This article must be for the really casual fan because everything is so obvious to us.
When a team is favored in Vegas, it's hard to predict they'll win in an upset victory.
I have less optimism about the defense and have a hard time chalking it up to all mental errors. Let's look at the QB ratings of opposing QBs against them compared to other teams this year:
Palmer
92.5
60.1
53.3
Sanchez
56.4
124.3
120.5
Fitzpatrick (only one game, so I'll use Edwards' stats for the other two; I know it's not apples to apples, but it shows Buffalo's passing game)
73
37
92.4
It's scary to think what will happen when they face a good offense.
What he said was right now they're lost, out of place and they need time. Now this remains to be seen, but I don't think he's completely wrong either. Some of it's talent, some of it is the inexperience the D has.
I will say this. The last 2 seasons, the D never had a late season turnaround like people expected. They probably got a little better but not by much. The defense kept the 08 squad out of the playoffs and never changed last year. I'm sure everyone remembers the way that team ended the regular season.
So I do think a lot of the people saying the D is young it will get better (they're talking like it's suddenly going to become good enough to rely on) are the same ones who were beating that drum the last 2 seasons. I do think this squad had a much better chance to improve than the last 2 years because it's a more talented squad. That said, I don't know how much more talented.
That article really started looking ridiciulous when he tried convincing you that Brace is become an effective player (6 tackles, 4 of which came in one game. Yippie, he's on the field. Hold your horses folks, because that's about all you can say for him right now) Or when he tries saying Tate is "showing signs of being a potential go to WR in the future" That line really makes me wonder what the hell he's watching.
Another thing with that article, it sounds pretty ridiculous him trying to defend merriweather. Somehow I have a hard time believing Belichick still makes that pick in 07 if he had a crystal ball that told him down the road, in his 4th season you're still trying to teach that idiot how to play in the scheme and not free lance. Merriweather's been a huge upset. His terrible play is killing this secondary, because he's getting beched for a player that has no business seeing the field. Than when he does come again, he'll make some plays and blow 10 others. Hard to feel good about him right now.
