(10-10-2017, 10:23 PM)maheo30 Wrote: We are a long, long ways from a super bowl.

1. Decent QBs rarely win super bowls. Based on history, one needs a pro bowl caliber QB to win one. The Dilfer ravens and Manning led broncos are the exceptions, not the rule. We aren't going to find that guy in free agency. We'll have to get lucky in the draft. The problem lies in that we won't be in position to draft one in the 2018 draft.

2. We have the worst run defense in the NFL (5.38 per attempt). That needs to be fixed.

3. Personally, I don't like any of our receivers or tight ends. We need a huge upgrade in that area. Hopefully Dede will be good. I'm not an A-rod guy. I think he's solid, not elite. I'd like us to get that elite guy.

4. We'll start losing some games because our defense won't keep this up. They're on a history level pace when it comes to forcing turnovers.

I don't think that's really true. In regards to being far away from a super bowl. All it takes is one or two players and just like that your fortunes change in one season. New England is fixing to be done soon enough. Pittsburgh has begun slipping as well. Your typical "easy" play-off picks for the AFC are no longer going to be there during the off season power rankings. The AFC South is wide open. The AFC West is an interesting division as well. 

And even though it's true that decent QB's rarely win super bowls. Defense can still win championships. And a stout running game can only provide aide in that effort. We certainly will be in the market for a more dependable, capable and reliable QB in 2018 though. And as far as the run defense. That will get fixed in time. But we're seeing amazing improvement. We've already matched or eclipsed the turnover mark this year compared to last year through five games. And we're the top pass defending team and we lead in sacks. 

I agree with you about the receiving core as well. I no longer feel comfortable with anyone there. Hurns and Lee aren't legitimate number one threats. Robinson was done way too early this year sadly so we don't know if he could have rebounded from last year's inconsistencies. But he's as close to a prototypical No. 1 receiver that we have. Hopeful on Westbrook as well. And naturally nobody is expecting the defense to force 3 - 5 turnovers a game. But if they can get off the field on third downs and the special teams game can make it a tough sled position wise. We'll have a chance to even out down the long stretch. 

Not very menacing opponents left on this schedule now. With this defense and ground game and surprisingly improved offensive line. I think we can go toe-to-toe with anybody. Seattle is a winnable game. I don't feel threatened by Arizona anymore. We already beat the two best teams in the AFC North. The expectations should be that we top the Browns and Bengals. And then we have the clots still, the tacks and tinhorns again and the 49ers and Chargers. Two things travel well. Defense and ground game. Now that we don't have to lean on Bortles I don't fear that "Out West Slump" that we've seen in year's past. If this team can handle London - New York - Pittsburgh three weeks in a row. They aught to be able to handle little ol' L.A or S.F.

I was expecting 6 - 10 this year. But after the first five games. 9 - 7 or 10 - 6 is now reasonable. Especially if they dominate the Rams at home this Sunday.

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