Quote:I, too, am most interested in seeing the defense.

 

I think the biggest infusion of talent, both through free agency and the draft, clearly was on the defensive side of the ball.  We added, by my count, no fewer than 5 starters (Fowler, Ramsey, Jack, M. Jackson, T. Gipson) and at least another 3 contributors  (Day, Amukumara, Ngakoue) to a defense that sorely needed it.  Watching these guys develop as players and as a defensive squad will be interesting.  Besides, I don't think we've had a CB with the athletic ability as Ramsey, nor do I think we've had a LB with the athleticism as Jack, and we haven't had a DE with the athleticism as Fowler since Tony Brackens at minimum).  Seeing that kind of athletic ability on each level of the defense would be good for a change.

 

That said, I think the development of the offense will be interesting, too.  Seeing all of the guys mature another year, having played in the same offense for a full year, I'm eager to see how these guys will play when the offense and the reads are second nature and the players are more confident.  I think the offense can take things to another level, especially of Lee can develop into that deep receiver, and Thomas can stay healthy throughout the year.