Well, lets see...
1) Our starting QB is a career backup, who's history is to not be able to put more than 2-3 good games together at a time. Our backups are inexperienced.
2) Our OL is, at best, weak. No personnel changes from last years line that was HORRIBLE...
3) Our #1 and #2 WRs are ok to good. Our #3 WR hasn't played in nearly 3 years. Has potential but hasn't shown it yet, except a few nice receptions in the preseason.
4) Our starting RB is a rookie...albeit a high round pick and should do well, but still a rookie.
5) Our offense is running a completely different scheme than the past 8 years. It is a vertical passing attack without a strong QB.
6) Our DL has only one returning starter. Carter is a slight upgrade over Chester. Holliday can be better than Bowens. Traylor is not better than Timbo (when healthy) due to his age. Will JT adjust well to the new scheme ??
7) We are starting a rookie OLB vs. a 4 year starter. Now, Crowder, IMO will be better than Greenwood was, but he's still a rookie. We do, however, have stronger backup LBs than last year. How will ZT adjust to the new scheme ?? Can he take on the blockers and fill the run gaps like Saban's LBs are supposed to ?? How will the extra hitting affect his health as the season goes on ??
8) Secondary...what can I say...Our only returning starter (Madison) was arguably our weak link in last years' secondary. He is more vulnerable in Saban's D. It plays to his weaknesses. He is a year older. Can his knees take it ?? Daniels looks good, but again, another rookie starting, he'll get picked on. Jones has a known weakness in pass coverage. While his weaknesses fit better into Saban's D, it's still a question. Bell...can he stay healthy ?? He is, in effect, also a rookie starting...
9) Mare is coming off a second straight less-than-stellar season. Can he regain his form again ??
10) We play in the toughest division in the league. The Pats are the champs until they get knocked off. The Jests were in the p/os last year and at least improved their kicking game in the offseason. The Jills won their last 6 or 7 games until faultering at the very end. They have a beast of a defense, a good running game and experienced WRs...
Now, does Stewart Scott putting down the Fins seem to be so far fetched ?? We stunk the joint up last year, but have made improvements....Is it going to be enough ?? We are so used to being in contention every year, that some of us can't accept the fact that we just aren't that good a team right now. Will we be better than last year, yeah..I feel we will but will we be knocking on the doors of the Patsies, Jests or Jills....no....We can we make some noise during the season depending on how many of those 10 items listed above improve...