Are We A Contender Now?!

[*SHRacerX*]

(01-31-2019, 03:13 AM)BFritz21 Wrote: I know we have a few holes to fill and I know some positions need to be strengthened, but could this team be a contender if things fall right?!

Taylor is going to bring in his own coaching staff, which means that they'll be qualified, especially since he's a young guy and will have more fire than Marvin, as well as more knowledge for the modern, offensive-oriented game.  Taylor will also bring a new energy to the team that the players will relate to.  He had the Broncos and Cardinals chasing after him this offseason, so I feel pretty good about him being qualified for the job.

As I mentioned, we do have some holes to fill and positions to strengthen. For instance, we definitely need to improve the line, as well as one or two linebackers, but that can be done through the draft and free agency.  Maybe bringing in a tight end would help.  I like Bates but I think Williams needs some competition.  

People bash Dalton, but the guy will have a former quarterback coach (and former college quarterback himself) leading the way and forming game plans to his (and the rest of the team's) strengths.

We have AJ, who's still one of the top receivers in the league and will also greatly benefit from the coaching changes, and we have young guys across from him like Core, Ross, and Boyd, who could also breakout with a change of scenery.  

Mixon's an absolute beast and could be in the running for the rushing title, and we also have Bernard to change things up and keep defenses off-balance.

I'm pumped about our defensive line with Atkins and Billings because I think he'll have a better year than anyone that's ever played NT/LDT and I think he can do a lot of damage.  With those two in the middle of the line, I'm excited what guys like Dunlap, Hubbard, MJ, Lawson, etc., can do on the outside when they're single blocked.

A pass rush will greatly help our corners and I think we could finally see them play to their potential.

I'm also excited for new coordinators and what they can do with the talent on this team.

I had more but I'm playing poker online and I'm tired, but are we a contender now?!

I highlighted some of the players you mentioned as indication that we have a solid core of players on both sides of the ball.  We know the one glaring weakness on the offense is the line, specifically the right side.  With their sites on a RT in the draft that can compete against Hart and a competition between Redmond and Westerman at RG, I think those upgrades combined with a healthy Billy Price will pay huge dividends...not to mention a scheme from this decade.  The offense is a contender.

On defense, there is a much bigger weakness, as in weaknesses....the LB corps is pathetically weak on talent and depth.  Vigil is solid, but I am not able to bring myself to count on Burfict (I think concussions have a LOT to do with it) and the rest are backups.  They need a very high pick on LB and potentially two, plus a FA that can be a quality starter. 

The defense also needs improvement in the middle of the line at DT.  Geno is a great penetrater, but doesn't form a run defense wall and the opposite DTs have been very inconsistent.  Hopefully, Glasgow comes back 100% and Billings shows up in better shape and makes a larger impact, but this position needs addressed.  

We have a secondary most teams would love, but it was wasted on scheme and a front four that didn't generate much pass rush.  Dramatic improvements at the LB position would go a long way to help both issues.  I Is the defense a contender?  No.  They will have to nail the draft and FA to make the defense a contender.

Special teams are definitely a contender.  

Coaching may now, for the first time in a while, be a contender.  New, fresh, aggressive....if nothing else, they should be a lot more fun to watch.