Links: Wilkerson looking to dominate and be a leader in 2017

Two tantalizing articles from the NY Post and Newsday contain some declarative proclamations from Muhammad Wilkerson, who seems insistent on the fact that he expects to dominate in 2017.

The Post article contains details of his recovery from an injured leg which he says is now 100%. The surgeon who performed the original surgery apparently detected an issue that was preventing Wilkerson from exploding off the ball as effectively as in the past, something which was immediately apparent from watching his 2016 film.

Newsday's article focuses more on his reactions to the recent releases and his desire to step up and be a leader.

As we've suggested before, Wilkerson returning to the level of production he had in 2015 would have a massive effect on the defense; potentially more than any single addition they could have realistically made. Why shouldn't he be dominant in 2017? Until last season he was dominant year in and year out, so last year may yet prove to be the aberration.

Some might doubt that Wilkerson can remain motivated if the team can't stay competitive. However, if the defense can live up to its potential, maybe that will keep the team in games, even if the offense is poor.