Will we be able to stuff the run? That's the big question for me. We have a schedule loaded with run-oriented enemy offenses. If the 3-4 operates to defeat them at the line of scrimmage, then I see us as having a significantly better than .500 season, perhaps even ten wins. This is asking a lot from a "beginning" situation, but I believe that if Crist stays healthy, we're loaded on offense, and people are going to have to out-score us. Kelly once shocked me a few weeks ago when he said that he was happy with the quality of the offensive line. If that's real, what can stop us except QB problems?
I think we'll be much stronger at stopping the run versus stopping the passing game. I really like our D-line up front, good mixture of experience and skill. I'm excited and confident with some of the reserves too, like Stockton, Cwynar and Nwankwo.
Not much needs to be said about the linebackers, they should be good. And with Diaco's "no crease" defense, I think we'll see our playmakers actually getting in front of players, instead of aimlessly blitzing themselves past the play.
But with the passing defense....eh, not as confident. We have three talented corners, but they've been so beaten and bruised that I feel like it's really pushing it expecting them to become great again. And the safety position has some serious question marks.
And the other thing is, as good as our linebackers are or could be, I think they are all much better at attacking the line of scrimmage, getting tackles for loss and sacks, more so than dropping back in coverage. None of them have proven to be anything more than serviceable at best in pass coverage.
