What Is Different and Is It Enough?

[3wt]

The only place that we went backwards was the offensive line.   I personally would have kept both Whit and Z.   Z was playing lights out at the end of the season and Whit was a top 5 guy.

If we just keep Whit I would say we have VERY significant improvement from last year.  As it is I think we have good improvement:

• Improved pass rush - Willis and Lawson will make a significant difference when we have to rush the passer.
• Improved LB squad - not the least of which is Burfict showing up in great shape - but also both a reliable middle LB and better overall pass coverage.  And if you count Lawson as a LB the ability to blitz from the LB squad is dramatically improved
• Potentially improved ability to stuff the run when it counts
• Improved 3 down big back who is a bona fide playmaker
• Improved speed at WR - and depth with speed for the position
• More speed on STs
• More reliable kicking game - whichever kicker makes the team
  

So all in all I would say we are improved.   But without Whit we have a significant hole in our offense.   Not sure we can overcome it against any contender.