Comparing 2008 to 2010

When you put it like that it makes a lot of sense, however I still don't believe our defense will be on the level it was in 08.

 

I was thinking the same thing. In 2007, much like 2009, we came together late in the season. Like in 2008, this current D-Line will give QB's fits. I wouldn't be at all surprised if we finish close to 13-3 again.

 

Another thing that really hurt us last year was the lack of a return game. We started so many of our drives deep in our own territory, and as a result would give the ball back to opponents on a shorter field which also hurt the D some. I really think that with either Mariani or D.Williams back there returning we should start with much better field pos. this year which will help the O and D.

In 2008 we had Carr returning, and even though he wasn't really a threat to take one to the house, he would consistantly put us in good pos. to either score, or at least flip the field.

 

In 2008 Carr would setup Bironas to be the best kicker in football. If Avatar or Mariani are the guys to return kicks, that's what they'll need to do. Neither pose much threat to run one back for a TD. This offense looks like they can drive down the field, but constantly having bad field position will cost you some Bironas points. How many games did we lose by a point or two?

 

What I'm worried about is the number of really difficult matchups. In addition to our division games, we have to play @ Dallas, @ Miami, and @ San Diego. Unless we see major improvement from last season (when even while we were hot we were simply outmatched by the two strong teams that we played), then we're going to have a hard time winning those games and having any shot at the playoffs. I'm hopeful for improvement though.

 

I'm most concerned about the Chargers away game... The Dallas game not as much, but San Diego has our number. I don't worry about us having the most difficult schedule as teams change from year to year. Last years playoff teams won't be handed anything, you still have to earn your wins.

 

I think our team has the potential to be better than the '08 team but possibly with a slower start.

I think our defense is more athletic than the '08 defense. I think our CB's are better but our Safeties may be worse. I think our dline will be just as good if not better this year.

I think our offense has the potential to score more points. I think if Vince can prove he can move the ball through the air our offense is a top 3 offense in the NFL. I think CJ puts up close to the same numbers as last year.

The fact of the matter though is that its still preseason. After week 1 I could have an entirely different assesment for better or worse.

 

It's nice to think like this..but how many times do teams have the SAME roster and have polar opposite seasons..too unpredictable. We are better than last year, or SHOULD be, but there's still alot of unknowns.

 

We certainly don't have the same roster. Bulluck, Mawae, KVB, all gone...

I could see us starting out 5-1, but it gets ugly from there. We'll see.