1.  Any place they finish above that would be a gold star on Baker's employee file.

2.  Defensive line coaches Bill McPherson and Tommy Hart basically discovered Haley when Walsh assigned them to find a pass-rusher to replace Fred Dean.

3.  Defensive pessimists, the researchers found, did well in the game when they prepared using imagery that mimicked their preferred coping style.

4.  Defensive tackle Dana Stubblefield said the Panthers seemed to know a lot more about the 49ers last season than the 49ers knew about them.

5.  Defensively with their secondary and their linebackers, they'll certainly put us to the test.

6.  Defensively, both teams are fast and believe the artificial turf at the Superdome will make them faster.

7.  Defensively, he creates the problem of penetration, and that's why they can apply the kind of pressure they do.

8.  Defensively, Ryan was able to inspire his troops and had them playing top-notch ball.

9.  Defensively, the Blue Devils forced 13 turnovers, which they converted into 26 points.

10.  Defensively, the Braves committed five errors, spreading them over all three games.