Is the defense better?

[HoTbOy]

I would like to think that the D will be improved from last year...Maybe I am missing something on SAdams, because IMO he was a none factor on too many plays...On some plays he gave little or no help at all and it seems that when he was in there teams passed on us more on 1st down...and he does nothing in the form of a pass rush, and is the run D that much improved, or was it the fact that everyone was passing on us like crazy...

[NJ29]

D-Line

The additions of Toeaina and Myers add more run stopping help, and more bodies, as well as the ability of Peko and Fanene to hopefully log more playing time, should help keep Geathers fresh, allowing him to generate the pass rush that he did last year.

Linebackers

If Brooks knows what he's doing and can play full time in the middle, he should be a force. Hopefully there is enough depth that Jeanty can specialize in pass rush situations. Hartwell can provide quality depth that didn't exist last year, and hopefully Odell can return to provide some playmaking in the minute playing time that he may receive in returning from suspension. Henderson can also come in and add some pass rush as Jeanty can, and hopefully, as overly-optimistic as it may sound, Everett can pick up the playbook quickly and add help as a special teamer and a platooner, as his coverage and pass rushing ability could be huge on passing downs. If Nicholson can find his way onto the field, he can add some playmaking and run stuffing help.

Backfield

Hall will be a solid nickel back from the get-go, and hopefully allowing O'Neal to be used less can help his focus when he is in. This also allows Rat to be used as a dime guy, where he is better suited, instead of covering bigger receivers on the edge. White can provide an enforcing attitude, as well as more blitzing ability when needed. He's a solid replacement for Kaes.

Overall, the run stopping ability that was added to the defensive line could allow the linebackers to be used more often to generate pass rush, as there are a lot of young linebackers who can be used for it. Coverage and overall tackling ability of the secondary will be much improved, and some of the young guys emerging and finally getting some PT should be a huge help when being used in situation where they specialize.