hawaiiansteel
06-07-2010, 01:43 AM
Cream Of The Crop: Ranking NFL's Top 10 Defenses Heading Into 2010
by Matt Miselis
Bleacher Report
10. Philadelphia Eagles
Though the season ended a bit rough for the Eagles defense, they certainly do make the cut on the top ten list.
The passing of long time coordinator Jim Johnson brought different schemes that many of the veterans had to adapt to. Include the many injuries this group faced, there is a few reasons why they fell out of the top ten in defense.
However, being at full health, and having another year under the defensive coordinator, look for the Eagles to rely on their defense for some key wins this year.
9. New England Patriots
The Patriots have usually been consistent on defense. Despite the disappointment in the playoffs, Bill Belichick used the draft to address the secondary, the biggest hole in this defense.
With many of the key defenders returning healthy( Wilfork, Mayo), the Patriots will be one of the better groups in the league once again
8. Washington Redskins
The Redskins were one of the better defensive groups in the league. However, they were overshadowed by Jim Zorn and the weak offense.
Due to being on the field quite a bit, the Redskins I believe are a little better than their stats.
Head coach Mike Shanahan may be putting in his new scheme, but being one of the best teachers in the game, Washington will be a top ten defenses in 2010.
7. Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings had an up and down year in 2010. A number sevesn spot may be a bit generous, for a few reasons.
To start off, lets not put this into question. Their defensive front is the best in the league, with Jared Allen leading the way.
Still, I don't believe the Vikings addressed the secondary well enough this off season, which was clearly the biggest hole on the defense.
Unless there is major improvements, the Vikings are open to attack in the passing game.
6. Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys defense interests me. When Wade Phillips puts his full effort into this defense, the Cowboys may be the best defense in the NFC.
The biggest question is within the secondary, but I see improvement on the way.
Many people close to the Dallas Cowboys feel Mike Jenkins is the real deal. I am a fan of Jenkins, who will emerge as a lockdown corner this year ( please, no injury).
The Cowboys were also hurt by injuries, especially to DeMarcus Ware. With him returning healthy, the Cowboys defense will be one to keep an eye on this season.
5. Green Bay Packers
For those who don't know my secret contenders yet, the Packers are near the top of the list.
The biggest focus will be on the defense. Posting a number two ranking in total defense was good, but struggled mightly against many pass heavy teams, especially the Vikings.
Veteran cornerback Al Harris returns to the opposite side of Charles Woodson. Can he be the Al of old, or is he near the decline of his career?
4. Cincinnati Bengals
Last season, the Cincinnati Bengals were the surprise team of the league. The biggest surprise was the defense, which was the strongest point on the team.
The combination of Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall provided two shut down corners for defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer to work with.
For those believing it was a fluke, don't fool yourselves. The return of Antwan Odom to the starting defensive front makes it stronger than ever.
The Bengals aren't ready to go away from the spotlight, and look to repeat the performance of last season.
3. Baltimore Ravens
Some people still call them old and washed up. Yet, they prove the doubters wrong.
The Baltimore Ravens will make a case for returning to form as the leagues top defense. The combination of veterans ( Ray Lewis, Ed Reed) along with the drafting of two young rookies ( Terrence Cody, Sergio Kindle) makes them a big threat this year.
The biggest question mark is the secondary as everyone points out. I wouldn't say they have depth, but the question will be is how Washington and Webb return from injury.
http://mybearsandblackhawksblog.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/steelers-logo.jpg?w=150&h=150
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
For now, I give the Steelers the edge over the Ravens. The return of Troy Polamalu is huge. It took one season for me to realize how big of a difference maker he is.
Everyone, whether the front, the line backers, or the corners, plays well when he returns.
Still, just a few questions. Will James Harrison be the dominant force of two years ago? Can Polamalu and Aaron Smith come close to their abilities in 2010?
1. New York Jets
The New York Jets enter the 2010 season with the best defense. After finishing number one in 2010, many upgrades were made. They traded for Antonio Cromartie, who's specilaity will be to create turnovers.
They drafted with great value in Kyle Wilson, who is a solid third corner.
And even though Taylor is on the downside of his career, veteran leadership is always needed.
Biggest question for me is the defensive front. Aside from Jenkins, I need to see more pressure out of those guys.
Still, the Jets should be lights out in 2010 again
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/4...o-2010#page/10
by Matt Miselis
Bleacher Report
10. Philadelphia Eagles
Though the season ended a bit rough for the Eagles defense, they certainly do make the cut on the top ten list.
The passing of long time coordinator Jim Johnson brought different schemes that many of the veterans had to adapt to. Include the many injuries this group faced, there is a few reasons why they fell out of the top ten in defense.
However, being at full health, and having another year under the defensive coordinator, look for the Eagles to rely on their defense for some key wins this year.
9. New England Patriots
The Patriots have usually been consistent on defense. Despite the disappointment in the playoffs, Bill Belichick used the draft to address the secondary, the biggest hole in this defense.
With many of the key defenders returning healthy( Wilfork, Mayo), the Patriots will be one of the better groups in the league once again
8. Washington Redskins
The Redskins were one of the better defensive groups in the league. However, they were overshadowed by Jim Zorn and the weak offense.
Due to being on the field quite a bit, the Redskins I believe are a little better than their stats.
Head coach Mike Shanahan may be putting in his new scheme, but being one of the best teachers in the game, Washington will be a top ten defenses in 2010.
7. Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings had an up and down year in 2010. A number sevesn spot may be a bit generous, for a few reasons.
To start off, lets not put this into question. Their defensive front is the best in the league, with Jared Allen leading the way.
Still, I don't believe the Vikings addressed the secondary well enough this off season, which was clearly the biggest hole on the defense.
Unless there is major improvements, the Vikings are open to attack in the passing game.
6. Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys defense interests me. When Wade Phillips puts his full effort into this defense, the Cowboys may be the best defense in the NFC.
The biggest question is within the secondary, but I see improvement on the way.
Many people close to the Dallas Cowboys feel Mike Jenkins is the real deal. I am a fan of Jenkins, who will emerge as a lockdown corner this year ( please, no injury).
The Cowboys were also hurt by injuries, especially to DeMarcus Ware. With him returning healthy, the Cowboys defense will be one to keep an eye on this season.
5. Green Bay Packers
For those who don't know my secret contenders yet, the Packers are near the top of the list.
The biggest focus will be on the defense. Posting a number two ranking in total defense was good, but struggled mightly against many pass heavy teams, especially the Vikings.
Veteran cornerback Al Harris returns to the opposite side of Charles Woodson. Can he be the Al of old, or is he near the decline of his career?
4. Cincinnati Bengals
Last season, the Cincinnati Bengals were the surprise team of the league. The biggest surprise was the defense, which was the strongest point on the team.
The combination of Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall provided two shut down corners for defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer to work with.
For those believing it was a fluke, don't fool yourselves. The return of Antwan Odom to the starting defensive front makes it stronger than ever.
The Bengals aren't ready to go away from the spotlight, and look to repeat the performance of last season.
3. Baltimore Ravens
Some people still call them old and washed up. Yet, they prove the doubters wrong.
The Baltimore Ravens will make a case for returning to form as the leagues top defense. The combination of veterans ( Ray Lewis, Ed Reed) along with the drafting of two young rookies ( Terrence Cody, Sergio Kindle) makes them a big threat this year.
The biggest question mark is the secondary as everyone points out. I wouldn't say they have depth, but the question will be is how Washington and Webb return from injury.
http://mybearsandblackhawksblog.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/steelers-logo.jpg?w=150&h=150
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
For now, I give the Steelers the edge over the Ravens. The return of Troy Polamalu is huge. It took one season for me to realize how big of a difference maker he is.
Everyone, whether the front, the line backers, or the corners, plays well when he returns.
Still, just a few questions. Will James Harrison be the dominant force of two years ago? Can Polamalu and Aaron Smith come close to their abilities in 2010?
1. New York Jets
The New York Jets enter the 2010 season with the best defense. After finishing number one in 2010, many upgrades were made. They traded for Antonio Cromartie, who's specilaity will be to create turnovers.
They drafted with great value in Kyle Wilson, who is a solid third corner.
And even though Taylor is on the downside of his career, veteran leadership is always needed.
Biggest question for me is the defensive front. Aside from Jenkins, I need to see more pressure out of those guys.
Still, the Jets should be lights out in 2010 again
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/4...o-2010#page/10