Army Football: Black Knights may just shock the nation in 2019

By Dante Pryor | Jul 20, 2019

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 08: Head coach Jeff Monken of the Army Black Knights celebrates in the fourth quarter against the Navy Midshipmen at Lincoln Financial Field on December 08, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.The Army Black Knights defeated the Navy Midshipmen 17-10. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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FORT WORTH, TEXAS – DECEMBER 22: Head coach Jeff Monken of the Army Black Knights reacts while taking the field against the Houston Cougars to start the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl at Amon G. Carter Stadium on December 22, 2018 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Defense will be rebuilding

As dynamic as the offense was at times, it was Army’s smothering defense that led them to 10 wins. Although part of their defense is their ball control offense, their undersized defense gave up 295 yards and only 17 points per game.

They are coming into this season with a few more key pieces to replace than the offense. They are going to have to replace James Nachitgal’s defensive production — he lead the team in both sacks and tackles.

The Knights also have to replace ball hawking defensive back Mike Reynolds’ production and his team-leading three interceptions. They do return second-leading tackler Cole Christiansen at linebacker and fourth-leading tackler Jaylon McClinton was second on the team in interceptions.

If Army plays disciplined team defense, and possess the ball with that option offense, they will be as good as they were last year even with those key pieces missing.

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