I think Swearinger will have the biggest impact of all the rookies for us. With him on the field, Keo will not. That in itself is worth repeating.
As much as I like Hopkins and his future, I'm tempering my expectations for him this year because rookie WRs typically have a big learning curve and don't typically make big impacts. That being said, I do expect him to make some plays. I just don't know how consistent he will be in year 1.
Although there have been a handful of exceptions recently, I agree. Which is why I wanted to go after a FA WR and not a rookie (not a stud WR, a reliable, proven WR - like trading for S. Moss). But Hopkins by all accounts is playing like a veteran so who knows, we might be pleasantly surprised.
I trust his physical abilities but think the biggest problem/adjustment will be reading the defense to run the right route.
At the risk of sounding like a homer, I really think this could be a magical season for football in the city of Houston. Perhaps like no other football season in the city's history... Contrary to what many here seem to think, I think we've improved greatly over the offseason. WR 2 - Hopkins > Walter FB 1 - Jones > Casey ILB 1 - Cushing > Ruud ILB 2 - Mays > James CB 1 - Healthy Joseph > injured Joseph FS 1 - Reed (if healthy............) > Quin FS 2 - Swearinger > Keo P - Lechler > Turk I think if Cushing is back to 100% and Watt continues on his career path to being the next Bruce Smith, the defense should be a top 5 defense. And that will help cover up any problems with the offense (right side of the line/running game). I predict great things for the defense this year. I'm talking about being one of the best - if not THE best in the league. Just got to stay healthy...
A healthy Ed Reed and you will get a defense as dominant as the Ravens squad that won the super bowl in 2000. Our offense was much better than that squads too. Texans/Seahawks or 49ers in 2014.
I see where you're coming from, but for this defense to be great, they've got to develop a stud pass rusher at OLB. Reed isn't that guy, but that should be OK, because he does play well in space and against the run. The key is the other spot. If Mercilus takes a big step, that'd be outstanding. If not him, maybe a guy like Willie Jefferson explodes onto the scene. I think it'll be a good defense regardless, but to truly be great and carry the team, that's the spot where development is needed.
"you will get a defense as dominant as the Ravens squad that won the Super Bowl in 2000". That is one BOLD statement. That Ravens team did the following: *four shutouts *held opponents to 10 pts or less in 15 of the 20 gms they played. *only gave up 23 pts total in four playoff gms (which included the Super Bowl) I'd love for it to happen but NO WAY it's going to!!!!
Eh, not quite. That 2000 Ravens defense was one of the best of all-time. I doubt this group has the ability to be as dominant. Even if Reed is healthy, he isn't young anymore.
We won't even sniff the 2000 Ravens defense (not many teams even compare all time), but if we can get back to forcing turnovers like we did two years ago and over the first half of last season, we'll be in good shape. A lot of that is predicated on generating some pass rush outside of JJ, and now we have two more ball-hawking DBs (Reed and Swearinger).
Absolutely. I meant to say something about Mercilus. If he can establish himself as a consistent pass rusher, the defense should be pretty awesome. Watt can't do it all himself. He had some good numbers last year but he seemed to back into a lot of his sacks, if that makes any sense. I don't remember ever seeing him just overpower his man like Mario used to do. He's supposed to be a pass rushing specialist, so this year is HUGE for him.
I can't decide if this team will be better than the 2011 team, which was the best team we've ever had. Only time will tell.
Ridiculous. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Damn they took Watt's sack dance away. <a href="http://t.co/7sBuWnUvSL">pic.twitter.com/7sBuWnUvSL</a></p>— PDS (@PatDStat) <a href="https://twitter.com/PatDStat/statuses/364856183963648000">August 6, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Unbelievable. This is going to affect the outcome of games this year and that pisses me off. Let's see how many times a big sack is made, the defense gets excited, then gets flagged for 15 yards. I just don't get it.
