Names on Defense to Remember

[CajunT]

_ Another key has to be in the interior of the D-Line. Watching teams like NT, FAU and Troy run the A gap all day against us last year and amass easily over 200 yards rushing was scary. We have to be able to stop up the interior run and put pressure on the oppposing QB with not only our DE's but also our interior rush.

I will also play Devil's Advocate here and likely not be any more popular than I already am...but, I'm not sure whether I expect this defense to be much improved at all this year. Actually, I'm kind of expected sort of a revival on offense and a same ole, same ole on the defensive side. My reasons come after looking at the roster and depth chart and seeing a lot of potential but few certains. Yes, we bring back a lot of starters which is always nice. For this reason, I initially thought this would, by far, be the strength of this team. However, I look at this defense and it is very similar to the defense of last year minus an NFL DE and one of our best defensive players and leaders to maybe ever play here. Losing Hall Davis and Zanders makes us slightly smaller as a unit even though some would say we are faster and we likely are. However, being faster has done nothing for us in recent years. What this defense lacks is physicality. Our ability to overpower our blockers and make plays in the front 7 has hindered this unit and I don't know if I see any improvement. We got run all over by the likes of NT, FAU and Troy last year and we have a tough time with physical teams. FAU comes to mind foremost as they run a pro style, physical offense who likes to run off tackle and playaction pass, both of which have been very productive against us. Again, I'm not sure how much more physical this defense can or will be this year but the SBC's best defenses in recent years have been those with not only good athletes but those who can put pressure on the QB and stop the run with the front 7. _

I think the Cajuns get a little larger and quicker up front because they added Benay Pryer, Chris Tucker, Darrell Green-Wallace and Benard Smith. The return of Nate Douglas only adds to the arsenal of weapons up front.

In speaking with some of the def. leaders like Grant Fleming, Terrell Richardson, Daylon McCoy and Orkeyes Auriene, this is the most talented collection of athletes on defense they have played with. The defense still has to put things together and play the game, but now is the time for this defense to step up.

[RaginDave]

_ _

How can our two top corners not be on this list. Bentley has a good chance to play at the next level, and Auriene is a solid performer as well. There is a chance that both #2 and #5 could play professionally.

[zephyr]

_ How can our two top corners not be on this list. Bentley has a good chance to play at the next level, and Auriene is a solid performer as well. There is a chance that both #2 and #5 could play professionally. _

I agree and I assume that the answer is because we figure to know what we're getting out of them when they step on the field. The secondary is not the issue. The front 4 is the issue and keeping the linebackers healthy. That's probably why T focused on those guys as being key to our success. I would also throw Jordan Topp into that mix as well.

[CajunT]

_ How can our two top corners not be on this list. Bentley has a good chance to play at the next level, and Auriene is a solid performer as well. There is a chance that both #2 and #5 could play professionally. _

Good question Dave, I wanted to focus on maybe five athletes. Bill,Orkeyes, Rolle and Kelley could have easily made the list. I narrowed it down to these guys because it's simple in my mind, pressure the QB and stop the run. To the man, Grant, Daylon, Terrell Richardson, Dean,etc; stated that they know the improvement on defense will be dictated by the front seven. They also know that Dwight and Orkeyes are two of the best in the SBC, but they cannot cover WR's for 8 seconds. In other words, they all know how good those two are, but the front seven must improve to be consistent. The CB's are not a concern in their eyes, improving play in the front seven to stop the run and pressure the QB is priority. Thus, the number of athletes that must have impact seasons are part of the front seven.

[RaginDave]

_ Good question Dave, I wanted to focus on maybe five athletes. Bill,Orkeyes, Rolle and Kelley could have easily made the list. I narrowed it down to these guys because it's simple in my mind, pressure the QB and stop the run. To the man, Grant, Daylon, Terrell Richardson, Dean,etc; stated that they know the improvement on defense will be dictated by the front seven. They also know that Dwight and Orkeyes are two of the best in the SBC, but they cannot cover WR's for 8 seconds. In other words, they all know how good those two are, but the front seven must improve to be consistent. The CB's are not a concern in their eyes, improving play in the front seven to stop the run and pressure the QB is priority. Thus, the number of athletes that must have impact seasons are part of the front seven. _

Well stated thanks.

[CAJUN_LXA685]

Just WIN, baby WIN!!