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Pioli is trying to build a stud defense. A team can win with a mediocre offense as long as they have a good defense. Defense starts on the line. So that's where the team is starting.
The DE's have to be able to rush the QB, but they have to play the run equally well. In order for the 3-4 defense to succeed, they need to be stout against the run. He brought in Tyson Jackson for exactly that reason. He can rush the passer and can play the run. McGee, he's just a complete DE who Pioli took as insurance in case Dorsey can't make the switch. Best case scenario, he's solid depth who pushes for a starting spot. Worst case, he's a stable starter when Dorsey flops.
I like Pioli's approach so far. As the defense sits:
D-Line: With three DE's who could all potentially start in the league once they gain experience, the line only lacks a stud NT. We'll see this year how Tank does. Hopefully Haley can bring the nasty back out of him.
LB's: Right now, with the emergence of Mays, and the transition of Tamba, the starting unit is in better shape that anyone could have hoped for. Vrabel is a stop-gap and a mentor. He'll need to be replaced eventually. While noone really knows what the deal with DJ is, will he step up? Where has he faltered? On the field, or in the classroom? The team will probably need to find 1 or 2 more starters, whether either of them are on the roster, or in the league already we don't know.
Secondary: With 2 stud corners drafted this year, and potentially one this year, not to mention Maurice Leggett as a play making CB, the roster is pretty set at corner. Safety, is another story. Pollard got nixed and Paige is riding pine. Whether that is b/c of his play, classroom work or something off the field is unknown, but let's hope he regains form. Mike Brown is a stud vet who has had some injury problems. If healthy, he could probably serve as a good stop-gap for a couple years. After the starters, Dajuan Morgan show some spark, if he can stop going for the big interception and concentrate on coverage, he could definitely start for this team. John McGraw is decent depth and great special teams. We may need to pick some guys up eventually, but serviceable for now.
I think this defense is closer than some think. We'll see how the season plays out. Pioli could have made a better attempt to get an oline to protect Cassel, it's no secret they're crap. Maybe they know something we don't, but I doubt it. For the record I don't believe Cassel was a mistake, and will be more than a spread QB. Once the defense is built, and the offense has a line and some weapons, he shouldn't have any problems winning, or, not losing. I do know one thing though. Coming from New England, and being brought in by Pioli who knows him, he comes with a lot less questions than anyone who was available to us in the draft.
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