After ONE week of training camp, (8 practices) I would give them about a 7. Compared to the past 2 years, not even in the same zip code as far as talent. I am trying to temper my enthusiasm, because they just haven't been in pads that much yet, (nor will they). I am really looking forward to seeing how they line up against another team, and see how much practicing against this defense will impact the offense.
And, of course, we have yet to see the entire offense together as a complete unit. Till then, its just a guess.
This was going to be my exact answer. In years past we struggled to separate from the DBs in the pass game. Completions were hard to come by. Most of the stuff completed was underneath, mainly because that's what it had to be. I remember in 2012 it was terribly bad. 13 was better, but it wasn't great. 14 looks very good. The thing that sucks is Bailey's suspension. He may be the best receiver on the team. Out of he, Austin, Britt, and Quick (going off everybody's reports here because I haven't seen Quick) we have a much better group of WRs. Last year Pettis and Givens were our top 2 WRs and while they are good role players, they proved they aren't starting quality.
I would say Bradford has improved, but I'm not sure if it's that or the receiver play was much better. In years past he had to throw perfect passes to get completions. With improved receiver play he is hitting guys who have broke free from coverage. He is still hitting them between the numbers though and the velocity has been great. You really can't tell the guy is coming off injury. I think he is going to have a big year.
I also think this will be our best running team maybe in the 20 years the team has been here. Yes Marshall and Steven were superior RBs to the guys we have now. That being said we will run 3 deep with guys who can really run the ball. Stacy is short, but he is thick. Going to be hard to tackle him. He is one cut and go. Really like his game. Cunningham looks better than he did last year, and I like what he did last year. I'm really high on Cunningham. Mason looked very good in the live stuff yesterday. I love his game coming out of Auburn and I think he can be very good. With Saffold and Robinson manning the OG spots this run game should be potent.
The offense looks in good shape and I'm optimistic. The line has to stay healthy as does the QB. All we need is about 24 ppg out of the offense with the defense that we have.
alm:. Thanks Roger
