Which D-Line is the League's Best? (1 Viewer)

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

I've heard some of Chicago's sports radio talking heads heralding the Bears as the Best D-Line in the NFL.

I'm not buying it, and of all the teams they're mentioning, they're giving Atlanta ZERO respect.

If Tommie Harris continues to improve, if O-Gun can stay healthy, if Ian Scott can stay healthy and plug up the running lanes and if Alex Brown can FINALLY become more consistent, I see no reason why the Bears D-Line can't BECOME the top D-Line in the NFL. But to say they're the best now is a bit premature (they may have the best group of D-Linemen including the depth we have though)

Let's take a look at the starting 4 on some of the better units:

Bears: O-Gun, Tommie Harris, Ian Scott & Alex Brown = VERY SOLID imho - amongst the best in the league (Top 5 easily if you ask me)

Colts: Robert Mathis, Corey Simon, Montae Reagor and Dwight Freeney = two of the top DEs in the league, a bit underwhelming inside

Patriots: Ty Warren, Vince Wilfork and Richard Seymour (and pick an OLB) - hard to believe the Bears traded the pick that ultimately was Ty Warren to the Patriots and then selected Michael Haynes. In hindsight, a very stupid move.

Ravens: Trevor Pryce, Halati Ngati, Kelly Gregg and Terrell Suggs - like all things Ravens.... overrated imho...

Panthers: Julius Peppers, Ma'ake Kemoeatu, Kris Jenkins and Mike Rucker - pretty outstanding if they can stay healthy. One weak link in the line.

Falcons: John Abraham, Rod Coleman, Chad Lavalais and Patrick Kerney - this D-Line is gonna make some noise this year. For some reason the acquisition of Abraham has flown below the radar. A very solid front seven too imho, and solid DBs. The braintrust of the Falcons may know that Mike Vick is perceived as the golden goose, but they've assembled quite a defense.

Jacksonville: Reggie Hayward, John Henderson, Marcus Stroud, and Paul Spicer - the top DT tandem in the NFL - bar none. Weak at DE though...

Seattle: Bryce Fisher, Chuck Darby, Rocky Bernard and Grant Wistrom - the DEs put forth top energy, and the DTs are above average. Not better than the Bears D-Line by any stretch of the imagination but a couple of high energy DEs, and Bernard came into his own last year.

NY Giants: Michael Strahan, Fred Robbins, William Joseph and Osi Umenyiori - Osi is coming into his own, Strahan is fading, and the DTs are nothing special imho

Thoughts?

 

[Jiggyonthehut]

Bit of a homer but I've always thought DT's were the key to any good defense and allows average DE's to become much better. Hayward is a special player and Spicer really came on last year. Besides, the Jaguars' have a good crop of DE's waiting for a shot.

Jaguars

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

I picked Atlanta btw... no homer here.

 

[Biabreakable]

I think the Patriots have the best defensive line personel. It's harder to recognise this though because they play 3-4 most of the time. Every other unit you have here is a 4-3.

Jarvis Green would start for a lot of teams in the league including some of these listed above. He doesen't get to play in the 3-4 alignment but when the Pats go to a 4-3 he plays RDE with Seymour moving to undertackle.

Wilford and Seymour as DTs are on a par with the Jax DTs and then with Warren and Green at DE I don't see another group that is as good collectivly.

We may see NE play more 4-3 defense this year with McGinest now moving on to Cleveland and with NE having depth issues with thier LBers.

I think the Iggles group deserves mention. They have a quality front 4 and rotation adding Howard and Bunkley to the mix this year.

The Vikings line could realise its potential now that they actualy have some coaching.

 

[jurb26]

I'll try to rate your poll teams:

Atlanta Falcons

Carolina Panthers

Chicago Bears

Jacksonville Jaguars

NE Patriots

Baltimore Ravens

NY Giants

Seattle Seahawks

Indy Colts

 

[cracKer]

Panthers: Julius Peppers, Ma'ake Kemoeatu, Kris Jenkins and Mike Rucker - pretty outstanding if they can stay healthy. One weak link in the line.

What is the weak link here? Certainly not Kemoeatu. Jenkins' health and Rucker's age/health will determine whether this is the leagues top unit or not. Chicago is right there also. Minnesota has potential if Washington gets into shape and the youngsters develop outside. Jacksonville's interior, Indy's exterior. New England seems to have the perfect personnel for their scheme. Atlanta appears to be solid, the Giants have extraordinary defensive ends but need help inside.

 

[FUBAR]

I probably wouldn't vote for it, but I would include Philly in the list.

Howard/Kearse at DE, Patterson/Walker at DT is pretty damn good. Good depth with Cole and Bunkley

You might want to break this into 3-4 vs. 4-3 lines, as I quite like Pittsburgh's 3, but wouldn't get a vote over the 4 man fronts.

Next year, or in season, we may find Detroit mentioned in this list.

Voting for Atlanta

 

[joffer]

when Jenkins is healthy, I think it's Carolina

good poll

 

[jurb26]

I probably wouldn't vote for it, but I would include Philly in the list.

Howard/Kearse at DE, Patterson/Walker at DT is pretty damn good. Good depth with Cole and Bunkley

You might want to break this into 3-4 vs. 4-3 lines, as I quite like Pittsburgh's 3, but wouldn't get a vote over the 4 man fronts.

Next year, or in season, we may find Detroit mentioned in this list.

Voting for Atlanta

Verry underrated group. Especially Hampton, the man is a beast!

 

[The Hank]

I probably wouldn't vote for it, but I would include Philly in the list.

Howard/Kearse at DE, Patterson/Walker at DT is pretty damn good. Good depth with Cole and Bunkley

You might want to break this into 3-4 vs. 4-3 lines, as I quite like Pittsburgh's 3, but wouldn't get a vote over the 4 man fronts.

Next year, or in season, we may find Detroit mentioned in this list.

Voting for Atlanta

Verry underrated group. Especially Hampton, the man is a beast!

Agreed, Aaron Smith consistently puts up good numbers, as well as Hampton.... also look out for Brett Keisel this year taking over for the departed Kimo.... in limited action last year, Keisel had multiple sacks and forced fumbles, most importantly, during the Broncos playoff game had 2 sacks plus a forced fumble. He will be a monster.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

With those gawdy sack numbers from their DEs, Indy is getting ZERO support. Wow... I'm shocked. ...and awed.

 

[Jiggyonthehut]

Yes but does that mean they have two great DE's or that they have a great line?

I'll take the former.

 

[boubucarow]

In full agreement with Gridiron...

The Bears d-line is overrated. They were entirely too inconsistent to be considered the top d-line. Both ends were non-existent at times and they have no proven third option. Harris was not a pro bowl player last year but has tons of potential. Scott was the most consistent but also the least talented. The talent is there to be the best but the have to show it more often to considered top level.