Despite the injuries on defense, there’s a lot to feel good about, especially in the long term. The foursome you mentioned are really having impressive years and that has helped them overcome the losses of Wilfork and Mayo.
The injuries have also forced them to rely on some young defensive tackles and developing that kind of depth will be a big plus down the road. Chris Jones especially is just the kind of player I’ve wanted to add to this defense for a couple years now. He might be the best interior rusher on the roster, including Wilfork and Kelly.
There’s no question the defense is just playing at a higher overall level than they have since 2009. Part of that is the young guys getting experience and part of it is that they just have more talent in key spots. If they can bring back Talib, add some talent at defensive tackle in case Wilfork doesn’t come back as the same player we all remember him as, they’ll be well set for the next few years.