1.   The Lakers need to work on their defense this season.

2.   Among the freshmen expected to contribute early on defense this season are kick returner-cornerback Daylon McCutcheon, safety Rashard Cook and linebacker Mark Cusano.

3.   And they discovered defense this season, a novelty for them.

4.   And with the way the Cowboys have played defense all season, this forced march to the playoffs may not be all that improbable.

5.   Also added to the defense this season is Jamie Macoun, acquired at the trade deadline from Toronto.

6.   But he has played purposeful defense all season.

7.   But just how bad was their defense last season?

8.   Carter may play a lot in his first season at Cal, which had a poor defense last season.

9.   Cornerback J.J. McCleskey said Swinger has been the biggest surprise on defense this season.

10.   Crawford will be hard-pressed to unseat Tedy Bruschi in that role, though, as Bruschi did a fine job in the nickel defense last season.