Quote:Seriously guys, how often do FAs REALLY work out? I think we all collectively put too much importance on big name free agents, when the best results are almost always moderate players who fit a scheme extremely well and didn't fit with their old teams scheme. I would like to see drafted players take the cake on the D, but we really can't expect good performances for a year or two with draftees. Our D is far away with the current scheme. I don't doubt that changing scheme would help out a lot more immediately.

 

I agree with this sentiment in general, but we don't need to be dominant on defense by next year.  All we need to be is better than we are this year and I think that is possible whether that's with a couple of solid 2nd tier free agents or maybe just maybe Fowler is who we hope he is and/or a rookie emerges in his first year for us.  If our defense and kicking game are marginally better this year, we'd be at least 6 and 6 right now.  If Blake and the offense were able to avoid the gaffes at critical moments that have plagued them this year (pick 6's, INTs deep in our own territory, fumbles or high snaps for defensive TDs, etc), we'd be better than 6 wins right now and looking at a division title.  Assuming this young offense matures and makes less of those mistakes and the Defense gets even marginally better (specifically on pressuring the QB), we'll be in contention for the division next year.

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