How far are we from getting Our defense to play Like San Fran?

[CRA]

Well, once we don't start 3 guys on the DL that should be backups...... that will be a good start

[Cyberjag]

I don't think we're too far, talent-wise. We need a solid CB opposite Gamble. We need healthy Linebackers (and probably another OLB to hedge against another Davis injury). It would be nice to see a new FS, but I'm not counting on that until I see it happen. There should be ample opportunity to meet all three needs in both Free Agency and the draft, so there's no reason to think that we won't be in decent shape come training camp.

Once we're there, we have to really get our guys coached up better. We need improvement out of our young DTs. That should happen, most DTs that aren't taken in the top ten don't really come on until their second or third year anyway. We need for Martin to play smarter. He's got the physical skills all day, but mental mistakes kill him, and the defense, far too often. I don't see that happening unless he puts in a ton of film and classroom work. And we need to get the defense playing well as a unit.

Finally, we need a better attitude. SF played with a serious attitude, as if every yard surrendered was a personal insult. That will improve a lot once Beason is back, but I would love to see someone with that sort of enforcer mind-set in the secondary. I also think that Netwon's attitude in the locker room is going to have a spill-over effect on defense and special teams next year.

The bottom line is, we should be a lot better next year. How much better is going to rest with our coaching staff and linebacker play. If we stay healthy and they buy into McDermott's system, then we should look almost completely different on that side of the ball. And with our offense, we really don't have to be great, just middle-of-the-pack will be good enough.

I don't recall a single off season where I've been this ready to see the Panthers play again. Things are just going to get better and better, and even though we're not in the playoffs I don't think there's ever been as much promise in Carolina. :)

[iamcline]

We don't use British English, it's American English here!!!

COLOR.

American English is my favourite. Especially when I go to purchase tyres for my automobile.

[MHS831]

about 20 billion lightyears away...

IMO, Not really.

What we already have:

Jon Beason--He is the leader. Without him, it is just 11 guys and not a unit.

Thomas Davis--IF (big IF) He returns to form, imagine all the runs outside of C gap on the WLB side that went for big gainers would have been tackles for loss. I do not see Davis as the long term solution, but maybe he can hold it down until we find a stud OLB.

Brandon Hogan--Do not discount the CB play until you know what we have in Hogan. What I found interesting about Hogan is this: He played a lot the last 2 games, but people watching on TV barely noticed. In the NFL if a green rookie CB comes into the game, people usually notice. Butler and Munnerlyn are nothing more that nickel/dimers. Do not be shocked to see Sherrod Martin moved to CB.

Defensive Tackles--Many think we need a DT desperately. I disagree, in part. Many of the long runs up the middle were due to the fact that the LBs were not there. Look over the roster and see how many we had playing. At the end of the season, Kearse and Shirley did well vs. weaker teams. If Fua and McClain develop, we add Edwards (he will be cut in 2013-contract reasons), we are decent. Neblett seems to hand around. What we need is an inside bull rusher, but I saw flashes. I would bring in a veteran, however.

What we need:

FS: Maybe firing Meeks will change this, but Safeties face the action. We need a smart QB-type back there. Martin is a confused, finesse player who has poor mechanics that leads to missed tackles. A finesse player should rarely miss a tackle in exchange for not punishing the ball carrier. I think we go FS in the second round of the draft OR go free agent.

DE: Since Hardy didn't really step up, we have to wonder. Most dominant 4-3defenses have at least 2 awesome pass rushers. Although I like Keiser, he is a rotational player, as Hardy could very well be. Applewhite? He has 7 career sacks, 2 this season (Half of what Keiser had in three times the playing time). I see DE as a bigger need than DT.

WR: We are not that bad here, but we are not getting the most out of Steve Smith outside. Put him in the slot, let him go over the middle (that has been opened up by legitimate threats on the outside) and he is better. In addition, he is 33, so we are on borrowed time with him. Gettis could be an outside threat, but never a #1. Lafell either. Naanee, if he re-signs, is what he is. We need a top gun.

OT: People do not realize that OT is our biggest need. Byron Bell was not good. Good for an undrafted rookie, but not good for a team with playoff aspirations. He would be a helluva RG. Gross is 32 or so and Otah has played 4 games in 2 years. What is it that people do not get about this need? "WE NEED DEFENSE!!!" they cry. Yes, we do. And we will even more if Cam goes down. PROTECT THE FRANCHISE PLAYER. How stupid will they look when Cam is carted off the field because they left an undrafted rookie with bad feet and a holding problem at RT? "But Otah will be back. He wanted to play this year" 330 pound people with bad knees tend to continue to have bad knees. T is hard on the knees. Not for Long if he does. Still, draft a LT since you are in the top 10. You have options then. If Otah is healthy, Gross needs a replacement soon. Otah is in a contract year. He will want more than he is worth.

So, we are a FS, OLB, and OT away from being good. A pass rushing DE, veteran DT, and a top WR would be nice. I have a feeling you didn't read this far, though.

[Cyberjag]

I read that far. Not sure that Hardy is the weak link you make him out to be. He's got a decent rush, what I've seen is a general lack of strength against the run (he's good in pursuit though). And I don't think that Martin will be moved to CB. Other than that, I pretty much agree. :)

[Louie]

"So, we are a FS, OLB, and OT away from being good. A pass rushing DE, veteran DT, and a top WR would be nice. I have a feeling you didn't read this far, though."- MHS831

I read every word. I agree 100%. Biggest needs are 1.FS, 2.OLB, and 3.OT. I do think if we got a stud pass rushing DE we could make do with Thomas Davis, if healthy, or Senn or Connor (if they resign him). Hogan at CB might actually be good (who knows, but he looked good in the 2 games he played.)

[rayzor]

last year we had the worst offense in the league but the defense was ok. what did people want to do? use the first pick in the draft on defense. yeah...that made sense.

this year we have the worst defense in the league but a really good offense and what do people want to do? draft offense with the first pick in the draft.

smh.

[Keith Moons Liver]

Both the Giants and the Niners prove that it is all about the front four.

We have one piece out of four on our d-line that is above average.

The other three spots need to be seriously looked at and evaluated.

So true. All the linebackers and CBs in the world can't mask crap d-line play; which is precisely what we are going to have if we don't make major changes.

[TheRealDeal]

What a random team...since when is SF the standard for defense.

49ers D has been good for a few years now, not elite, but good. Their offense has always held them back.

New coach, a dominant rookie, a few FA additions and BAM, they are the new standard.

[cavic7585]

The 49ers have had years of top draft picks. Goose made a comment about how fast their D was during the game. If anything the Texans D is more of a wonder than the 49ers. They seemed to become all world overnight.

[spartan_pantherfan]

Pass rush, pass rush, pass rush.

Look what they did to Brees with a constant pass rush. Look at what the Giants are doing. Look at the Lions and the games their Dline has won them.

Just have to load up on guys you can cycle in and out a lot, or get 2 ( assuming TD is not back 85-100% ) pass rush LBs that are nightmares in a blitz.

and then a safety that is not Martin.