Thread: 2005 preview: Defensive line

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=cc-defensiveline081705&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
New article @ yahoo from Cris Carter

Best in the Business: Julius Peppers
Most Underrated: Kevin Williams (I'll post Cris' notes on this below)
Most Overrated: Corey Simon
Rookie to Watch: Marcus Spears
It's make-or-break time: Ted Washington and Warren Sapp
Biggest 2005 guarantee: Michael Strahan


His notes on Kevin:
It's hard to get a lot of attention on a defense that is always ranked near the bottom of the league, but the Minnesota Vikings' Pro Bowler is the best defensive tackle in the NFL.

Williams is so strong and he is a lot faster than most defensive tackles. He also has the ability to make plays, and he's been able to compile tremendous numbers (a league-best 11½ sacks among DTs in 2004) without having a lot of help defensively.

Now imagine what he'll be able to do with defensive tackle Pat Williams, rookie defensive end Erasmus James and second-year end Kenechi Udeze. All of a sudden, the Vikings have one of the league's best defensive lines.

I'm pumped about our D line if they can stay healthy and if Kdub puts up those kinds of numbers again, this could be a great season!!

If you watched Udeze last year, he rushed the passer much better at LDE. He had a better body lean from that side. I think he'll really fuel that pass rush. That's his natural side. I like the fact the team's personality has shifted. Rather than relying on the level of Randy Moss' dedication that day (whcih seemed to be dictated by his hairstyle) and be at his mercy, the Vikes will have more of a headstrong, strong-willed personality led by a veteran defense and a determined QB.

Let's hope that they put some major heat on opposing QB's this season. They are a solid group that needs time playing together to get better but the talent is difinately there.

i am phsyced for 2006 season////////////!