DJLengai

I recently saw analysts on NFL Network say that the NFC South has the best D-Lines in all of the NFL. This makes me pose the question about which team in the NFC South you guys think has the best D overall? It sounds to me like it will be the Falcons with the addition of Abraham and Milloy, but maybe they won't produce as well as anticipated?

We added Hollis Thomas, Fujita, Simmons, and Stoutamire which are great additions as well. Our weak links are DT and MLB. Hopefully Sullivan will play well under Payton. I don't know what the heck we're doing at MLB. The Panthers lost some of their D power so maybe we will be second behind Atlanta?

papz

IF Kris Jenkins is back healthy, hands down the Panthers will have the best defense in the South. Falcons come in a close second followed by the Bucs and we're last. That doesn't mean we won't be good on defense... it's the fact that all the other teams are better. The Falcons have all the name players on D, but lets see how they mesh.

LSUJeremy

Remember, the Falcons get Ed Hartwell back at LB.

I wish we had him.

DJLengai

Didn't the Panthers lose Gamble, Witherspoon, and Buckner? That should affect their production some I think. I agree on Jenkins, he's an animal.

BiggPoppaFro4

Panthers lost Witherspoon, but still have Gamble. And, they lost Buckner but I guess they like his replacement Carsters (buckner is 34)

Panthers have the best D. Line is stout, LBs are solid and fast as all get out and DBs are heat-seekers. Plus they have great depth.

Falcons do have a good D as well, but one CB and one Safety spot is suspect.

We are coming up, but have a bit to go yet.

LKelley67

the falcons are small in the middle and gave up 4.7 yds a carry last yr., 31st in the league. Abraham only weakens that aspect. all he knows how to do is pin his ears back and pass rush.

bucs are getting a little long in tooth but still have a solid front four.

the panthers adding run stopper extraordinaire Kemoeatu makes them have one of the best line in the entire league, not just our division.

a grant comeback is a must for us to be adequate. 25 total team sacks again will make for anothe top 5 draft pick. young may be okay as an undersized #2 DT but somebody else has to be acquired or step up to think about being a better D line than the others.

BiggPoppaFro4

You're right 67, we do need someone to step up. I totally forgot about Kemoeatu as well, good call.

Sully may be that guy, but I'm not sure we should look to that one for coming through....unless there is a breakthrough we don't know about. He could be inspired by that new Texas double whopper or something...who knows! maybe leslie gets through this year

Who else is out there for us to get though?

LKelley67

Buckner as many miles as he has on him could still be good for a few plays a game I would think. he seems to be a great clubhouse guy too.

The Jags are one of the few teams with 2 top notch DTs and they suddenly have a WR hole. They could have Stallworth and any DT on our roster for one of their studs. Heck, I might even throw in a 4th rd draft pick. A high impact player at that position would do wonders IMO. Having a DT weakness and MLB hole looks like the same run at will scenario we ahve been watching for the past few years.

If Hollis has some gas left we might improve. Boykin has ability that could surprise but is another undersized type.

BiggPoppaFro4

Either one of those big beasts would be awesome. Just the impact on Grant and Smith's game alone would be worth the money!

Hollis is a great guy and I think he will be great for the young players we have in camp. There is a lot of possibility inthat bunch.

Something tells me not to be surprised to see Young get cut though...great guy and plays his heart out, but he is undersized and that could limit him. 'specially if we make a move for a DT.

67, that pic is inspiring by the way. May our season look that good!

BlackandBlue

i can't believe everyone is talking about the falcons...

exactly. and they didn't do a damn thing about it in the draft, either....

it suprises me the buccs haven't come up. booger and rice instantly give you cred, spires is starting to show his age, but if hovan can continue to progress back to his old form, this could be a dangerous line, and they also have good depth at the ends.