Some offseason optimism

We've all had window seats on the Bitter Bus the past few weeks (and I stirred up enough negativity with the Vick thread) so I figured I'd put forth a few positives entering this year vs. last year:

1. Stability-The dreaded "s" word. For the first time in a long time we're not going into the offseason either installing a new offense or a new defense or someone learning an important position on the job (Campell in '07). We should be able to focus on execution, expansion of the offense and fine tuning the defense.

2. Injuries-Other than Samuels, we've got no other starters that will require significant offseason rehab and recovery. Remember last year we had questions about Rogers, McIntosh, R. Thomas and Jansen being able to start the season healthy. This year we're going into the offseason work with virtually all hands on deck.

3. Familiarity-While the roster will see some much needed change, we are almost assured to enter 2009 with the same skill position players we ended the season with. Campbell, Portis, Cooley, Moss, Randle El, Kelly, Thomas, Sellers on offense, Landry, Horton, Springs, Hall & Rogers (assuming Hall signs and Rogers isn't traded) on defense. It's been said ad naseum that our major flaw is in the trenches. I think it's significant that the players we count on to have or be around the ball are not having to learn anything new or differently and can just build on whatever foundation is here.

What are some of the other positives we can highlight?

GREAT thread. Thank you!

I think giving Devin Thomas, Fred Davis, and Malcolm Kelly a full offseason to work with Campbell and the other pass catchers do develop rhythm and rapport will be huge for the passing game.

Also, JC having yet another offseason to absorb more of this offense will be a big deal as well.

I go back to Hasselbeck. It took him two years to get up and running at a high level in Seattle. So by the end of next season we should theoretically see things coming together.

Pass protection has to be there though, or it won't matter.

I will be excited to see how the rook WRs develope as well. If they step up Skins will be in good shape.

We've all had window seats on the Bitter Bus the past few weeks (and I stirred up enough negativity with the Vick thread) so I figured I'd put forth a few positives entering this year vs. last year:

1. Stability-The dreaded "s" word. For the first time in a long time we're not going into the offseason either installing a new offense or a new defense or someone learning an important position on the job (Campell in '07). We should be able to focus on execution, expansion of the offense and fine tuning the defense.

2. Injuries-Other than Samuels, we've got no other starters that will require significant offseason rehab and recovery. Remember last year we had questions about Rogers, McIntosh, R. Thomas and Jansen being able to start the season healthy. This year we're going into the offseason work with virtually all hands on deck.

3. Familiarity-While the roster will see some much needed change, we are almost assured to enter 2009 with the same skill position players we ended the season with. Campbell, Portis, Cooley, Moss, Randle El, Kelly, Thomas, Sellers on offense, Landry, Horton, Springs, Hall & Rogers (assuming Hall signs and Rogers isn't traded) on defense. It's been said ad naseum that our major flaw is in the trenches. I think it's significant that the players we count on to have or be around the ball are not having to learn anything new or differently and can just build on whatever foundation is here.

What are some of the other positives we can highlight?

Thanks for the positive thread.

I like what you said in 3) about building on our exsiting foundation. Without it I don't care who we bring in. The revolving door would just continue to turn.

I'm excited that instead of just replacing a HC. We have replaced our entire Offensive philosophy (WCO)

For the first time in a long time I'm actually looking forward to next season!

Also our head coach will have worked out many stumbling blocks from his rookie season. As Vinny said, he should be much improved next season because he will be seeing many situations from this year repeat themselves, and know how to react better.

Also, it only takes one great draft combined with players who are already on the roster to build something great. Case in point: the 1981 Draft which led to the birth of The Hogs.

In 1981 we added Mark May, Russ Grimm, and Joe Jacoby (UDFA). It could happen again!

BTW, in 1981 we also added Dexter Manley, Larry Kubin, Charlie Brown, Darryl Grant, and Clint Didier. That had to be one of the greatest drafts in NFL history.

I've been wondering lately about Phillip Daniels and the potential impact he could have next year (if he's even back, which I'm not sure of). Even though he is getting up there in years I think I'd feel pretty comfortable with him back on the D-line clogging up the running lanes.

GREAT thread. Thank you!

I think giving Devin Thomas, Fred Davis, and Malcolm Kelly a full offseason to work with Campbell and the other pass catchers do develop rhythm and rapport will be huge for the passing game.

Also, JC having yet another offseason to absorb more of this offense will be a big deal as well.

I think that all the receivers mentioned should spend their offseason practicing, living, breathing and eating with JC. I would love to see all 3 produce next year in addition to Moss and ARE and with an improved OL, we could kick some ass!!

Also, it only takes one great draft combined with players who are already on the roster to build something great. Case in point: the 1981 Draft which led to the birth of The Hogs.

In 1981 we added Mark May, Russ Grimm, and Joe Jacoby (UDFA). It could happen again!

BTW, in 1981 we also added Dexter Manley, Larry Kubin, Charlie Brown, Darryl Grant, and Clint Didier. That had to be one of the greatest drafts in NFL history.

Where are my tissues? Those were the days!
You're apsolutly right.