I know that right now, this isn't a popular opinion, but I feel extremely encouraged about the direction of this team after this season so far.


Our GM, while putting himself behind the 8-ball originally, has managed to put together a competent team that can go toe-to-toe with most other teams in the league. This was not the case last year or the year before.


Our offense, while struggling to score inside the red zone, has made huge strides. We look like a modern day offense. We look like we can score on anybody, and the majority of that side of the ball is composed of 3 year players and under. Julius is finally clicking. Blake improved dramatically, and it's logical to see the same type of improvement in year 3. Yeldon has shown flashes of what he can do when he gets a more competent offensive line. We're a couple of linemen and an offseason away from an elite unit here.


Special teams, while horrifying originally, is coming together nicely. Greene as a PR is money. Meyers is getting better. Anger will probably punt here until he retires, and although he isn't the best, he gets the job done.


Defense has shown flashes, and we have a few young playmakers who will likely improve. Telvin looks like he can be elite. Cyprien is finally getting better. Colvin will improve. Poz is old but still good, save coverage. Marks will come back fully healed next year. Roy Miller is playing better. We need a ballhawk at FS and another DE or two here, and some more speed at LB probably. This unit could be the focus of some strong FA additions and this upcoming draft.


And lastly, the coaching staff. I know that we all have our gripes here. Gus has shown no indications that he will be the guy, but he has shown improvement in managing the game, however marginal. And I don't think enough can be said about the fact that the team continues to play hard despite its dismal record. He certainly hasn't lost the team. And that is a huge deal. Will he be the guy? I have no idea. This is the area that I have the least confidence about, but Olsen has drastically improved our offense, so I suppose it's possible the whole staff could turn it around. I think at the very least, this staff has earned another year by virtue of being in every game this year except the Patriots.


Call me crazy, but I am extremely encouraged for next year. Even in a down year, I never would've expected to be anywhere near playoff talk. Thoughts?

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