A big key was the 76ers' improved defense.
Although the Grizzlies have lately prided themselves on improved defense, they did not show it Wednesday.
Ellsbury gives Boston speed, improved defense and unbridled enthusiasm, qualities any team can use.
Hope that Martin can run on the Rams' vastly improved defense, and chew up the clock at the same time.
Freddie Milons, its flanker/running back/trick-play quarterback, and Shaun Bohanon, its new tailback, will test U.C.L.A.'s improved defense.
It already seems likely that Europeans who feel less safe may be more inclined to view improved defense as a prudent investment.
Howard Johnson has been a mensch, a grownup, with his intensity and clutch hitting and improved defense at two positions, but he is a quiet mensch.
Bobby Olive caught two scoring passes today and Ohio State's improved defense kept Boston College without an offensive touchdown this season in a 31-10 victory.
That minus-10 goal differential is still a bit of an eyesore, but the shutout of Kansas City is evidence of a drastically improved defense.
Amid a strong overall defensive performance Saturday, it was only a brief view of what the Giants' revamped, and perhaps improved, defense could look like this season.
