Why would I think so?
1. Better at QB with new potential for deep passing game. Might lead to more INTs than we're used to, but will also have a lot more explosive plays. Upgrade from last year. I'm bought in on the Manning train. I saw enough of a sample size to see the tools, plus he dissects things on a different level and has no fear. Best QB they e had in years. I wasn't even a huge fan of Colt's the first couple of years, but finally came around.
2. Returning 1K rusher plus returning RBs Clark and Baxter. RB room is solid. Not sure who the home run threat is yet. Blue could take it the house on any play. Baxter needs more time. Wisner has experience and the young Gipson should be better. Still wait and on Clark. RB is about the same as last year, IMO
3. OL is as talented as we've had, and there is depth. OL is a concern for me. Inexperienced at 2.5 of the positions (Hudson has experience, but not at fulltime C). Baker and Neto need some games. Should have less penalties though without Williams. Group is a slight downgrade from last year to start.
4. TE Endries promises to be as good or better than what we had last year. Agree with this.
5. WR room is deep. We have some speed and experience. I'm not so sure about this one. I think the starters as a group are better than what they had last year. Wingo, Moore and Mosley should be the that group. The others are a wait and see. I do think Arch will make them better though. Slight downgrade.
6. Best LB room we've had in a decade or better. 100% agree
7. Best DE room we've had in quite some time. 100% agree
8. Deep at DT with stars in the making with Watson and January. DL will be better than last year and last years was solid. Not game changing, but solid.
9. Secondary is deep and has experience and speed. Losing Barron will hurt, but the overall talent is better. IS group is elite. Improved front 7 will help this group out a lot and generate more INT possibilities.
10. Special teams should be the polar opposite of what we had last year. Our punting and kicking game will be assets to us this year. Was worried about PK, but then they went out and got TxSt kicker. Should be more reliable and solid there. Return game is a ?, but if it can equal last years production, which wasn't exactly game changing, then I'm good
Thoughts? Overall, the defense is probably better right now than where they were last year at this time and that group was elite. I think the offense could be better with more of the playbook at their disposal. I think we will see an increase with deep balls and less sacks overall with Archs mobility (which will help the OL come together). A lot less dump downs which will drive the ball deeper and keep defenses guessing. Overall, this team is better than last year...on paper, but as Chris Berman said, "that's why they play the game".
