The biggest thing that can make a difference from this year to next, more so than any player we can sign or trade for, is Sanchez. If he can take the next step forward towards being an elite QB, this team will greatly improve (not saying he needs to become elite yet, but Ryan and Flacco both had big years in their third seasons last year. If Sanchez can do that--and I believe he can after the steps forward he took last year--we can be the best team in the AFC).
This is a very good point about our team. If Mark makes a big stride forward our offense will follow. The personal around him is there to do it still, but tis up to him. Our Defense will be good again thise year. Top ten in the league for sure if not higher. We still have too much talent on that side of the ball despite underwhelming production for our OLB's.
This might sound counter-intuitive, but I think the time away from football might benefit Mark Sanchez. Junior season, college finals, combine prep, scouting combine, draft, rookie OTA's, training camp, pre-season, season, playoffs, surgery, rehab, training camp, pre-season, season, playoffs... jesus. I smoked pot and played video games for about half a decade after college before I was just about ready to maybe start thinking about becoming an adult. I know, I know... apples and oranges. But the kid probably hasn't had a summer vacation since he was twelve. Might have been helpful.
Sanchez improving helps, Greene showing up would also be huge, but unless Westerman turns into a huge sleeper, pass rush is still a weakness and it is clear that we are weak on the back end of our defense at safety. We need to do something about those two concerns before we can talk about being the best.
If you compare the team at the end of last season, to where it stands today, I think they pretty much stayed even. Most of that assessment depends on how Plaxico will pan out - football-wise, and attitude-wise. I'm sure the dealings aren't done, and more changes will be made as we move forward. One thing is for sure - I can't wait for things to get rolling on the field. :up:
Talent wise it is pretty even but: -Sanchez in year 3 -Holmes for 16 games and knows the system -cro in year 2 of the system -same HC, same coordinators This team will be better b/c our younger guys are a year older(specifically the QB) and we have had no turnover in the coaching staff.
With the resigning of Cro, I'd call this offseason a success. I think we're just as good, if not better than last season.
We're in a nice position where another year will actually help our core due to experience or development, not just "make them a year older" as is the case with older teams. Add in the rookies and our d-line has significantly improved.
Before the 2010 season we had a lot of big signings to make: the league's best center, best corner, one of the best LTs and ILBs. During the year, we picked up one of the best corners and one of the better receivers on top of that. One year later we've managed to sign everyone long-term except our #2 receiver: and we still haven't freed up any of the cash tied up in Harris' tag. That's amazing.
And also, I think Pace's injury really limited him for most of the season. Hopefully we'll get a lot more out of him this year.
