I think one of the biggest changes will be how McD adjusts schematically from a philosophical stand point.
With the injuries mounting, does he pull back a bit and play things safer, or instead lean into it and step things up a knotch.
I have no idea what his answer will be. I don’t have any ideas what the right answer WILL be (regardless of if he chooses to do that or not).
White, Jones, Milano losses hurt a ton. But football is played with 11 guys. And the players stepping in aren’t peewee level. It’ll be up to McD to craft a plan to cover any significant deficiencies they perceive and cover them up how they see fit. This might come at an expense in numerous ways. Although I do think McD is up to the task.
I still see this D as a top 10 unit, which should be fine enough to win most games.