20 hours ago, EazyEaglez said:

Don’t get me wrong, because Hurts developing would be a huge help to this team, but the defense giving up 80% completion percentages and well over 300 yards to every quarterback who is good to great will kill any quarterback regardless of how good they are. This is bigger than just Jalen’s development. 

I really hope this deficiency has been painful to review by the front office this off-season and a little more importance is put at the LB & Safety position groups.

11 minutes ago, MidMoFo said:

I really hope this deficiency has been painful to review by the front office this off-season and a little more importance is put at the LB & Safety position groups.

As Howie looks though his football for dummies book for the page that explains what a linebacker is, he misses all the bad plays they make so we are back at square one.

Same thing as last season. Hurts can't hack it

Miss the playoffs. 

I still can't believe they made it last year.

I like going into a season with no hopes, no chance, no aspirations, and completely pessimistic. That way, if they do well and have a good season, it's....

3 hours ago, MidMoFo said:

I really hope this deficiency has been painful to review by the front office this off-season and a little more importance is put at the LB & Safety position groups.

Well they did sign a linebacker in free agency so in Howie’s mind he could think he’s fixed the problem there. As far as safety goes it doesn’t seem like much of a priority for them unfortunately. Overall I do hope they do a better job of addressing this defense in the draft. 

10 hours ago, birdman#12 said:

I mostly agree......but the QB still remains as the biggest influence on a team's success.  I think the defense will be improved this year if the draft proves productive, the addition of Kizir White, Brandon Graham's return and being more familiar with Gannon's scheme.  Plus they could sign another veteran or two after the draft.

Also, if Hurts improves....the offense should be able to hold the ball more, score more often and give the defense some field position relief and less time on the field.  But it all works together.

I hear you. When this team gets behind they need a quarterback who can try and keep pace, but heck even the Jets scored like three of four touchdowns consecutively against this defense. A team like the Jets we can keep pace with, but teams like Tampa, the Chiefs, and the Rams are leaving this team in the dust regardless who is under center. They couldn’t stop anyone and they never gave the offense any short fields. You need more out of your defense to be a competitive team. 

19 minutes ago, EazyEaglez said:

I hear you. When this team gets behind they need a quarterback who can try and keep pace, but heck even the Jets scored like three of four touchdowns consecutively against this defense. A team like the Jets we can keep pace with, but teams like Tampa, the Chiefs, and the Rams are leaving this team in the dust regardless who is under center. They couldn’t stop anyone and they never gave the offense any short fields. You need more out of your defense to be a competitive team. 

I just hope they spend most of those draft picks on defensive players.......I think the fact that there is little left at CB in free agency, so I think that almost guarantees that Howie takes a CB with one of those 1st rounders.  

Nothing has changed except a couple of free agents signings. 

Talent-wise they don't seem to be much better than last year. Improved at edge rusher, questionable at LB, receded in the secondary. With good drafting they should be around last year's level, maybe slightly better if things fall right, but the draft is for the future so it may take a while for their guys to adjust to the NFL. Last year, they benefited from the extra playoff game and a super easy schedule. One positive, is that the NFC East still looks weak and the top team looks to have declined a bit as well. As long as that happens, they have a chance to make it in. Depending on how Hurts plays, the question may become, for the long term success, is it better if they don't make it in? Being mediocre and drafting mid-teens again will not get them to the next level.

If the division is as bad as it was last year it'll be the same result. If it's any better, we likely miss the playoffs entirely unless we have an amazing draft.

On 4/21/2022 at 2:39 PM, downundermike said:

As Howie looks though his football for dummies book for the page that explains what a linebacker is, he misses all the bad plays they make so we are back at square one.

you do know we have tj edwards, kyzir white, haasson reddick, and Davion Taylor right?  Easily the most athletic group of Lbers we have ever had.  

for those that don't know.  TJ Edwards ranked 7th on pff's list of best lb's.  Kyzir White was 25

I still have some doubts about the roster as a whole, but this offseason the team has made some significant improvements. They won 9 last year and they could at worst duplicate those numbers, but the addition of a pass rush and Brown at receiver could push this to a 10 or 11 win team. 

Post draft, I'd still say it's a 8 or 9 win team.  Good draft, but it will take a bit to see how they pan out.  Brown is a weapon.  Overall, the team got better and future is looking up.  QB is still the limiting factor.

we should have an improved and more creative pass rush. we finally have a set of linebackers. schedule is pretty easy as it stands now. This feels like a 10 win season if all goes right. We've been hearing that Hurts is working out west with Tom house. maybe he comes back with improved mechanics? We can hope, otherwise we have the two first rounders next year. We'll be on Saints watch all year rooting hard for them to lose every week!

The general feeling I get is they overachieved in 2021. But I like the direction the team is going. They're getting younger and I think talent is getting better. I like what they have on offensive and defensive lines. Last year they were pegged as a rushing team only because they didn't have the talent to throw the ball downfield. Does a 2nd year DeVonta Smith and AJ Brown change the dynamic? If Hurts is going to be the franchise QB he has to take the next step and become as dangerous with his arm as he is with his legs. No excuses anymore.

The expectation is they have achieve as much as last year, a wild card playoff appearance, with a chance to advance further. I don't think they're ready to be a top contender but they can get into the discussion if all goes right.