Michigan State Football: Can 2019 defense be better than 2013’s?

Will the 2019 defense be better than the legendary 2013 unit?

The 2019 defense can be better, yes, but will it? The answer to that question will be determined by the results on the field at the end of the season.

The 2013 secondary was amazing with safeties Kurtis Drummond and Isaiah Lewis, All-American cornerback Darqueze Dennard, future first-round NFL draft pick Trae Waynes and R.J. Williamson.

Had Justin Layne returned for his senior season, an argument could have been made that the 2019 defensive backs for the Spartans could have been better than the 2013 group. However, as good as Scott is and as well as David Dowell, Josh Butler and Xavier Henderson are, the 2019 group would have to greatly exceed exceptions to surpass the 2013 group.

Players like Shakur Brown and Tre Person, for example, would have to play great in nickel-and-dime coverage to even begin to have the conversation that the depth of the 2019 defensive backs is more impressive than that of 2013’s. As of right now, the 2013 group wins this debate.

In contrast, the 2019 defensive line will more than likely be considered a better unit than the 2013 group. Defensive end Shilique Calhoun played well along with Marcus Rush, Micajah Reynolds and Tyler Hoover in 2013 but the 2019 starting four with Kenny Willekes, Raequan Williams and the Panasiuk brothers overall are a stronger unit.

Willekes and Calhoun are very comparable but Williams is more productive than Reynolds was and the Panasiuk brothers this season statistically will more than likely surpass Rush and Hoover’s numbers in 2013. You can give a slight edge to the overall depth to the 2019 defensive line. With almost certainty, unless Willekes and Williams both get hurt, the 2019 group wins this one.

The tie-breaker will be the 2013 linebacking unit versus the 2019 group. The 2013 linebackers were lead by Max Bullough. As good as he was, Joe Bachie is a better middle linebacker. Denicos Allen from the 2013 squad gets the edge in a close contest with Antjuan Simmons — who will prove to be a star in 2019. Taiwan Jones in 2013 versus Tyriq Thompson is about even but the tie-breaker goes to Thompson because he is underrated and he has the ability to cover running backs and tight ends pretty well.

Both the 2013 and 2019 linebacking groups did not have tremendous depth so it is a draw in that regard. Overall, the 2019 group has the slight edge heading into the season. If they perform to their potential they more than likely will do better statically than the 2013 group.

By the end of the season, we can look back and revisit this debate of who was better. As of right now, you can make an argument for the 2019 defensive unit but it will have to stay healthy and help Michigan State win the big games just as the 2013 defense had done. Time will tell but it is a fun and exciting preseason debate to have.