Why has our defense looked better?
 

Aganist the Cowboys and the Bucs, our defense has given up less than 300 yards. That's good for any defense.

What's the reason for the improvemet?

There's a couple of new faces in the lineup. Like Coby Buckwalt, Roger Knight, McKenzie (maybe he's learned the defense)

Or maybe the reason is the Cowboys and Bucs just aren't high powered offenses. Although, the Bucs have been doing a number on a lot of good defenses.

It's also been rumored that John Pease has been calling the defensive plays. Don't know if that true or not.

Anyway, there's been something different about the defense the last 2 games.

Anyone have any thoughts on this subject?

Why has our defense looked better?
 

They aren\'t high powered offenses, but they are both based heavily on the run. Considering our run defense was terrible, this is still a good sign to hold these 2 teams to less yardage.

Also, TB put up 27 points on Atlanta\'s D, which is far superior to ours, at least to the commonfolk.

Why has our defense looked better?
 

the biggest reason that i can see watching the games is mike mckenzie. he has definitely turned it up and looks like the rest of the d\'s confidence has been raised as a result

Why has our defense looked better?
 

Maybe all that \"talent\" and \"potential\" that has been talked about so highly in New Orleans is finally coming to fruitiion. It will be interesting to see how well they do this weekend against Atlanta. A win there means a huge showdown in Carolina for a possible playoff spot. Wait?!?!?!? Did I just mention a possible playoff appearance for the Saints this season? I\'m not getting my hopes up, but I do have to say that I can\'t believe they are still in the thick of it all.

Why has our defense looked better?
 

Have you glanced at Brien Griese\'s numbers since taking over as the starter in Tampa?

Why has our defense looked better?
 

has not been confirmed that Pease is calling the plays, but he has been more involved in tha gameplan

Why has our defense looked better?
 

My sentiments exactly Gator - but, of course, I wonder how much of it is us and how much of it is the opposing teams.

We\'ve been improving against the run for a while now. It\'s the pass that we stink against more than anything - and once an offense gets us off balance they can run down our throats. On a level playing field, the run defense isn\'t as bad as it seemed earlier in the season.

McKenzie is definitely beginning to help a terrible secondary, Fahkir is coming along, and Craft is finally playing. Honestly, our secondary might be one of the three worst in the NFL, but they\'re at least a little bit better.

Also important, our entire D line is finally healthy. Having Howard and Whitehead back at 100% has made an impact I think. Pease seems to platoon people in and out so much that maybe they\'re finally able to work the plays and positions like they\'re supposed to.

Most importantly though, I think both Dallas and the Bucs have suspect offensive lines. I honestly think that\'s been the biggest part of it. That said, the good news is that ATL and CAR both have less than stellar lines too, especially when it comes to pass blocking.

Why has our defense looked better?
 

McKenzie and Bockwoldt\'s play is inspiring. Smith and Grant have stayed consistent, and Whitehead filling in the gaping hole left by Buffet Boy Sullivan after missing the first half of the season on the physically unable to perform list. I heard on a national broadcast late Sunday night on 1280am that McKenzie is being credited with the turnaround...not to mention saving the game against the Bucs with his endzone interception and his touchdown-saving hustle and tackle that led to only a FG in the third after Bellamy was juked out of his pants. Whatever the reason be for the turnaround, I just hope it is a permanent change for the remainder of the season - while not the best D by far, an adequate one providing our O can produce.

Why has our defense looked better?
 

The Venturi system is finally taking hold?

Why has our defense looked better?