Which team will have the best defense in 2011?

[D-Unit]

Which team will have the best defense in 2011? Discuss.

[Splat]

Which team will have the best offense in 2011? Discuss.

The title said D this says O. :)

But J-E-T-S.

[Shiver]

Which team will have the best DEFENSE in 2011? Discuss.


Fixed for you.http://draftcountdown.com/forum/images/icons/icon12.gif


J.E.T.S JETS JETS JETS!

http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/12/31/alg_jets_fireman_ed.jpg

[yourfavestoner]

I think the Chargers have a resurgance and push for the league's top spot.

Getting rid of Cromartie is addition by subtraction. Merriman is another year removed from knee surgery (albeit another year removed from steroids as well) and Larry English's development helps the pass rush. I love the players they added in the draft too.

[D-Unit]

I think this discussion will be a run away with the Jets, but I don't think the Jets will be the right answer.

[Don Vito]

Baltimore.

[SeanTaylorRIP]

Jets, Ravens, Vikings, Colts.

[bigbluedefense]

That's tough. I want to see the Jets bc its the easy choice, but it almost never works out that way.

Pittsburgh?

[PACKmanN]

Packers bitchezzzz!1!1!1!

[Shiver]

Baltimore.


No corners...


what movie is that sig from?

[keylime_5]

Jets. They had like the best defense by far last year statistically I believe. Really identified cornerback as an area that they needed to upgrade to make their defense truly elite. Now they have Cromartie and Wilson across from Revis so they can blitz everyone and not get burnt. Jenkins comes back too at NT.

[SeanTaylorRIP]

I think Cromartie playing opposite of Revis will be like Deangelo playing across Aso.

[thetedginnshow]

Jets, Ravens, Vikings, Colts.

I think that's about right. The Dolphins might have a chance to be up there as well, I wouldn't count out the Steelers or Titans, and the Falcons could be a surprise one.

[Gay Ork Wang]

No corners...


what movie is that sig from?
Taxi. It is Ms Brady

[bigbluedefense]

I kind of like what Miami did.

Part of me wants to say the Dolphins. That hole at NT scares me though.



With Troy P back, and reinforcements at pass rusher, I think its going to be Pittsburgh. Let's not forget, competition also makes for stats. The Jets are in the AFC East.

The Steelers have less firepower to face in the AFC North.

[Shane P. Hallam]

It's tough not to go with the Jets. Anyone else feel Rex is trying to build his version of the 2000 Ravens?

[gpngc]

Don't know about "best" but I like the Raiders, Redskins, and Giants to be better on D.

[SeanTaylorRIP]

No way Redskins will be better on D than last year. Going through a conversion without the right pieces and we still have piss poor corners.

[Cicero]

Jets. (10char)

[King Carls 5 Year Plan]

1) Jets
2) Steelers

[tjsunstein]

1. New York Jets
2. Green Bay Packers
3. Baltimore Ravens
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
5. Minnesota Vikings

[bigbluedefense]

The Giants D will definitely be better. It all depends on health and Perry Fewell though.

If Kenny Phillips is healthy, I think he and Rolle make the best safety duo in the league. I'll put our CB trio of CWeb, Thomas, and Ross against any in the league outside of the Jets, as long as we run a man coverage based scheme.

If we use our MIKE strictly as a run plugger, I think Goff would be very serviceable in that department. I like Sintim as our SAM. I think Boley will be a stud now that he's a year removed from his hip injury.

Our dline should be better. We have reinforcements at DE and Tuck and Osi should be healthy. Our DTs should be healthy and we have reinforcements. We got bigger and stronger inside with Joseph. If we bring in Henderson, thats more strength inside.

Canty was injured all year last year and should improve our interior dline. Basically, our entire dline was hurt.

I'm not saying we'll have the best D in the league, but if we're healthy, and Fewell runs a man coverage oriented scheme that blitzes, I like our defense as a top 5 unit.

[gsorace]

The Jets had the #1 defense without Jenkins for most of the season, who was arguably the best NT in football before he got injured, and their best pass rusher (Pace) missed the first 4 games. Jason Taylor isn't what he used to be but he HAS to be better than Bryan Thomas, and Cromartie/Wilson > Sheppard/Lowery.

[bigbluedefense]

The Jets had the #1 defense without Jenkins for most of the season, who was arguably the best NT in football before he got injured, and their best pass rusher (Pace) missed the first 4 games. Jason Taylor isn't what he used to be but he HAS to be better than Bryan Thomas, and Cromartie/Wilson > Sheppard/Lowery.

No doubt.

I just think its very hard to be the statistical best D in the league 2 years in a row. Theres too much fluctuation in the league for that. Also factor in a harder schedule and a harder division, plus your opponents will be more prepared against the Jets defense, as its not exotically new anymore, i think its going to be difficult to be #1.

For what its worth, defensive statistics aren't worth crap. The 2000 Ravens weren't even the best statistical defense in the league that year.

[derza222]

No doubt.

I just think its very hard to be the statistical best D in the league 2 years in a row. Theres too much fluctuation in the league for that. Also factor in a harder schedule and a harder division, plus your opponents will be more prepared against the Jets defense, as its not exotically new anymore, i think its going to be difficult to be #1.

For what its worth, defensive statistics aren't worth crap. The 2000 Ravens weren't even the best statistical defense in the league that year.

I think this is accurate. Statistically, I don't think the Jets will be able to repeat last season...something putting them borderline top 10 (either higher or lower) wouldn't surprise me at all, though as a Jets fan it would be disappointing. And that's despite the fact that they weren't exactly healthy. However, it's tough to pick another team at the moment because that unit looks pretty strong.

I'll go with the Vikings. Not exactly an out of left field pick, but that's a solid unit that should do well next year. Probably will have a really nice run game to eat up clock as well, which always helps.

[CJSchneider]

The Jets are going to be tough on the defensive side this year.

[gsorace]

No doubt.

I just think its very hard to be the statistical best D in the league 2 years in a row. Theres too much fluctuation in the league for that. Also factor in a harder schedule and a harder division, plus your opponents will be more prepared against the Jets defense, as its not exotically new anymore, i think its going to be difficult to be #1.

For what its worth, defensive statistics aren't worth crap. The 2000 Ravens weren't even the best statistical defense in the league that year.

True, anything can happen during the course of a season, but if I were a betting man I would have a hard time picking any team other than the Jets

[Mr. Goosemahn]

On paper right now, definitely the Jets, they keep adding guys.

Non-Jets though, I'm going with the homer pick.

Though to be honest, it all depends on this guy:

http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2008/11/17/alg_polomalu.jpg

[bigbluedefense]

One thing is for sure, you can X out all the Tampa 2 teams off your list.

[coordinator0]

No corners...


what movie is that sig from?

The pass rush was more of a problem last season than the corners, especially as the season wore on. Foxworth, Webb, and Washington isn't a bad trio at the top of the depth chart. The whole "Ravens defensive issues last season was because of their corners!" thing is a bit overplayed. That said, I don't think our pass-rush has improved enough for the Ravens to be considered in the top overall defense discussion for next season. It's hard not to go with the Jets, but the Vikings and Steelers are probably going to give them competition for the top spot.

[YAYareaRB]

We didn't fix our Corner problem but we were pretty good last year and I think we only get better with another year in the system for most guys.

[yourfavestoner]

No doubt.

I just think its very hard to be the statistical best D in the league 2 years in a row. Theres too much fluctuation in the league for that. Also factor in a harder schedule and a harder division, plus your opponents will be more prepared against the Jets defense, as its not exotically new anymore, i think its going to be difficult to be #1.

For what its worth, defensive statistics aren't worth crap. The 2000 Ravens weren't even the best statistical defense in the league that year.

Because the NFL is ******** and still does rankings based off of yards instead of points allowed.

[Clarkpba]

It's tough not to go with the Jets. Anyone else feel Rex is trying to build his version of the 2000 Ravens?

I may be wrong so correct me if i am, But wasn't the 2000 Ravens Defense Coached by Marvin Lewis? I do think so. He has worked on hard on revamping the Defense in Cinci as well. Its not quite there yet but man its getting scary good.

[Ravens1991]

It was coached by Lewis, I dont know if Ryan was even on the staff that year.

and in 2000 we ran a 43 while Rexy is a 34 genius.


Also about the Ravens I think our CBs get way to much ****. Yeah they may not be the best but our pass rush couldnt touch a freaking QB and our pass defense finished top 5 I believe.

[marshallb]

One thing is for sure, you can X out all the Tampa 2 teams off your list.

Why is this? The Vikings are a cover 2 team, and there are plenty of people listing them, and they were ranked 6th in the league last year in YPG allowed, .2 YPG less than Pittsburgh for 5th, and 10th in the league in PPG allowed, .3 PPG less than 8th.

[crites09]

I may be wrong so correct me if i am, But wasn't the 2000 Ravens Defense Coached by Marvin Lewis? I do think so. He has worked on hard on revamping the Defense in Cinci as well. Its not quite there yet but man its getting scary good.

It was coached by Lewis, I dont know if Ryan was even on the staff that year.

and in 2000 we ran a 43 while Rexy is a 34 genius.


Also about the Ravens I think our CBs get way to much ****. Yeah they may not be the best but our pass rush couldnt touch a freaking QB and our pass defense finished top 5 I believe.


Rex was dline coach I believe in Baltimore when Lewis was D. Coordinator...

I wouldn't call Rex a 34 genius... I would go along the lines of defensive genius in general. That man runs so many crazy packages and blitzes.

But I second the idea of Cincinnati's defense finishing in the top 5 again. I'm going to go on a limb and say we finish #2 this year behind the Jets

[king2am]

1. Jets
2. Packers
3. Ravens

Homer: I'm not ready to say the 49ers would contend for #1, but as Yay said earlier, I think they continue to get better.
Rams x2
Seahawks x2
Cardinals x2
Raiders
Broncos
Chiefs
Bucs

The schedule certainly isn't the toughest - assuming the Saints don't drop 60 on us in week 2.

[marshallb]

It was coached by Lewis, I dont know if Ryan was even on the staff that year.

and in 2000 we ran a 43 while Rexy is a 34 genius.


Also about the Ravens I think our CBs get way to much ****. Yeah they may not be the best but our pass rush couldnt touch a freaking QB and our pass defense finished top 5 I believe.

Actually it finished 8th, but not far off. You did tie for 18th in sacks, with 4 other teams.

[Notredameleo]

Come on guys, youre missing the obvious....The Lions????? Come on...










Jets

[bam bam]

No corners...



Anyone who watched the Ravens towards the end of last year and into the playoffs would know that the corner situation is being exaggerated big time.

Foxworth and Carr, actually the secondary as a whole, played very well after Webb went down with his ACL. I wouldn't worry about the Ravens secondary, it is going to be be fine. Elite? No. Solid? more than enough. Even without Reed last year, Zibs stepped in and played very well.

If their pass rush improves, it is going to be a top notch unit.

[GB12]

Wait did you mean this season or are we really talking about 2011 here?

[jimmylishis]

I think the vikings are getting way too much credit here. Our secondary is not good enough to have a top 5 defense probably not even a top 10 it was our worst area last year and we did nothing to improve it this offseason. We also have 2 key players coming off major injuries and Winfield didn't look the same after his injury last year. O and Ray Edwards hasnt signed his tender yet so DE could possibly be an issue if Griffen doesnt have a good rookie season.

[SenorGato]

I'm going to go with the Steelers or Ravens.

Even as a Jets fan I'd sell high on our D. We're talented obviously, but there's a whole lot of question marks and injury risks there. I think this year we kind of fall a bit and Rex goes ape shyte on the DL during the offseason. I'm stunned at how much our DL got ignored this offseason.

If I had to guess a top 5:

1: Steelers
2: Ravens
3: Vikings
4: Jets
5: Cowboys/Giants

It wouldn't surprise me at all to see the Cowboys finish tops. If they figure out what's going on at ILB they should be set...maybe Jones and Lee?

[yourfavestoner]

I've gotta say, I like Denver as a darkhorse too IF Jamal Williams can stay healthy.

[Paranoidmoonduck]

I've gotta say, I like Denver as a darkhorse too IF Jamal Williams can stay healthy.

Didn't I hear that they were going to show more 4-man fronts which is why Nolan was shown the door? That means they're taking their most effective defensive player in 2009 and moving him to a scheme that will limit the amount of pass rush he can generate. Unless Perrish Cox comes in and just tears it up, I'm not sure that pass defense will hold.

[RaiderNation]

Jets or Ravens

[LonghornsLegend]

I think Cromartie playing opposite of Revis will be like Deangelo playing across Aso.


I don't think they drafted Kyle Wilson to do anything other then be opposite of Revis.



As far as the question, it's hard not to say Jets. I agree with BBD in it hardly works out that way with the best being the best the next year, but they played at a very high level without Kris Jenkins. Adding one of the best NT's in the game is only going to help.

[yourfavestoner]

Didn't I hear that they were going to show more 4-man fronts which is why Nolan was shown the door? That means they're taking their most effective defensive player in 2009 and moving him to a scheme that will limit the amount of pass rush he can generate. Unless Perrish Cox comes in and just tears it up, I'm not sure that pass defense will hold.

If that's the case then nvm.

[Timbathia]

Didn't I hear that they were going to show more 4-man fronts which is why Nolan was shown the door? That means they're taking their most effective defensive player in 2009 and moving him to a scheme that will limit the amount of pass rush he can generate. Unless Perrish Cox comes in and just tears it up, I'm not sure that pass defense will hold.

Havent heard that one. All I really heard was that McDaniels wants to be more aggressive this year on defense than Nolan was last year.

Last year we basically showed 5 man fronts every down and played a very limited version of the 3-4 because the front 3 werent big or good enough. The starting front 3 from last year are now the backups to the new front 3 we brought in. Barring a key injury, Denvers defense will be noticeably better than last year.

[yo123]

I think the vikings are getting way too much credit here. Our secondary is not good enough to have a top 5 defense probably not even a top 10 it was our worst area last year and we did nothing to improve it this offseason. We also have 2 key players coming off major injuries and Winfield didn't look the same after his injury last year. O and Ray Edwards hasnt signed his tender yet so DE could possibly be an issue if Griffen doesnt have a good rookie season.

How is our secondary not good enough to finish in the top 10 when we finished 6th last year?

[TheFinisher]

Favorites - Jets

Darkhorse- Niners

Love how the Niners have transformed into a smashmouth running team, that is a defense's best friend.

[themaninblack]

If our pass rush can show some improvement with a healthy Odom, Micheal Johnson, Robert Geathers, and Carlos Dunlap I could see our D being better than last year. Our Corners made it possible for our D to be successful without much of a pass rush after Odom went down, It will be nice to see what they can do with a consistent pass rush for once.

Having a healthy Tank will probably add to the interior pass rush that was lacking and I think the addition of Geno Atkins will also help in that regard. Maybe we see more of Maualuga in his natural spot at MLB too.

[contento]

I watched the Vikings defense shut down the red-hot Cowboys in the playoffs, then go into NO and hold the Saints to 250yds while being -4 in turnovers...so I'm going with them.

Just on a statistical basis I think the Jets will be tops again.

[Rosebud]

If I were to go about this logically I'd take the Jets or Steelers, they get troy back, will be running the ball more and have continued to stock pile pass rushers. But since things like this never end up going the way that makes the most sense I'm going to be a homer and pick my giants, if we stay healthy Fewell does as well as I hope our D very well may be dominant. Osi's another year removed from his ACL tear, we're much better off inside which will fix our atrocious run d. Our secondary, if healthy, is by far the best we've had during my fanhood. So if healthy we should have a dependable run D and one of the best pass d's in the league and with Rolle, a healthy KP and a deeper DL we should be making quite a few big plays aswell.

[Malaka]

I love how a dark horse for both threads (offense and defense) are the 49ers... 49ers to superzz bowlzz?

Don't get me wrong I think 49ers really improved and I honestly think they're the team to beat in the NFC West but I don't think this team will go very far with Alex Smith at the helm.

Back on topic... I think the Jets definitely need to be the favorites for now, they didn't lose anyone except for a pedestrian Kerry Rhodes, and with another year gelling under Rex Ryan, I think we can see a huge improvement in an already scary defense. If only they had a great pass rusher, now that team would be just nasty.

Also to the Cromartie protectors, he's not terrible, and may or may not be an upgrade over Lito Sheppard its debatable, but its obvious the Jets staff doesn't consider him the proverbial answer to their #2 corner situation as made obvious by the choice of Kyle Wilson, especially when they could have easily traded back since the Lions traded up for Jahvid Best right behind them.

[jimmylishis]

How is our secondary not good enough to finish in the top 10 when we finished 6th last year?

Well cedric griffin is coming off an acl tear and wont be back for the beginning of the season and even when he does come back, he wont be the same right away. Winfield is aging and didn't look good after his injury and even was getting burned by Aromishadu in the 2nd chicago game. Our insane pass rush covered up how bad our safeties were and we could be losing ray edwards, a big part of that pass rush. I really hope they prove me wrong, but i just don't think its gunna happen

[Jakey]

1: Jets
2: Steelers
3: Vikings
4: Ravens
5: Cowboys
6: Giants


In any order basically :p

[Complex]

1. Jets
2. 49ers
3. Giants
4. Bengals
5. Steelers

[SickwithIt1010]

If we still had JJ i think i would bring up my boys in Philly....but we will see. I think we have definitely brought in some guys who will do big things for us!

[Thumper]

If we still had JJ i think i would bring up my boys in Philly....but we will see. I think we have definitely brought in some guys who will do big things for us!

I think the Eagles might be a sleeper for this, McDermott finally has his guys, last year he was trying to run his schematic ideas with Jim Johnson's players. Their philosophies are completely different, I pointed this out in the other thread. Jim Johnson compensated for a sub par pass rush with elaborate blitz schemes and a strong secondary while Sean McDermott compensates for a weak secondary with complex coverage schemes and a strong defensive line. Their basic ideas are different, McDermott placed an added emphasis on the defensive line while Jim had the focus on the secondary in terms of value placed on the positions. Now McDermott has his guys and McDermott is a smart guy so I think he could definitely make the turnaround now that he has his players.

[zachsaints52]

Im going to say the Raiders, with their new 3-4 look this defense I think is really good. It'll utilize Howrds speed on the outside, have Kirk and Rolando in the middle.... just going to be fun watching that D.

[Stranger]

Im going to say the Raiders, with their new 3-4 look this defense I think is really good. It'll utilize Howrds speed on the outside, have Kirk and Rolando in the middle.... just going to be fun watching that D.

Morrison is in Jacksonville now.

[Crickett]

Im going to say the Raiders, with their new 3-4 look this defense I think is really good. It'll utilize Howrds speed on the outside, have Kirk and Rolando in the middle.... just going to be fun watching that D.
Morrison is in Jacksonville now.

The new Oakland Raiders middle linebacker.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d2/JamesTKirk.jpg

[NY+Giants=NYG]

If our DC is better, and I mean much better, than our last DC, then I expect our DC to fix itself big time, and be back to where it should be as one of the top defenses.

[zachsaints52]

Morrison is in Jacksonville now.

What the hell

[tjsunstein]

What the hell

Welcome to reality.

[ThePudge]

Yea I have to be honest, while our defense isn't quite as loaded with star power as the Jets, for example, the best unit in the AFC North has only gotten better and most importantly they've retained their coach in Mike Zimmer. One of the top corner duos in football, finally a very deep DL, and a very solid Linebacking core that could make the difference if Rey Maualuga or Keith Rivers take the next big step next year. I'm having a hard time seeing Steelers above Bengals on so many defensive lists here, they had their time.

[GoRavens]

It's the Ravens.
No team will be able to get more than 50 yards rushing a game.
Ed Reed is back.
Ray Lewis is the g.o.a.t.
Ravens #1.
2) Jets
3) Vikings

[NY+Giants=NYG]

It's the Ravens.
No team will be able to get more than 50 yards rushing a game.
Ed Reed is back.
Ray Lewis is the g.o.a.t.
Ravens #1.
2) Jets
3) Vikings

That's what you Ravens fans said before we played you 2 years ago at Giants stadium. Against a good team with a good scheme I think they can get some yards on you guys.

[DeathbyStat]

Ravens..................

[Rosebud]

If our DC is better, and I mean much better, than our last DC, then I expect our DC to fix itself big time, and be back to where it should be as one of the top defenses.

Oh he is, the question is how much better Fewell is than Sheridan and how healthy we'll be. I like Fewell but so far he's only proven that he can take mediocre talent and make it into a good D, hopefully he can take quality talent and make it into a beast D. Either way he won't be as bad as Sheridan.

[singe_101]

How many here had the Jets last year? And Thomas Jones helped a lot. They will also play all the 2nd place teams instead of last place.

The Titans were a reasonable pick last year, who knows this year.

I will go with the Steelers, no Madden curse/SB hangover.

[broth223]

Jets, Ravens, Vikings, Colts.

http://neondragonart.com/Art/2006art/orly.jpg

[Morton]

Just imagine who great the Jets defense would be if Gholston played up to even half of his physical potential instead of being a complete bust.

Scary.

[kalbears13]

Jake Delhomme is gonna have one helluva time in the AFC North...

[ImBrotherCain]

1. New York Jets
2. Green Bay Packers
3. Baltimore Ravens
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
5. Minnesota Vikings

I think this is pretty spot on

[Crickett]

The Titans were a reasonable pick last year, who knows this year.


Was this before or after they lost former defensive player of the year Albert Haynesworth?

[CC.SD]

Was this before or after they lost former defensive player of the year Albert Haynesworth?

I guess before because he don't got a DPOY, mayne. :D

[3pac]

Jets, Ravens, Vikings, Colts.

This, and I can see the Packers or Chargers being a top 5 D too.

[TimD]

jets will be top 5 for sure.

DL: K Jenkins comes back +
LB: Jason Taylor +
Secondary: Say what you will about Cro, but him and Kyle Wilson are MUCH better than Lito Sheppard and Dwight Lowery +

so all parts of the best defense from last year improve...

[SeanTaylorRIP]

Jake Delhomme is gonna have one helluva time in the AFC North...

Which is why I think Seneca Wallace will be the QB, he's the only QB on their roster capable of not ending on the IR.

[kiranadwaney]

Has to be the Jets, have by far the most talent on defense. If you look at it on paper it is almost crazy the names they have

[umphrey]

I want to throw some facts out there because the Packers have been largely ignored:
Note: These are facts, nothing subjective here

- #2 total defense of 2009
- #1 rush defense of 2009
- 2nd year in the 3-4
- Played its best defense during the 2nd half of the season, including a 59 minute shutout in Dallas
- Lost 3 of top 5 CBs for the year to injuries and starting SS in 2009
- Retained every single player except Kampman who was hurt during the last 8 games when we played our best defense
- Starters Clay Matthews, BJ Raji, and Brad Jones are no longer rookies
- Used 2nd and 3rd round picks on defense (DE Neal, S Burnett)
- The only players on the entire defense that are in danger of regressing due to age are Woodson and Harris, including backups