actually I was told that Silva was one of the 43 national media members that hate our team.

 

I believe Vegas has us about 24 to 26 with an implied probability of missing the playoffs at about 83%.

 

Sounds more logical than being ranked 31. Still, I believe a wild card spot is possible.

 

I went to college with Silva's brother. I had him put in a good word....

 

I love this part:

 

We've got linebacker issues/question marks. And our secondary is very unproven. Last year we ranked 20th. Although 8th overall in points allowed. I don't see the dramatic improvements this team has made to make the leap to top 10. Would be nice. It's not impossible if things fall right. I wouldn't get my hopes up though.

 

I like Evan Silva. I don't know about this football analysis from an X's & O's standpoint, but he's a pretty solid source for fantasy information. Of course, knowing the fantasy side of the house doesn't always make you a great football analyst.

However, I think this is fair too.

I think the general gist is that no one knows what to expect from this team. It's a complete crap-shoot. However, most analysts are erring on the side of caution and history that we'll wind up being mediocre, below average as usual.

 

I think the biggest thing will be the LBs making better run fits this year. If they're able to stop teams from averaging 120+ ypg, and are able to force more passing situations, I think the total defense will improve. IMO, the best thing Coyle does is come up with packages that disguise his blitzes and puts players, mainly Wake, in favorable positions to get to the QB. Granted, part of that would also be the offense scoring more and getting a lead. I think this defense is fashioned to perform best when protecting a lead, as opposed to being a defense that can generate a plethora of turnovers/scores on their own (Baltimore 2000, Bears 1985) or just simply shut down opponents like San Francisco,Seattle, and Carolina did last year.

 

Am I the only one surprised that Nate Garner is our Center?

Really do not disagree with the assessment, do think the offense will either be boom or bust, we have good weapons but the OL is brand new, and in a new system

Defense leaves me scratching my head at times, we'd look great then start doing crazy stunts and blitzes that take guys out of position to make plays

That and keep in mind, Courtland Finnegan was a bad football player last yr, we have potential guys behind him, if he is as bad hope Coyle will hook him for a younger guy

 

Hmm, he can do the job, the problem is if they think he has Pouncey's mobility

 

I think if this defense can get really good play out of its 2nd corner position were going to be very good on defense..when dimitri Patterson played, he played well, and our defense looked better than good when he did.

I'm confident Ellerbe will be better because outside is where he played most when he played next to Ray..

Our defense as a whole is in it's prime right now, three years in a system, no old players, young players who have experience..and a chance for a dominant player besides wake and grimes to emerge...

Misi will be better than Ellerbe, that dude was so mis casted in the middle.

Vern is bigger faster, stronger...Odrick is ready to play his natural position.

 

Little bit of a disconnect between the Vegas futures.

The Dolphins are about #24 to 26 in likelihood of making the playoffs. But the over/under is still set at 8.0 wins, though with -140 on the under which is important to note.

A #24 to 26 ranking in the NFL is 6 win territory. That's a big disparity from an 8.0 win over/under even if you have -140 on the under. They must be expecting the AFC playoff picture to be a particularly tough nut to crack. Either that or they're regretting setting the Dolphins initially with an 8.0 win over/under and they don't want to move it because they're worried about being sided or middled.

 

That sounds more like it! Most think too small around here. I'm thinking definite playoff year! The O is LOADED with talent, and should give us an extra 7 a game. D is top 5 potential. Strength in the trenches will be the indicator on both sides... I'm not expecting any kind of let-up in that season opener either!

 

I don't agree Hulk with the word loaded when talking offense, I think there is work to do on offense from a personnel standpoint. but defensively I think we can play at a high level if Jamar and finnegan can play well..that ability to cover for that extra second will allow what we do best to kick in..

Shelby and Odrick have transformed their bodies, I expect more pass rush from those two, when Odrick is on the inside playing the three tech he can use his number one asset, his hands, and he uses them artistically to knife thru some guards..he's dropped a lot of weight so I hope he's kept his strength.

 

Shelley Smith got a decent bit of run time their in OTAs. I don't think it's an unforeseeable stretch to think Smith could play at center while a vet like Daryn Colledge or Nate Garner could step in at guard.

 

I figure they will finish anywhere from 18 to 25 once the season is over. Hopefully that will convince Ross that it is finally time to hire a competent HC and not force the next HC to blindly accept the GM who is already on the payroll, in order to get the job.

I have no problem if the next HC wants to keep Hickey. I just don't want Ross to make keeping Hickey the GM a requirement for the new HC in 2015.