Heading Into The Unknown

[*SHRacerX*]

(07-19-2017, 01:13 AM)JumboTron Wrote: As training camp is a mere nine days away I think it's appropriate to reiterate why this season is so unique.  

Hardened vets like Whitworth, Peko and Zeitler are gone, and replacing them are question marks in terms of productivity and leadership. Dynamic rookies by the names of Ross and Mixon enter the fold along the likes of Green, Bernard and Hill.   Dalton is about to ease into his seventh season as a pro behind a (at best) "Verdict-Is-Out" offensive line.

And of course there is Marv who is about to embark on his 15th season at the helm, and for the first time in six years entering a season on the heels of not just missing the playoffs but missing out on a winning record.  

I'ts going to be a helluva ride.  Let's just hope it's going to be a fun one.

With the sole exception of Whitworth, I think this team didn't lose anything that they didn't replace with at least equal and, more often, superior talent.  They drafted some speedy, strong DEs, that will no doubt help the pass rush and rotation.  They have some talented young players like Ross, Mixon, Uzomah, and Core that teams will see a lot more of this year.

Then there is their QB, fresh off another "ranking" of the lower end of middle of the pack.  Dalton was being talked about as a potential MVP candidate in 2005 before the injury.  Last season, he had to break in two new WRs that were brought in to start.  He had virtually no running game and even less of a kicking game.  All four of the TE/HBs were injured at some point of the season.  Dude still threw for 4200 yards and only 7 INTs.  

If the team stays mostly healhty, they aren't going to just be good.  They are going to beat the ever-loving shit out of people.  Oh, and when they get a lead and teams have to pass?  Meet out new DEs Willis and Lawson, who trot out with a fresh Hardison to join Geno on what could be the best pass-rush tandem in years.  Add Billings to that as well if Glasgow can help in the rotation and keep him fresh.  

I have never had more optimism for this team.  The skeptics will say I am setting myself up for a fall.  Maybe.  I was crushed after that playoff loss in 2005.  I had never felt so much energy leave a stadium after Palmer went down.  I don't care.  Looking forward, this team has speed, talent, and experience on all three phases of the game.  

Time to hunt in the Jungle.