Peppers was a STAPLE of that defense. But you are right, you still do have the best corner in the division and the best rushing attack (Though Atlanta's will be back to prominence when we get Turner and Norwood back next season.) Well, Smith struggled a little bit last year. Did you see the Falcons/Panthers game last year? (Jason Elam...GAH!) When Smith went against Chris Houston, whom the Falcons just traded away for a 6th rounder, he was not completed on. Smith used to WRECK Houston in the past. He can bounce back though. I just want to see how the backend of that Panthers defense is going to compete without Peppers up front. Gamble, IMO, is the only blue chip talent. Godfrey and Marshall are unimpressive.Eh, I wouldn't say they're in rebuilding mode yet. If you looked at their recent cuts, you'd see that outside of Steve Smith, John Kasay, Baker and Brad Hoover, there's not a single (projected) starter over the age of 30 so age isn't a problem. They still have talent though. Gamble is the best corner in the division (And Richard Marshall is damn good too), Beason is an All-Pro ILB and Davis was having an All-Pro season before getting hurt. Leonard Louis was doing very well too, as was Charles Johnson opposite of Peppers. Harris is a good leader and an Enforcer up top and both Godfrey and Martin had their moments to shine this year. The loss of Peppers is gonna hurt but remember, we still had the best defense in the division and I believe our passing game will be much improved. Not to mention having the 3rd ranked rush offense to ride as well, which will only get better with teams unable to stack the box against them anymore. Steve Smith in the twilight of his career? My friend, 30 is primetime for receivers.
They will improve that's for sure, but + 500....are you serious :S??? Yes Stafford is an upcoming weapon and Johnson is an impressive receiver but aside from Stafford's natural second year growth, their anemic offense (well they scored a fuckload of points against some bad teams but it's still pretty terrible) hasn't done anything to improve. Improved defense will put the Lions back on the right track, but unless they somehow land a top class receiving or rushing threat the second round or so, or one of their receivers not named Johnson will have a breakout season (lol) they are still doomed to mediocrity...regardless of improvement.With Suh or McCoy, they will be my pick for most improved team, most likely a 8-8 or better record.
Their offense isnt complete trash. Stafford is growing, Kevin Smith is still a decent running back, and Calvin Johnson is still a monster. That O-line needs to improve, but they can live with an average offense as long as their D gets better. They also have the draft to fill those holes, so id say the Lions win at least 5 this season, but id say around 6-7 wins for the season is a pretty good improvement for themThey will improve that's for sure, but + 500....are you serious :S??? Yes Stafford is an upcoming weapon and Johnson is an impressive receiver but aside from Stafford's natural second year growth, their anemic offense (well they scored a fuckload of points against some bad teams but it's still pretty terrible) hasn't done anything to improve. Improved defense will put the Lions back on the right track, but unless they somehow land a top class receiving or rushing threat the second round or so, or one of their receivers not named Johnson will have a breakout season (lol) they are still doomed to mediocrity...regardless of improvement.
I dunno, even he's an upgrade I'd say over anyone on their current roster. He just has to re-learn that interceptions are bad.The Browns sign...Jake Delhomme?! Do they love losing?!
For some blue chip and unimpressive defenders they must have reaaaaallly over achieved to be the 4th best Passing Defense in the league loooooolGamble, IMO, is the only blue chip talent. Godfrey and Marshall are unimpressive.
I've heard that the Vikings are going after Leon Washington since the Jets signed LT now and probably wont re sign Washington. Id have to believe their only reason for signing him would be to add another weapon and give Farve another reason to stay for one more seasonWith LT gone, the Vikings need to go after Westbrook as plan B. They need a solid third down back, a role he would be perfect at, and a mentor to teach AP on how to hold on to the ball. Plus he's played for Childress before.
Uh...what? They let one "great" but old back go to pick up another recently not so great but old back. They possibly made a downgrade that they had no need to make (Jones gave them the chance to match an offer of less money than before).Despite the restrictions on these teams, the Jets prove that moves can still happen, as they just picked up LT to fill the void of Thomas Jones.
Westbrook would be a far better weapon for Favre. Better blocker and pass catcher.I've heard that the Vikings are going after Leon Washington since the Jets signed LT now and probably wont re sign Washington. Id have to believe their only reason for signing him would be to add another weapon and give Farve another reason to stay for one more season