I don't know about you guys, but I'm really excited about our defense this season.  Actually, let me re-phrase that, I'm estatic about our defense this season.  With The Hit Squad we've got one of the best, if not the best secondary if the NFL.  As long as Dwight Freeney returns healthy, we'll have a devastating front four as well.  You really can't underestimate the value of a top notch pass rush in aiding the secondary, and their run defense has come a long way thanks in part to...the secondary.  It's a nice symbiotic relationship between the two.

Sadly, we often forget about the linebackers when we talk about our great defense.  It's probably because none of them have ever made the Pro Bowl.  Or maybe it's because it's next to impossible to get any of the limelight with guys like Dwight Freeney and Bob Sanders lining up with you.  Regardless, I'm excited about our linebacking corps.  Gary Brackett is one of the better MLB's in the league, Freddy Keiaho is a joy to watch, Tyjuan Hagler is good and getting better, Clint Sessions had a solid rookie season including that ridiculous interception against the Chargers.  Let's not forget about this year's crop of rookies either, Phillip Wheeler looks like he'll be able to be a contributor right away and I'm excited about the two Undrafted FA's we brought in.  Granted, I haven't really seen either of them play, but they seem like they'll fit in well with what we're trying to do.  At 5-11, 224 pounds Senn fits the prototype Cover 2 LB that Tony Dungy is looking for.  Then there's Gijon Robinson, he spent most of last season on the practice squad, but I think he's ready to break out this season.  Just look at this photo:

The first thing that you probably noticed  is that the dude is RIPPED, always a good trait for a football player.  What really sticks out to me is his facemask.  Guys that wear that kind of facemask never disappoint, because with a cage like that, you know they're coming to work.

But you know what I like the most about Gijon?   He's not actually a linebacker.   He's a tight end.  I think we can all get behind a 6-1, 255 lb. blocking force of nature.  Better yet, I think Joseph Addai can get behind him too.  Well, at least I hope he does.  That's kind of the point in having a blocking force of nature.