The top story in the CNNSI.com Pro Football section? Man, this should cause some debate here. I think it shows that there are just as many opinions as there are people. I happen to share the optimism expressed in this article, but the lack of success in the last few years gives others plenty of reasons to not be optimistic. So be it.
You simply cannot deny that the team is 3rd in the conference in wins and playoff appearances since 1999. The team is returning most of the players on an excellent defense. They have added depth to the secondary.
Three things I would like to see for the defense before the season starts:
- sign Ogun
- sign a veteran DT
- sign a veteran LB
The offense is definitely a wait and see situation. For me, the changes allow me to be optimistic. Before last season we stood pat on the OL. It cost us.
This year we went for it. You have to admit, they were aggressive. Even if you don't like the moves that were made, they made the moves that people were complaining we didn't make last year:
1. Do whatever is necessary to draft a top OL prospect
2. Add quality OL in free agency and be willing to offer competitive contracts
3. Bring in a big time WR to complement CC
4. Bring in a QB early enough to learn the offense and have a chance to unseat Fiedler
Will it all work? I don't know, but I know there is a better chance than last year.