions at DE but we have guys that could step up their play. While the names in 2017 were highly touted, in hindsight they were all just solid players. None of them were game changing level dominant. An argument could be made for Garvin but he wasn't an every down player and made his impact situationally. Another young guy like Chantz Williams could do the same this year.
At DT we had some dudes like RJ and Norton but I wouldn't be surprised if we have similar talent in place on the roster. JHH and Nesta with Miller and Ford to me could potentially be a better two deep. I believe that dominating interior pass rush is the key to success for Manny's scheme. Without pressure in the QBs face the zone is susceptible. When we can move the middle of the pocket into the QBs lap then Manny's scheme tends to get it done in a big way.
At LB we come in with Flagg who isn't Quarterman level good but may not be far off if he takes a step forward. Frierson and K Smith make up a potentially more consistent duo than McCloud/Pinck/Mike Smith. I would honestly take this years LB corps over that one if K Smith is the real deal.
At CB I think its fair to say we are better and deeper. Especially if the light comes on for Ivey and T Rob improves the play across the board.
At S we have a similar veteran in Bolden compared to Jaquan Johnson. The potential of the safety group is there but at the moment It's not quite as good.
To sum it up. Until the bullets fly it's always a what if scenario. We aren't watching the practices. We don't really know how good the play on the interior of the line has been. The coaches know what they have on defense. Bama will definitely let us know where we stand.
I believe that the interior D line specifically JHH and Nesta can play at Norton RJ level or better. IMO that by itself will make us solid on defense. If the DEs can continue to eat and LBs can just be dependable, we will be **** good. The secondary just needs to perform equal to last season if the front 7 steps up and the expectation is that we should actually be much better. I have a good feeling about how this defense can perform. Outcome vs Alabama not withstanding.
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