Is the 2014 defense better than the 2013 defense?

[Long Time Fan]

The last three games with Wagner back and Kam healthy have the defense playing up to last year's level. Quinn is dialing up blitz pressure (I loved the Burley sack) against these lesser qbs and the coverage is as good as I can remember. The linebacker play has been stellar with Wagner back. So is LOB 2.0 better than LOB 1.0?

[kalibane]

They need to do it longer than 3 games (two against inept offenses). No they are not better.

[Long Time Fan]

This is the number 1 yardage defense for the season. Against a tougher schedule than last season.

[kalibane]

Yep and last year they were still better. I mean the Eagles game was great and all but it's one game and the Super Bowl was way more impressive. If they close out the season at this level then we can talk. Until then it's premature.

[RiverDog]

Is the 2014 defense better than the 2013 defense?

The short answer is no. What was different about last year's team vs. this year's is the pass rush. IMO this year's defense wouldn't be able to shut down Peyton Manning like we did in the SB last year. But it's still a pretty darn good defense.

[c_hawkbob]

The last three games with Wagner back and Kam healthy have the defense playing up to last year's level. Quinn is dialing up blitz pressure (I loved the Burley sack) against these lesser qbs and the coverage is as good as I can remember. The linebacker play has been stellar with Wagner back. So is LOB 2.0 better than LOB 1.0?

No, but only because they're not as deep. When healthy we're right there.