I have several reasons to think this:
1. We have one of the best RBs in the NFL, and if Ricky can stay unstoned, we have 2 of the best.
2. We have a substantial upgrade on the OLine, especially with Long coming in. A #1 pick on the OLine indicates Long could be among the best LTs ever. Michigan was a power running team, and a large part of that was due to Long. We will see big things from him.
3. I personally think Beck will start. He still doesn't have a ton of experience, so I think that the play action pass will be a big part of his throwing game. You need a strong running game to set up the play action pass, and to give the QB time to throw. Instead of having 1-2 seconds in the pocket, JB should get 2-4 with an improved line and running game.
4. Better WRs. Along with the play action pass, a strong running game takes pressure off the QB and gives him time to throw. Last year, it didn't take a lot of secondary to cover our WRs, so they pretty much brought everyone when it was obvious that we would be passing. Even when our QBs eluded the rush, it seemed that the WRs had a 50/50 chance of dropping the ball anyway. Nice odds for the opponents' DC.
It will be an exciting year. I don't think we go from 1-15 straight to the playoffs, but I do think we will be solid competition in most of our games. I predict a .500 season. However, if we are .500 after the 1st six games, I think we will come in higher than that because we are a young team that will be jelling at the beginning. If we are winning 1/2 our games in the beginning, then I expect us to win more than 1/2 during the rest of the season. By the end of the season, we will be significantly improved in many positions. We should know a lot more about how 2009/2010 will look.
1. We have one of the best RBs in the NFL, and if Ricky can stay unstoned, we have 2 of the best.
2. We have a substantial upgrade on the OLine, especially with Long coming in. A #1 pick on the OLine indicates Long could be among the best LTs ever. Michigan was a power running team, and a large part of that was due to Long. We will see big things from him.
3. I personally think Beck will start. He still doesn't have a ton of experience, so I think that the play action pass will be a big part of his throwing game. You need a strong running game to set up the play action pass, and to give the QB time to throw. Instead of having 1-2 seconds in the pocket, JB should get 2-4 with an improved line and running game.
4. Better WRs. Along with the play action pass, a strong running game takes pressure off the QB and gives him time to throw. Last year, it didn't take a lot of secondary to cover our WRs, so they pretty much brought everyone when it was obvious that we would be passing. Even when our QBs eluded the rush, it seemed that the WRs had a 50/50 chance of dropping the ball anyway. Nice odds for the opponents' DC.
It will be an exciting year. I don't think we go from 1-15 straight to the playoffs, but I do think we will be solid competition in most of our games. I predict a .500 season. However, if we are .500 after the 1st six games, I think we will come in higher than that because we are a young team that will be jelling at the beginning. If we are winning 1/2 our games in the beginning, then I expect us to win more than 1/2 during the rest of the season. By the end of the season, we will be significantly improved in many positions. We should know a lot more about how 2009/2010 will look.
