08-20-2019, 11:51 PM
(08-20-2019, 11:36 PM)BengalChris Wrote: Given that key starters missed much of last season, it is easy to assume that last year's team would have produced more wins had those starters played more. So I went with 9 wins.
If the team stays relatively healthy 9 wins should be the bottom side, if this coaching staff is as good as Marvin's.
I get the thought process, but I'm not 100% sure I agree with it. The defense was so bad last year (particularly towards the middle of the season) I'm not sure if they win any of those games even with Andy, AJ, Eifert, etc.
I think they were very fortunate at the start of last year. I loved the 4-1 start as much as anyone but they were literally a play away from losing 3 of those games. Without the pick at the end against Indy, they lose. They barely pulled it out on a last second TD against Atlanta. They had to score 24 points in the 4th quarter with 2 defensive TDs just to beat a bad Miami team. That 5-3 start could have easily been 2-6. Would we be setting the bar for ZT at 8+ wins then?
...and I made the same prediction of 9 wins as you do, so I don't think it's completely out of line. Just my two cents on the rationale.
