Quote: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.

 

This Offense has shown signs of being able to move the ball on anybody, not yet score. That's a minor point but an important one. And while it may be disappointing to some it should absolutely be expected. I really don't feel like the Offensive Line needs a talent upgrade except maybe at Center. I feel that the squad will continue to improve the more time and attention that they all get working together.



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.

 

Pass Rush. Pass Rush, Pass Rush, Pass Rush. The team needs more top end talent on the Defensive front seven. While it won't fix everything, it will make for more manageable games. I expect the team to invest heavily in that spot this offseason and I think that a talent addition is really the only option to upgrading this glaring weakness on the team.



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.

 

I'm fine with the Offensive Staff as it is, but I wouldn't complain if someone came along that convinced everyone to stick to the Run. Also, I am really really really not a fan of this team's coverage principles. I just feel like they are too easy to exploit along the middle of the field. And can someone please post up a Tight End at the LOS?!?! I would not mind a Defensive Coordinator Upgrade.



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?

 

All in all, I am very encouraged by the team. Most of the team's Offensive contributors are Two Year players or younger. I like that a lot. There is some good young talent on Defense, but it does have holes. I trust the Front Office to address those holes however and they have shown to be decent at talent acquisition. While I'm not ordering Super Bowl tickets any time soon, I do feel good about the direction the team is going.

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