I do think our secondary will be better than what many are portraying, but I see us getting gashed up the middle all year because of our LBers.
The one silver lining to being gashed like that is it should tell us something very important about Gase: how long does he stick with the original plan (e.g. defensive formation) before trying to adapt. If I ever start to see Gase make adjustments to rectify problems using different formations and/or different personnel as needed, I'll be on board with Gase as a coach for a long time even if he has a losing season. The anti-Philbin is what I'm looking for. Well, we'll see.. can't get hopes up based on Dolphins history.
The only scheme that would truly work for our linebackers is one where we secretly erect a 12 foot invisible wall across the field.
he is an upgrade in the secondary, no doubt, but need a little help on pass rushing and run stopping. Not a ton, but a little better, then put the offense on the field longer and we'll see what this team is about
So even if Xavien works out and is a stud player...who's playing opposite him that gives you such confidence?
His name is Byron Maxwell. He allowed a whopping 2 TDs in 14 games as a starter last year. They both came via Julio Jones week 1. This was considered a down year for him, his first on a new(bad) defense. Then you have Bobby McCain who was impressive as a rookie and now considered by some to be a rising star.
Howard and Maxwell need to be healthy. Both are by far the most talented boundary corners we have. Huge drop off after those 2 in terms of talent. Both are very good in man to man. If those 2 can stay healthy along with Jones I think our secondary will be ok. Howard will be the deciding factor but at least there's God given talent there with he and Maxwell playing man to man. Our line backing is going to be the big issue. Very little talent or depth. Alonso may be good in coverage, he usually gets some picks but the guy looks pretty poor vs the run. Jenkins isn't exactly a stout run defender either. Misi I've never thought was athletic enough but has some size anyways. Our dline is gonna have to dominate in the run game to keep our smaller, quicker linebackers like Alonso and Jenkins free. If linemen get their hands on those 2 it's all over. Rashad Jones will be our leading tackler if that's the case.