Good Defenses going forward? (1 Viewer)

[jadams209]

Granted, we can't learn too much after week one, but I am trying to figure out which defenses could be in for a big year. My league, like most counts: total points against, sacks, fumble recoveries, interceptions, safeties, blocked kicks and touchdowns.

some defenses (possibly undrafted--at least in smaller leagues) that stood out to me:

JAX--Pluses -- Best DT tandem and strong secondary, weak schedule; growing offense seems balanced. Minuses --lost Hayward for the year make DL thin, plus MLB out; injury to Fred Taylor could add pressure to defense and derail playoff hopes.

ATL--Pluses -- Have one of very few shut down corners; aggressive front line; aggressive rushing attack helps control clock keep defense off field. Minuses-- Abraham with groin problem again already, kerney nicked up; Vick needs to play his game

DET--Pluses -- New defensive minded Head coach; DT Shaun Rodgers; Martz's offense should improve as season moves on; easy schedule. Minuses -- Defense lacks star power; LBs and DBs are average; can they hold up for full season?

PHILLY-- Pluses -- Added Darren Howard, Strong up the middle with DTs, MLB, and Dawkins; McNabb back to run offense; chemistry seems reintact w/o T.O.; balanced on both sides of the ball Minuses -- Sheppard injury leaves secondary thin, OLBs are below average, haven't gotten major turnovers like past years. Very tough schedule

CINCY-- Pluses-- Defensive whiz Marvin Lewis; added run stuffing DT Sam Adams LB Ahamd Brooks; Forced most combined turnovers last year, one of the most balanced, powerful offense in the NFL. Minuses-- Difficult schedule. Thurman missing 4 games, Palmer not yet in sync, high point allowed avg.

other possibilities-- NE (weak LBs and Secondary but nice schedule); Dallas (brutal schedule, but elite defense if offense and avoid TOs); Minn (easy schedule, have strong DTs and secondary, but no major playmakers, weak LBs) STL (could be back, added youth, Haslett great DC, but must balance offense and produce in redzone)

This is my list. If anyone has more analysis or any defenses they would like to add (with pluses and minuses) that would be great. if anyone has any defenses that can work in tandem over the 16 week season please feel free to post. (If the tandem topic has been addressed please respond with link)

Good luck the rest of the season.

J.A.

 

[jon_mx]

Cincinnati lead the league last year in causing turnovers and also had a decent sack total. It looks like they are stronger this year, so they will have a very solid fantasy defense.

 

[mcnabbmcnow]

From your list, I like Cincy and Philly. Philly has a much, much better defensive line than last year and great depth there. Detroit is OK if they suffer no injuries. Kind of wait and see on everyone else. I still think Minnesota could emerge.

 

[jadams209]

Yea, i agree cincy and philly probably have the best defenses of the above especially because their offenses help there defenses so much.

I forgot to add that Cincy played last week without TJ Housh who looked good in the preseason, and eventually they will have Odell Thurman back. i think after their week 5 bye (odell back and palmer should be much more in sync by then cincy could end up borderline top 5.

As for philly, although NFC East is probably the toughest division Washington, Dallas and even NYG will stuggle for stretches on offense. McNabb has always raised the level of the players around him. the key i think is westbrook has to stay healthy so they can move the ball and eat up clock for their defense

what about San Diego compared to these?

 

[Banger]

I've liked SD all offseason. The key indicator that I look for in defenses is sacks and also for a good offense so the team can play with a lead in the 2nd half.