After such a strong season last year that really helped propel us to our 2nd Lombardi, I was really curious how the defense would look this year, especially after the departures of a few key players (Williams, Sweat, CJGJ, Slay, etc). With 2 games in the books, we are currently 11th in points allowed and 9th in yards. I think that is a great start considering we played 2 high powered offenses and are starting 2 rookies (playing along side three 2nd year players). Those numbers are likely better if Carter is not ejected for game 1.

I'll track the progress of the defense over the course of the season here.

It's still early, but so far the drop off in talent I thought we'd experience going from CJGJ to Mukuba hasn't been nearly as bad as I was expecting. Conversely, the drop off from Slay to Jackson has been worse than expected. I'm still hoping Bennett shows enough in practice to replace him in the lineup or even for Mac Mcwilliams to get a shot.

As far as the other departures, I'm still waiting for Hunt to break out a little more. I was also expecting to hear Ojomo's name called a little more often. Haven't looked at any actual stats on the subject, but it seems like we've been a little weak with our interior run-defense. We might be feeling the loss of Milton Williams a little more than I expected.

Was the Makuba interception tipped at the line of scrimmage by a lineman … ?

2 hours ago, Seventy_Yard_FG said:

Was the Makuba interception tipped at the line of scrimmage by a lineman … ?

Yep.

That's some good/cool ish right there. ^^^^

On 9/16/2025 at 1:59 PM, Kz! said:

Yep.

Looks like it was slightly tipped. Coulda, maybe shoulda been a penalty for Carter being held too.

On 9/16/2025 at 7:13 AM, time2rock said:

I think that is a great start considering we played 2 high powered offenses

T2R - You and I are gensrally on the same page , but this sentiment is a bit of an overstatement. Dallas is a high powered offense?: KC, without their starting receivers and no running game is hign powered. I'm happy with the results, the way they find ways to win, and their second half adjustments, but I;'m not pleased overall. Minimal sacks and secondary breakdowns give me pause. This week the Rams will be a bigger test than either Dallas or KC.

6 hours ago, Rob331 said:

T2R - You and I are gensrally on the same page , but this sentiment is a bit of an overstatement. Dallas is a high powered offense?: KC, without their starting receivers and no running game is hign powered. I'm happy with the results, the way they find ways to win, and their second half adjustments, but I;'m not pleased overall. Minimal sacks and secondary breakdowns give me pause. This week the Rams will be a bigger test than either Dallas or KC.

There's no doubt in my mind whatsoever that the NFL purposefully used officiating in the dallas game to keep the nationally televised NFL season opener a close game. The NFL also didn't call very much holding on the chiefs. So far, I've only been disappointed in Adoree' Jackson's play on defense.

17 hours ago, Rob331 said:

T2R - You and I are gensrally on the same page , but this sentiment is a bit of an overstatement. Dallas is a high powered offense?: KC, without their starting receivers and no running game is hign powered. I'm happy with the results, the way they find ways to win, and their second half adjustments, but I;'m not pleased overall. Minimal sacks and secondary breakdowns give me pause. This week the Rams will be a bigger test than either Dallas or KC.

I was speaking in general terms. Traditionally (over the past few years) both of those teams have had some of the top ranked offenses.

4 hours ago, time2rock said:

I was speaking in general terms. Traditionally (over the past few years) both of those teams have had some of the top ranked offenses.

i get it, but the back and forth feedback is something I enjoy and learn from