I'd probably replace "vastly improved rotation" with a more modest "improved rotation." I like the signing of Peppers quite a bit, but I consider him a tier 2 signing at this point in his career. He might have a tier 1A year left in him, and compared to the rest of the alternatives at LB/DE not named Matthews he is an upgrade, but even with him the team is, IMO, at best a middle-of-the-pack defense.

And, more likely, still below average.

Originally Posted by: Wade 

Agreed. Whether you loved, hated, or were indifferent about the defense, I don't see how anything that transpired since January to this point would dramatically change anyone's opinion. Mike said he expects the defense to be significantly improved, but why? Since January...

we added Julius who is 34, and Guion.

Clay, Perry, Heyward, and Worthy should be healthier

Datone hopefully matures, and Raji is shifting positions.

Hyde appears to be penciled at safety.

Are any of these personnel "moves" substantially different from what we saw in 2013?

Originally Posted by: musccy 

Are you kidding? Hell Yeah, your own words reflect A LOT of difference, positive difference. Of course, this is assuming that all or most of the four you mentioned really are healthier, but there is no reason not to assume that.

Last year, we had at most, an out of balance one-sided pass rush with Matthews. The rest of the season - when he was hurt, we didn't even have that. This year, we will have balance - either Peppers opposite Matthews or look out, opponents, using them on the same side; When Peppers is not in, Perry should be a different guy from last year, health-wise. The other big difference I see, though is NOT being bogged down with Pickett and Raji both on the field. There should be more downs for Daniels and Boyd and D. Jones, as well as Worthy, and we should hopefully see Neal back where he belongs - at DE.

And I almost forgot a little thing called the Draft - I think we get a starting Safety and a possible starting ILB - either a new guy or Lattimore paired with Hawk.

All of that spells substantial difference.

Originally Posted by: texaspackerbacker 

I'm too lazy to dig up the active roster on opening day vs. the 49ers, but off memory, everyone but Worthy and Burnett were active, and the only other differences are Hyde (presumably) at safety, less Pickett, and the addition of Peppers and Guion to the rotation (who I personally don't see as an upgrade, but just that's just my opinion). That defense allowed I believe 400+ yards of passing and 500 total yards that day.

I actually think the D can be OK, I have faith in Heyward, Worthy, Boyd, and Perry and I'm not saying I wish we would have done more in FA or anything like that...as you said the draft is still to come but my point is I don't see why we should expect this unit to be dramatically improved. To me all we really have done is moved the furniture and bought a new lamp for the end table - it's not like there's a brand new furniture set in the living room.

Originally Posted by: musccy 

I'm too lazy to dig up the active roster on opening day vs. the 49ers, but off memory, everyone but Worthy and Burnett were active, and the only other differences are Hyde (presumably) at safety, less Pickett, and the addition of Peppers and Guion to the rotation (who I personally don't see as an upgrade, but just that's just my opinion). That defense allowed I believe 400+ yards of passing and 500 total yards that day.

I actually think the D can be OK, I have faith in Heyward, Worthy, Boyd, and Perry and I'm not saying I wish we would have done more in FA or anything like that...as you said the draft is still to come but my point is I don't see why we should expect this unit to be dramatically improved. To me all we really have done is moved the furniture and bought a new lamp for the end table - it's not like there's a brand new furniture set in the living room.

Originally Posted by: musccy 

There might not be a lot of new furniture on D but at least there's a better chance to be able to sit without the chair collapsing.

This will be a more experienced group than what was often out there last year. By virtue of adding Peppers and Guion they won't have to throw young and inexperienced players out there for one thing.

Look, last year when players starting going down they were being replaced with guys that had little PT under their belts. At one point down 3 LB's we had Palmer, Mulumba, and Lattimore come in. None had the experience they needed out there. Hyde had to play probably more than expected and D. Jones needed to be worked in.

That's an awful lot of players that had very little experience in professional football. Let alone the fact with four and five players out nearly every game this D never got to be a "unit".

Besides, I don't look for one or two guys coming in and that being the difference maker. Cumulative improvement. Guys coming back healthy, a few with another year under their belts, a Burnett getting back to being Burnett, changing the role of players and addressing the schemes that matchup better with the ability of the players. All THIS cumulatively creating the pathway to better results.

I don't think the room needs a lot of new furniture. I LIKE Raji at NT, I LIKE Perry and Mathews when they are on the field, I LIKE the depth at CB, especially with Hayward back, that offers little to no risk having Hyde take a shot at Safety. I LIKE Daniels and would LOVE to see Jolly back on the field.

Yes, I LIKE the two new lamps they put on the end tables too as I am sure I will LIKE several of the draft picks Ted Thompson comes up with in May.
There is way to much opportunity for several players on this D to contribute more and help elevate the quality of play overall IF we stay relatively healthy.

Originally Posted by: warhawk