mgteich

The inside defense should be improved. We have added Lewis or Warren isude. We have added Spikes and McKenzaie. Brace should be at least a bit better over the year. But are we really improved outside?
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OUT
Green

IN
Warren and/or Lewis
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OUT
Thomas

IN
Cunningham and perhaps Crable
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HEY BRO! WHAT UP?

I give credit to BB for finally addressing the LB position with Cunningham and Spikes. However, it's not improved until it's improved. Obviously, if McKenzie and Spikes are the real deal, this will help the effectiveness of Jerod Mayo against the run and Gary Guyton against the pass. If Cunningham gives the pass rush a boost, the secondary will be able to make some plays. If Crable plays just one game, he'll have a career year.

I think Myron Pryor is the darkhorse to start at the other DE spot.

864patsfan

I was also relieved that we picked up Cunningham. My roomate is a die hard gators fan and was really high on the OLB prospect but the reality is that it's not going to happen over night. Hopefully he can get in and help right away but I think that could be a bit too much to ask. As for Crable... who knows.

BionicPatriot

Nothing but questions IMO.

__________________
Defense, defense, defense

CanadianPat'sFan

OUT
A bunch of money for two guys who were ready to move on and were not productive.

IN
Youth or a Trade before training camp

I really think we are better off with what we have going into 2010 then 2009 (after Seymour was traded).

patsfan-1982

green, was a pretty good player he just was not seymour, but even with that said i think Deaderick, and lewis, will fill he's spot and maybe even a upgrade there.



Cunningham, would have to be a total bust not to be a upgrade over with AD give the pats last year.



over all they should be better and mostly cause i think the pats will be much better this year at DB

supafly

I'm with you in the fact that I'm not 100% sold on base 3-4 RDE being played exclusively by Warren/Lewis, but I'm not sure Pryor is big enough to play a 3-4 DE. 6'1" isn't going to cut it.

I will admit that I've thought about it, and I wouldn't be 'absolutely' shocked by it, but regardless, I'd still be very surprised.

I know Wright hasn't shown up too good when attempting to play 3-4 DE, but I'd give him the nod over Pryor. At least Wright is big enough, and has good experience in our system. There are other factors that would have to come into play, such as the development of Brace (and others of course), where Brace will fit in, and if he can be an effective backup NT.

I do believe that Pryor is better than some are giving him credit for, as I've actually seen some 53's where they have Pryor on the bubble--which I think is crazy. I personally think that Pryor was a beast at Kentucky, and is making a decent transition to the NFL. IMO, he was a bright spot in last yr's rookie class, and there's no way he doesn't continue to earn reps and opportunites.

But to sum it up, Pryor has pretty much always been a DT, playing inside. Above all, he's only 6'1"---that won't cut it as a RDE here.

FarScapeR

I feel like Pryor's the Gary Guyton of our defensive line. Great in spots, but not a full-time starter. I'd also give Wright the advantage.

And yeah, we have a lot of question marks at OLB. Promising, but question marks all the same.

stinkypete

I look at Green and Thomas as non-factors in 2009. Prior was more effective than Green at DE and Ninkovich was more effective than Thomas at OLB.

I think Lewis and Warren will both be better players than Green was in 2009, so yes, I'd call the DE situation improved.

At OLB, there still is the unknown of Cunningham, plus the unknown impact of Spikes and/or Mackenzie on the defense as a whole. There's a chance that the overall D improved without noticeable improvement from the OLBs. At worst I see an OLB group that is no worse than the 2009 group, while the rest of the defense improves.

supafly

That's a great point, and quite possible in a worst case scenario.

I think we have improvement at DL, ILB, and the secondary, so I'm with you in thinking that the OLB's won't be any worse than last yr.