1. All major contributors for our secondary come back. Combine that with the new blood we already have signed (and possibly might have coming) and that improves.
2. Speaking of our linebackers... this is the year that we've been waiting for ever since Mark started 3 true frosh at LB. Some have made the argument that this unit had a sophomore slump. Whatever. Bye bye 2017. I believe we will see that unit take a major step forward as clear leaders and the heart of the defense. Linebacker improves.
3. I hate losing Chad, as he was not only a steady performer but also a leader!. He wasn't, however, a huge difference maker. This is meant no disrespect to him and I really believe that he could blossom in the pros in a way that he didn't here. But, teams were never terrified that they were facing
#9 . That being said, with JJ, Jack and Garvon returning and all three being trained by Kool from day one, I expect more performance out of the DE position. Overall, I think we'll see more speed, and sudden violence from that group, the kind of which we haven't seen since probably 2001. We need more depth, but help is on the way. This improves.
4. It sucks to lose our starting DT's. I wish them well, but I also believe it is a mistake for them to leave early. With the rest of the D being older, in better condition and fully trained and ensconced in our D system plus Kool's tutelage, they could have really shone brightly. Having said that, if we sign Nesta and a couple others, I have a feeling that the net result will feel like our D is just fine and hopefully dominant.
I have hopes and doubts about Willis and whether he's a Greentree allstar, but, if he truly does play like they say he's played in practices this season, and Ford really does devote himself to S&C and Kool's training, and Bethel takes a step forward, we will be fine. Would we be better if 80 and 7 stayed? Of course! But, if everyone else comes to together, the net result will be that we are no worse off. Having Nesta sign with us and be special in his Frosh year, which he totally has the capacity to do, would aid in this.
5. Final thought - our ferocious D of 1991. We had an amazing Secondary. We had junior linebackers who has played together since they were frosh and could almost read each other's minds. We had fast DE's like Rusty, Darren, Kevin, etc. But, can you easily rattle off our 4 deep at DT that year? Obviously some of you can, but my point is - that particular D (unlike the 89' D which had two NFL all pros as our starters) performed without AA's at the position.
That 91' D was absolutely fast and light absorbingly suffocating, and they did this with good and adequate DT play, but not incredible DT play. The heart of that team was in it's back 7 and was supported by its DE's.
Our 2018 D has an opportunity to reflect the 91' D. Optimistically, next year's crew actually has the potential to get better DT play than 91'.
Not saying they will be as good as the 91' version, but I do believe they can be effective. And, if either Kosi or Jarren can take the reins, the 2018 Offense has more offensive firepower, IMO, at the skill positions.
Thankfully the turnovers and the offense came to the rescue and all that.
