What defensive formation(s) will be used?
Reggie McKenzie has built a defense with versatility, so how Ken Norton Jr. and the team utilize the defense is an intriguing question.
The team has the personnel to run a number of different fronts — really, just about anything in the book. 4-3, 3-4, 5-2, and with just about any wrinkle you can imagine. So what type of defenses will we see in the first preseason game?
If camp is any indication, the base defense will be a 3-4/5-2 look. Khalil Mack has been standing, lined up on the left side. Jihad Ward, Justin Ellis and Mario Edwards Jr. have had their hands in the dirt, lined up in the middle. And Bruce Irvin has been standing, lined up on the right side.
That’s probably the first defensive front seven look we’ll see on Friday, with Malcolm Smith and Ben Heeney at the linebacker spots.
If the first-team logs just one series, it’ll be interesting to see what changes are made to the defensive formation, if any. Particularly with versatile players such as Shilique Calhoun and James Cowser. Will they see more action on the defensive line, or will they be standing up?
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