praglen

I thought football was a team game. I could be wrong. One reason both Bullocks and Harper weren't effective last year, not to mention David, is we had an average pass rush, lousy run D and average LBs. This clearly will change this year: McCray as a 3rd pass rusher on 3rd downs, Ellis to help Thomas clog the middle and pressure the passer and if only one of the two free agent LBs - Vilma or Morgan - plug an LB position, you will see less pressure on the DB's. McKenzie, by the way, is according to all reports, doing great and is expected to be back by Game 1.
Last year's drops by Eric Johnson, IMHO, were because he couldn't hold onto the ball as he was being hit. Call it gun shy, but it's what we pay huge TEs for. If he can either shake free or concentrate and if he juggles passes, at least juggle them into the ground instead of into INTs, we'll be o.k. with him and Miller.
The real worry I have is whether or not Deuce can be effective. It's a lot to ask of PT to be a reliable RB every game, instead of the fresh legs he had in the meaningless(to both teams) Bears game. Don't get me wrong; I've been a PT supporter as far back as early in '07, but Stecker has been more reliable in the long run.
We will all be surprised at what Porter will do for this team. He can cover, he can leap, he can and will tackle(despite the reports you read ad nauseum that he shies away from tackling. I followed his Indiana career stats: 2004-22,2005-48,2006-59,2007-83
And these don't include assisted tackles!
And he is a terrific punt returner, as well. Remember, if we don't have a bonafide game-breaking PR, Reggie has to fill in as well as his RB role and over a season, without a first-class RB like Deuce playing regularly, it will take its toll.