is this the most balanced team we have had in a while

[raptorsfan29]

so do you think this is the most balanced team we have had in awhile?

[YoFuggedaboutit]

I agree.   This team has taken on a new identity.  I think the turning point was the day of the Buffalo game where they came back from 20 points down in the 4th quarter. The "soft" attitude that had been formed from the Dave Wannstedt years dried up and blew away. 
This is Saban's team now and he's doing things differently. He's still got some holes to fill (particularly on defense and the O-Line), but not much. 

And now we have a QB that is a stud. This should be the one thing that pushes us past New England for a divisional title.   We have better backs and receivers, and if Daunte returns to his old form, we'll have a QB who can get the ball to all of them. 

[Thundergod]

Word, Tommy!

The team is solid,  it hasn't been like this for a while now.  Before the '05 season,  most of us,  well me,  thought this team wasn't any better than 5-11,  then they shocked the entire NFL with an impressive win streak and a record of 9-7 (with a sh*tty QB!)  I'm sad that Linehan's gone,  so we'll see how that goes,  but I can honestly say I haven't been this excited by the upcoming season since '01. 

[JMoney13]

There is one thing that has me thinking though, and I'm not sure if there is anything to it or not.  We were agressive early in FA and nabbed a lot of great acquisitions, but I'm worried we could hurt ourselves in the long run by overpaying these guys.  I don't know about all the new contracts but it has to be said that the latest perennial powers sat out the first wave of FA and didn't make too big of a splash: Patsies, Steelers, Colts, Seahawks, Chiefs, and Broncos.

[EDGECRUSHER]

It's more balanced that in recent memory, but we've still got a ways to go to be a Superbowl contender. Ironically, Saban the defensive guru has put together a very good offense. Well, let's give credit to Wanny on this one for drafting Chambers and McMichael. I guess even a blind dog can find a leg to hump. We have Pro Bowl or near Pro Bowl guys at all the skill positions. We have the best O-Line coach in the world and are young too.

The defense needs some younger guys at the line and the secondary is still patchwork, but Channing Crowder is a future star. Matt Roth will play a larger role this year and Travis Daniels looks to be good as well. The future is bright, but I think the realistic goal for 2006 is 11-5 and the AFC East Title.

[The_Phinatic]

In a while?  If you mean post Shula, the answer is a resounding yes IMO.

To make this thing even better --- look at what the rest of the AFC East is doing.  All 3 of them are losing some of their best/core players and not picking up anyone worth talking about.  I love it!!!!!!

[EDGECRUSHER]

In a while?  If you mean post Shula, the answer is a resounding yes IMO.

To make this thing even better --- look at what the rest of the AFC East is doing.  All 3 of them are losing some of their best/core players and not picking up anyone worth talking about.  I love it!!!!!!

I agree that the Bills are still screwed and the Pats are going backwards, but the Jets will probably get Leinart. They still have a ways to go, but having a franchise QB like him is a big start.

[YoFuggedaboutit]

I agree that the Bills are still screwed and the Pats are going backwards, but the Jets will probably get Leinart. They still have a ways to go, but having a franchise QB like him is a big start.

But it will take a while for him to develop.... plus, he's not gonna have the protection he had at USC.  With that O-Line, he's gonna be running for his life.

[NYFan204]

I have to say that I am very confused about the Pats offseason moves so far. Happy, but confused. How do you let Viniteri go? I was shocked with the Jets first round pick on a kicker, but as I listened to coach Edwards rational about most games being won by a field goal or less, it made sense. 20 mil under the cap and they let Vin go? good for us!!!