How will you judge the defense?

[KJ3]

i don't know because it's not like his play totally went to crap. he just wasn't able to do things he was doing earlier in the season. i'm not saying he was perfect technically but he went from eye popping good to average in about a week. not like it matters though...

[Mike]

I am not a fan of individual stats if INT's, sacks etc.

What will make this defense good is what they do on third down. Over the years we have had way too many instances of getting an offense in a hole, and allowing them to convert on third down.

Some of that has been lack of pressure up front allowing QB's time to pick on a weak secondary and lack of team speed.

I think if we can get off the field on third down, and not allow the opposition to drive and flip field position then we will be fine. The team has more speed and its best roster yet. I am hopeful this combination allows us to win on third downs, because our offense should be potent and able to score, especially with a short field.

raise your hand if you know what team was #2 in the NFL last year in explosive plays (plays over 25 yards? The Texans... Without a running game and without AJ was #2 behind the Patriots.