Many of us share the same concerns about this looking like a better team, but being unsure if it will translate into improved wins and losses.

 

Throughout the offseason and preseason, many posters have suggested that 6-10 is the minimum acceptable floor of wins this team can have and still maintain the current coaching.

 

So the question is, assuming everything stated in the OP is true, what would it take for this team to reach that 6 win floor?  What has to happen in order for this team to actually manifest progress in your eyes?

 

To me:

 

1.  Bortles' progress must be legitimate and continuous.  What we have seen this preseason has been impressive to most of us.  But he impressed us last year too.  He looks like he has a better grasp of offense and defenses.  He seems to be making confident decisions, and not just winging it impressively.  That must continue in the regular season.

 

2.  This team must stay healthy.  It's been hit with some injuries to key personnel, but none seem particularly devastating or long term, aside from Fowler.  That has to hold up.

 

3.  Special teams must improve.  A while back, there was a discussion on this board regarding how special teams lost us 2-3 games at least last year.  Obviously this is unacceptable.  This preseason, we didn't see the special teams disasters we saw last regular season.  But it wasn't flawless, either.  Reportedly, there were at least three different times the team lined up with ten on the field.  That can lead to disastrous results.  We also have a new kicker.

 

4.  The team must mature.  There is a large young nucleus on this team.  These guys-Bortles, AR15, Lee, Hurns, Joeckel, Cyp, T. Smith, C. Smith, Colvin, et al are likely going to develop and improve from year one to year two or from 2 to 3.  These guys must continue to learn how to be professionals.  They must learn how to eat, train, prepare for game day, and adjust.  With more experienced guys on the roster like Thomas and Wiz, they can better learn how to do this.

 

5.  Just some plain old good luck.

 

Your thoughts?

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