I'd give the off-season a B+ without the crazy FO stuff.
-We got 2 very good coachs at problematic positions. Trestmen is a superb QB coach, and Sulliven is arguably the top WR coach in football
-OL was pathetic last year, and wade was a sub average player. I think our OL is much more talented, young and deep. Granted it may be a while before they get it together but when they do they will be very good, especially when Tosh returns. They are a very interchangable group. Carey will be very good, Jeno is superb, mckinny I believe to be good, Pape will slide inside and be a very good guard, St. Claire is so so outside and fine inside and Tosh handled JT last year even though he was on a bum ankle. Wise is a top shelf OL coach and these guys will be more than solid...hopefully sooner than later.
-WR We stole Boston and got not only a compliment to CC, but someone that CC might compliment...I like the reports out of the present camp. Behind him we are still too green. I think Newsome may emerge by the end of the year, talented with speed, but needs confidence and to believe he belongs at this level.
- QB: Hey we made an agressive move for someone our staff thinks can be the guy. Who knows how it pans out...keeps us in B category until proven otherwise
- ST was a problematic area as well and we added Bua who by all reports will be a beast and his play will spread to others. Will Poole aside from adding to DBs will also be a ST demon...he had a knack for blocking kicks in college (6 I believe) and that is somehting we have lacked, plus he tackles the football and creates a high % of turnovers. Pope if he makes the team is another that can be a very good St guy. As for returners, I am hoping this Russell kid from Iowa can bring something to the table as well.
I like the personell attitude change Rick has instilled with the addition of hungry young guys....dont forget the Jeno james and Howards that got so close and I guarantee you they are very hungry, aside from being good players.
I think our team is much more talented than last year and in key areas. Our coaching staff is much better except for the OC spot, but the position coaches in my mind are the key in getting these youngsters coached up and gelling, and I think we have top shelf position coaches to do the job. As for Wanny, I am curious to see if he has learned his lesson on being coservative or not, which is his big weakness in my mind...you play to "spank" the other team, not hold on to squeak out a victory in the end...that tells the players that we expect to be losing throughout the game. Most of the talent is there; but to me the question is: can this staff bring out the best football player in each individual in a way that makes this team just that, a TEAM? Im curious to see what happens.
