San Francisco 49ers defensive end Glenn Dorsey is confident that his side's defense will not take a step back in the 2015 season, despite the loss of several key players.
Linebackers Patrick Willis and Chris Borland made the surprising decision to retire from the game, while they were joined last week by veteran defensive lineman Justin Smith.
The 49ers have a new defensive coordinator from last season as Eric Mangini has replaced Vic Fangio, but Dorsey is optimistic that the changes will not affect their displays on defense.
"We've got a lot of guys that can play," Dorsey told The San Francisco Chronicle.
"There are a lot of young guys that are hungry, so there's a lot of good competition and guys are working hard. There shouldn't be too much of a letdown."
The 49ers were ranked fifth in total defense last season.