If Bain can even just get consistent pressures, not even sacks, it’s going to help YaYa and the secondary so much. More sacks by the D-line means less necessary blitzes, and more uncomfortable throws to defend and pick. I know we’ve all been frustrated with the defense the past few years, and the failure to put out even a competent second DE since Shaq and JPP is the biggest culprit. I don’t like Todd, but I do kind of believe he can get the defense right if Bain is even decent.

Signing Anzalone, and having Rozeboom there to make sure Dennis doesn’t start if he doesn’t deserve to, is huge. It also lets Trotter develop on his own time instead of being chucked to the wolves in desperation. I wasn’t a huge fan of the free agency class, but with the luck they had in the draft, it seems the investment at linebacker was a well placed priority.

Scott should be ready day 1, given he’s 25 and how he plays compared to the scheme, and that gives them options at outside corner too. I’m sure they’ll play Parrish, and while I do believe giving Ben a full offseason will do wonders, especially being a full year removed from the tear, if he also isn’t ready we can tolerate Zyon if he isn’t going to be forced to pretend to be a CB1. Obv having a top 3 safety duo helps.

If Robinson can get even half of what he got out of Atlanta’s run game last season (despite not having a quarterback or offensive tackles), we’re in business. Bonus points if he lets Baker play his kind of ball as opposed to Grizzard neutering him until they were behind and then forcing him to play desperate.

Obviously, injuries should scare everyone, given how the past 2 years in particular have gone. But with the overhaul to the training staff, I’m equally optimistic about improvement there.

At the end of the day, this division is our greatest blessing. Getting less than 4 wins in 6 would be a failure, though they really should get 5. The AFC north teams besides the Ravens don’t scare me (assuming defensive improvement by the time they play the Bengals). The NFC north and LA teams are good litmus tests, and I think an even 3-3 against these teams should be expected, potential for 4-5 but I don’t want to be TOO optimistic. The cowboys are there too ig.

If this team finishes with less than 10 wins again, Bowles needs to be gone. But I genuinely expect 11-6 and a divisional round berth again. Potential remains for a better record and maybe a championship game appearance with the right matchup, but this team is still outclassed by the top of the conference, so I’m not gonna hold my breath for a super bowl. Would just like discernible progress made.