Five defenses facing critical seasons

Matt,
Thanks for a great and well rounded article.
As a Broncos fan that is genuinely excited about our off seson, even accounting for the trade of Jay Cutler, I see the Broncos as a team that can really surpirse.
They have made improvements across the board, with the BIGGEST thing that not many speak about is the first class coaching staff.
A quick question for you: While much has been made about the lack of acquisitions on the D Line by the MSM, I look and see we have picked up a very good player at NT in Ronnie Fields, brought in Robert Ayers who I think will bulk up to around 290 and be a DE/ Elelphant type player a la Adallius Thomas, and I am really high on Chris Baker, Everette Pedescleaux and Rulon Davis (who all will take time to develop but who all have had REAL experience in a 3-4 unlike guys like Brace and Raji). Add to that the record of Carlton Powell in college as a master run stopper and great against double teams I see Denver in a lot better position than Kansas for example, and in the same position as Green Bay.
What are your thoughts?
Thanks man!

I know my Texans D was soft last season, but no mention of Dunta Robinson? Really?

Nice little column, Mr. Bowen. I think you hit the nail on the head with the Broncos.

As a lifetime Denver fan, in spite of the main question mark as you point out (D-Line), I really like their chances this year. Everyone writes them off because of what happened this offseason, but most overlook the talent they still have on offense. Their O-Line is arguably one of the best in the NFL, if not the best. And if you pair that O-Line with Moreno....come on, it shouldn't take a genius to see where this is headed. Not to mention Mr. Peyton Hillis is a versatile and skilled player and powerful RB/FB, as well. And Orton is very much underrated. I'm beyond sick and tired of all the negative press he receives. He's going to surpise folks this season, me thinks.

Just occurred to me....my main points were on the Offense and this was a Defensive minded article. Sorry!

Also wanted to add: In terms of Denver's LB's, watch out for Woodyard and possibly also Spencer Larsen getting on the field more. Last year, those two guys showed tremendous displays of heart (Atlanta game, for one, which resulted in a Win) and production on the field. It still baffles me why Shanny pulled them (Woodyard especially) when the "starters" finally got healthy. Probably reason #512 why he's no longer coaching the team....

The Packers have the players to get it done ?

Wow that's a bold statement considering the secondary is getting long in the tooth. Are we a little bias since Al Harris is an investor in your web site ? From what I hear daily in GB there isn't a whole lot of love for the new 3-4 being installed. Kampmann hasn't exactly stated that he's thrilled with the idea of learning and playing in a new scheme especially in the final year of his contract.

If people are still holding out hope for Justin I haven't played any real Football for three years Harrell to make an impact they need to step away from the kool-aid.

If he wasn't a first round pick ( wasted) he would have been cut long ago.

Capers is a good coach but I think it's unfair to put any unrealistic expectations on him that he can turn it around in one summer when very few of the guys he's working with have ever played in a 3-4.

as a longtime bronco fan, i was truly disappointed in the moves the broncos made in the off season. though they have upgraded the secondary significantly, they did next to nothing to address the front 7 of their d. and they expect to switch to a 3-4? i like ayers a lot, but to say that the broncos have improved their defense by acquiring ronnie fields, chris baker, everette pedescleaux and rulon davis is a stretch, to put it mildly.

as for orton, the bears had been trying to give the job to anyone not named orton for years. he can't throw the ball downfield, he's not mobile, and he's not accurate. the broncos will have to run the ball well this year, but if they can't stop anyone, they will be forced to throw, and orton will be exposed for the trent dilfer clone that he is.

I doubt the Texans defense will be improved enough for them to win the AFC South, but with that high-powered offense they would only have to improve to decent for them to contest for the Wildcard. The best players on that unit are about to reach their 4th year in the league, meaning that D will finally have vets. If Cushing and Barwin can just play competently as rookies - they need not be stars - then watch out. Maybe by week 12 or 13 this group can really hit their stride and make that playoff push.

Do you think the addition of D-Line coach Bill Kollar this year can have the same effect that bringing in O-Line guru Alex Gibbs did last year?

I think You are seriously hoping Mike Nolan can make Lemonade out of lemons With DEN's DL. Their DL is a bottom 3 talent wise in the NFL full of young castoffs from mediocre defenses and true NFL underachievers from their drafts.

The question in HOU is why do all their high draft picks on DEF underachieve outside of Super Mario? And, can a new DC in Frank Bush get anything resembling better performance out of them?

The rest of the teams look qualified to make the Playoffs with just average Defensive performance though.