Whoa Whoa Whoa... Hold on a minute there campers...

[Osbern61]

You'se guys are forgettin one thing..... we have new uni's!!!

That is easily one 'W'!!!!

Good point!

 

[RobbleRobble]

Let me ask you this: How many games would we have won last year if the WRs had stayed healthy and we had adequate quarterback play?

You can debate what the answer to that question is, but I think you would have to at least award us another game or two.

You can't predict injuries, but we were unbelievably unlucky in that department last year. If we can stay semi-healthy we're in good shape.

And adequate quarterback play? HUGE. I'm not saying Warner has to go to the Pro Bowl, just look like a competant QB. That's a major upgrade. I think its a slam dunk. There were times last year, where having an NFL QB on our roster turns a loss into a win. The first SF game comes to mind, where if we simply are able to chew up a few minutes instead of going three and out, we win the game.

Then consider:
- Arrington upgrades our run game.
- Our O-line (Oliver Ross, Elton Brown, Step no longer a rookie) should be worlds better.
- We've canned a struggling O-coordinator for a guy very well regarded in Rowen.
- With the return of King, FA Okefor and a motivated Bryant, our D line is much improved.
- We've upgraded our secondary.
- We continue to play in the worst division in football. The Niners will likely be starting a rookie QB. The Rams IMO will continue their decline. Our main rival in the division is clearly the Seahawks, and they lack a killer instinct. (See: three losses to the Rams last year, countless failed attempts at claiming the division, etc.)

Seriously, every area of the team is either improved or was good last year. We haven't declined in any area. The only thing area I can even think of is at CB, you can argue that Starks when healthy, is better, at least in the short term than Rolle and Green while they learn the ropes. But even that point is debatable.

So yeah, I'm optimistic.

 

[Cardsmasochist]

10 wins? Playoffs? Superbowl?

Please. I think everyone is just a little too excited. Lets all calm down, and take a realistic look at our situation.

First let me sing the praises of Denny and Rod. We've had what appears to be another great draft, and productive free agency period.

I think we've improved the 12th ranked defense in 04'. No bagging on the D' is allowed. It's off the table.

But what was really the problem in 04? Special Teams? Offense. Oh yeah.

We stunk up the field on offense in 04'. Are we sure we have the horses in place in 05' to get us 10 wins?

Three positions were in bad shape in 04. RG, QB and RB. So were gonna plug two rookies and broke Kurt Warner in those spots and book our tickets for the superbowl?

Come on guys.

I wanna believe that Warner will regain his old form. And Brown will be the answer to our prayers at RG, and Arrington will light up opposing defenses the way he did in college.

I get a little giddy when I think of Warner standing behind that massive O-Line, throwing laser beams to our WRs. Or JJ turning the corner after Ross and Brown have mauled the right side of the defense.

But we need to face the fact that the RB and QB positions might still be broke, because Warner and JJ are certainly not sure things. If Warner melts down, and JJ struggles, and Josh can't stup up his game a notch, we probably wont make the playoffs. Pendergast's crew might will us to six or seven wins by themselves, but the offense is what needs to improve dramatically if are to make the second season in 05.

Right now, thats a big if.

Congratulations, Crimson on your 1,800th post.

 

[Doc Cardinal]

"a motivated Bryant"?


Sounds like a used car.

I'll believe it when I see it.

 

[Crimson Warrior]

Sorry I could make some replies to several good responses, but excellent thoughts by all.

Great, great group of knowledgeable fans here on this board.

 

[john h]

10 wins? Playoffs? Superbowl?

Please. I think everyone is just a little too excited. Lets all calm down, and take a realistic look at our situation.

First let me sing the praises of Denny and Rod. We've had what appears to be another great draft, and productive free agency period.

I think we've improved the 12th ranked defense in 04'. No bagging on the D' is allowed. It's off the table.

But what was really the problem in 04? Special Teams? Offense. Oh yeah.

We stunk up the field on offense in 04'. Are we sure we have the horses in place in 05' to get us 10 wins?

Three positions were in bad shape in 04. RG, QB and RB. So were gonna plug two rookies and broke Kurt Warner in those spots and book our tickets for the superbowl?

Come on guys.

I wanna believe that Warner will regain his old form. And Brown will be the answer to our prayers at RG, and Arrington will light up opposing defenses the way he did in college.

I get a little giddy when I think of Warner standing behind that massive O-Line, throwing laser beams to our WRs. Or JJ turning the corner after Ross and Brown have mauled the right side of the defense.

But we need to face the fact that the RB and QB positions might still be broke, because Warner and JJ are certainly not sure things. If Warner melts down, and JJ struggles, and Josh can't stup up his game a notch, we probably wont make the playoffs. Pendergast's crew might will us to six or seven wins by themselves, but the offense is what needs to improve dramatically if are to make the second season in 05.

Right now, thats a big if.

You fail to mention our problem of no TE. I continue to think our success or failure will ride on the arm of Kurt Warner. Our draft seemed to be good this year and last but they remain very inexperieced and experience does count a lot. If we could win 9 games I would be thrilled. Probably more like 8/8 until we get some experience.