One writer thinks we could battle Jets for #1 pick

[bleve]

You're right that this isn't a tank. You're wrong about the talent.

On O, we have a mediocre QB whose only proven NFL target can't stay healthy. The O will only be successful if Tyrod can be good enough to keep them from stacking the box against McCoy. And McCoy needs to stay healthy too.

On D, the DL should be solid (assuming Kyle stays healthy and Dareus stays away from league-mandated vacations). The back 7 is a mess.

Our offense last year - while not great - was 10th in the league in points per game. We scored 24 or more points in a game 11 times. We only won 5 of those. It was clearly the defense that was the problem, and I don't think it was the talent given what they were capable of prior to Mr. "don't-let-him-leave-the-building-rex-the-fraud-ryan".

Yes, the schedule on paper is more difficult, but I do expect a better performance from the D despite new schemes and coaches.

[Goobylal]

They have practically sero shot at being better. Net talent loss, new systems. The only way they will be better is if Tyrod suddenly becomes good, 3 rookies contribute immediately and they stay healthy. I don't see all those things happening.

The move back to the 4-3 will be the biggest improvement to the team because that's what's held the team back the past 2 years. The majority of players are suited to it, especially the D line players, and that will help the rest of the units as well. As for talent losses, they're swapping Hodges for Brown and upgrading at safety. Gilmore is a loss but not at $12M/year and White has looked good.

On offense, the team will still be run first and should still excel. They replaced guys they lost with equal talent and if Jones shows something, it's gravy.

And on STs, Hauschka is an upgrade not only in FG kicking but kicking off, meaning no more wasting a roster spot on a kickoff specialist. I also have a feeling UDFA Rehkow will upgrade Schmidt, but again if that happens it's gravy.

[Mace]

Our offense last year - while not great - was 10th in the league in points per game. We scored 24 or more points in a game 11 times. We only won 5 of those. It was clearly the defense that was the problem, and I don't think it was the talent given what they were capable of prior to Mr. "don't-let-him-leave-the-building-rex-the-fraud-ryan".

Yes, the schedule on paper is more difficult, but I do expect a better performance from the D despite new schemes and coaches.

Can't really agree, though yes the defense was bad. The offense put up yards and scored points when the pace was leisurely enough to run, then when it had to pass or operate quick and efficient, nada. The defense will get better.... immediately ? I dunno about that, ojt and weeding process. They're still going to have to pass in a league where better teams can score 3 times in the last 5 minutes, routinely. Are we one of them ? No.

I expect a better showing, but I'd hold back on better results to give McDermott & Company time to build their machine the right way.

[SpikedLemonade]

You could be right. Personally, I'd put my money on 6 wins or less.

We may not have got worse talent-wise, but this talent won 7 games last year. As much as it helps getting rid of Rex and Rob, there could be growing pains with a new scheme on offense and defense, as well as a 1st time head coach. Not to mention our schedule got more difficult, at least at this point in the season. It would surprise me if we won as many games as we did last year. Here's hoping, though.

That is what I see right now as well.

The strategy to beat TT is well documented now. Unless he suddenly evolves his between the hash marks passing game (and I don't think that is possible), it will be easy to defend against us.

[kscdogbillsfan1221]

That is what I see right now as well.

The strategy to beat TT is well documented now. Unless he suddenly evolves his between the hash marks passing game (and I don't think that is possible), it will be easy to defend against us.

i disagree. i do think it's possible. He was very good against the seahawks (minus the boneheaded interception in the third quarter) and the second game against miami. If I recall correctly, he was throwing over the middle during those games. He has the potential to do it. If the coaching staff 'makes him' for the lack of a better term i think it's more than possible. it's likely.

but i could be wrong.

[sudzy]

This is good news.

That's why it won't happen. 7-9, here we come.