Washington State Football: Can defense complement electric offense?

Plenty of questions are there for the Cougars defense in 2021

Statistically speaking, Washington State football had the 118th ranked scoring defense, the 124th ranked passing defense and the 111th ranked total defense. The only reason the run defense was not worse was that it was so easy to throw the ball on the Cougars. Long story short, there is a long way to go for this group.

There is plenty of experience coming back to the defensive line for the Cougars. Edge rushers Ron Stone Jr and Brennan Jackson have talent, but they need to get better at putting pressure on the quarterback. Dallas Hobbs and Ahmir Crowder are going to be the top guys on the interior and they need to become better playmakers to help their struggling secondary out.

The linebackers should be a decent unit based on experience alone with guys like Jahad Woods and Justus Rogers back. These guys were two of the top tacklers on the team last season and they need to work on getting off the field more consistently.

Cornerback Jaylen Watson is a tall and physical corner who is going to be relied upon to help boost the secondary. Alongside Watson is Armani Marsh and Derrick Langford, who brings plenty of experience to the back end of the defense. At safety, Daniel Isom is back and he will be joined by Hunter Escorcia.

This defense has nowhere to go but up and even average improvement would be great.