Quote:But that's just it.

 

If by "youth," you refer to the rookies (including Fowler), then I don't necessarily think that is true.

 

This team would be improved even without the rookies.  With the offense having a full year in the system under their belts, I think there will be improvement on that side of the ball.  Reads, from the QB to the linemen to the backs blocking in protections to the receivers reading the coverages and adjusting their routes accordingly, would be far more instinctive/reflexive than  last year. 

 

Add in the veteran free agents-Malik Jackson, Tashaun Gipson, Amukumara, Ivory, and Beachum, it's a good bet many of those positions would be upgraded too.

 

The only thing left would be the rookies and special teams.

 

I can't speak to whether special teams will be improved, beyond the idea that maybe former starters would now be relegated to special teams, which leads to a presumption-perhaps rebuttable-that better athletes will stock the special teams, making them more effective.  I can't speak to whether Myers will be more consistent than last year, or how well Nortman will punt for us.

 

But the only thing left for the rookies to do is to follow the Seattle exhortations of Gus Bradley-"DO YOUR JOB."  Now will a double digit sack season from Fowler help the defense tremendously?  Sure.  But I think him being healthy and producing the projected five-six sacks and more pressure helps the defense, too.  Will an 8 INT, 2 pick six season from Ramsey help?  Of course.  But such lofty achievements aren't necessary for the secondary to improve.  If he can provide more consistent man coverage than the guys we had back there last year, then he improves the secondary.  If Jack can provide better speed, athleticism and coverage, he improves the LB corps.  Together those three guys performing at that level improve the defense.

 

The thing is, Ramsey and Jack both have veterans who have been around enough to know the game and to give pointers.  Yes, coaches coach and players play, I get that.  But that does not mean players don't lend perspectives on the field during games or in practice, or give tips on how to study film, work out/care for their bodies, or how to cover a certain player.

 

I'm not arguing the team won't be improved overall.  I do believe it will.

 

However, I do feel the rookies will be rookies, even if they pan out to be the superstars we expect them to be in the future.

 

I expect they'll wow us, but I also expect them to remind us they're rookies at times.  It's just what happens.

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