Last year's defense put forward one of the worst performances in SB history. This year's defense had one of the best performances in SB history.
What was the difference. Personnel? Flores over Patricia?
1. A *much* better secondary. Even Gilmore...last year he was good. This year he was the best CB on planet earth.
2. Hightower. I was on him at the start of the year for being sooooo slow, but man, he was unbelievable down the stretch of this season and in the playoffs (Super Bowl especially). Last year he didn't play in the SB and it showed. When right, he's a true force.
3. More aggressive pass-rushing scheme. Obviously due in large part to the quality of the cover guys, they could take more chances with the pass rush. And boy did they ever.