What Team Has Improved the Most Since Last Season (1 Viewer)

[Bob Magaw]

very impressed with DET (adds three DL in vets corey williams, vanden bosh and consensus top player in the draft suh, starting caliber RB/WR & TE in best, burleson & scheffler) and SEA (draft broke their way when okung, earl thomas and tate fell to them, traded for RBs white & washington)...

 

[The Real Hipster Doofus]

very impressed with DET (adds three DL in vets corey williams, vanden bosh and consensus top player in the draft suh, starting caliber RB/WR & TE in best, burleson & scheffler) and SEA (draft broke their way when okung, earl thomas and tate fell to them, traded for RBs white & washington)...

I am obviously biased, but I think Detroit had a home run offseason. The results may not show as much in the W-L column due to a very difficult schedule and still young team. They are on the right track though.

 

[cstu]

Absolutely no doubt it was the Raiders. They filled all of the major holes they had - QB (Campbell), LB (McClain), and OT (Veldheer and Campbell). On top of it they were able to dump Russell's contract which was like a noose over the team. I wouldn't book tickets to the SB just yet, but they'll be a challenge for everyone they face this year.

 

[massraider]

Absolutely no doubt it was the Raiders. They filled all of the major holes they had - QB (Campbell), LB (McClain), and OT (Veldheer and Campbell). On top of it they were able to dump Russell's contract which was like a noose over the team. I wouldn't book tickets to the SB just yet, but they'll be a challenge for everyone they face this year.

There's still a ton of questions, and I am not sure where these defensive guys fit in yet, but if Campbell can play just decent, it raises the level of the entire team.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Overall I am just glad the parity in the NFL is on the rise. Makes for much more exciting football.

 

[gianmarco]

I think the Jets have had a scary, scary offseason. They were already a very solid team. I don't think any team can compare with what they've added so far.

 

[Rovers]

As a Jets fan, I think they have done pretty well. S Holmes (with his 4 game suspension) Cromartie and now Wilson in the draft to match up better with Indy, Taylor as a pass rush specialist, a new FB (Tony Richardson is about 100 years old) and getting even younger on the O line, not to mention tomlinson (if he has any gas left in the tank) and no more playing in "Giants Stadium", I think they are in the top 5 easy in improving their roster.

 

[TS Garp]

I think the Jets have had a scary, scary offseason. They were already a very solid team. I don't think any team can compare with what they've added so far.

Maybe, although losing Thomas Jones and Leon Washington could hurt more than people think, and I just wonder about changing the chemistry of the team so much. Sometimes when teams do this, it looks good on paper but doesn't work out as well on the field. We'll see...

 

[travdogg]

I think the Jets have had a scary, scary offseason. They were already a very solid team. I don't think any team can compare with what they've added so far.

I have this feeling that maybe the Jets added too much. They won't sneak up on anyone this year. It wouldn't surprise me if they were a Super Bowl team this year, but it also wouldn't surprise me if they regressed a little and disappointed a lot of people.

 

[Sweet Love]

I like all the teams mentioned and would add SF. Another big RB, two O-linemen in the 1st round, just spell "dedication to run"...and if you cheat, you get to see Crabtree in the endzone...also getting Mays where they did is nice value and it seems the kid has a major chip on his shoulder; I am sure Singletary will know how to direct that anger.

 

[Bob Magaw]

I think the Jets have had a scary, scary offseason. They were already a very solid team. I don't think any team can compare with what they've added so far.

jets were an oversight, i agree one of, possibly even the best offseason... they added santonio holmes (12 games in regular season), we will see how much LT has left, cromartie & one of top CBs in the draft... ducasse is raw but could be a beast at guard and has big upside... the adds have to be counterbalanced with losses, and they have lost thomas jones/washington and released faneca... i also agree raiders were very impressive in the draft, and jason campbell was the cherry on top...

 

[Bob Magaw]

I like all the teams mentioned and would add SF. Another big RB, two O-linemen in the 1st round, just spell "dedication to run"...and if you cheat, you get to see Crabtree in the endzone...also getting Mays where they did is nice value and it seems the kid has a major chip on his shoulder; I am sure Singletary will know how to direct that anger.

i really liked the 49ers draft... they should definitely run and stop the run better with davis/iupati & mays... this is arguably the most winnable division in the league, they appeared at times last season to be on the cusp of getting back to tha playoffs, and definitely got better...

 

[Ilov80s]

Ravens and Lions. Lions have added 9 new starters including the best player in the draft, one of the few true homerun threats and a collection new faces still in their athletic prime. No team did as much to turn their roster over.

Ravens give Flacco one of the league's best WRs to pair with a solid running game and the best pass catching RB since Brian Westrbrook. Then, they grab a top 20 talent who may miss a year with an injury. The Ravens are one of the few teams who can select a 2nd round LB and be ok waiting a year for him to be at 100%. Ravens follow Kindle up with Cody. Cody is a mountain of a man who will succeed with a team that can use him in specific and limited situations to maximize his strengths and downplay his glaring weaknesses. The Ravens are just that team. Finish it up with 2 TEs (don't know about Dickson, but Pitta is going to be a player) and some projects. For a team on the edge between good and great, I think this offseason moved them back into the level of great.

 

[jurb26]

I like what Oak, Det, SF, Balt and TB have done. Can't believe nobody has mentioned Balt yet. Pick up Boldin, 2 great defensive players (with 1st round talent) for their scheme and plug a gaping hole at TE.

OK, I guess Ilov80s beat me too it.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

The New York Jets had a nice draft and brought in a lot of guys. They were already a playoff team but many are talking about a Super Bowl for these guys this year.

The Miami Dolphins have brought in some big name guys too. Their draft went great despite what Mel Kiper gave them. I love what they did.

Detroit is going to be better, how much no one really knows.

Baltimore looks like they are going to be even better this year.

Oakland got a lot better and some are talking about them competing for the division.

The Redskins are much better now.

Seattle got better too.

 

[aaawall91]

Overall I am just glad the parity in the NFL is on the rise. Makes for much more exciting football.

Ironic. Because it's a non-capped year.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Ravens and Lions. Lions have added 9 new starters including the best player in the draft, one of the few true homerun threats and a collection new faces still in their athletic prime. No team did as much to turn their roster over. Ravens give Flacco one of the league's best WRs to pair with a solid running game and the best pass catching RB since Brian Westrbrook. Then, they grab a top 20 talent who may miss a year with an injury. The Ravens are one of the few teams who can select a 2nd round LB and be ok waiting a year for him to be at 100%. Ravens follow Kindle up with Cody. Cody is a mountain of a man who will succeed with a team that can use him in specific and limited situations to maximize his strengths and downplay his glaring weaknesses. The Ravens are just that team. Finish it up with 2 TEs (don't know about Dickson, but Pitta is going to be a player) and some projects. For a team on the edge between good and great, I think this offseason moved them back into the level of great.

almost listed BAL, too...boldin, stallworth add weapons for flacco... kindle has 1st round talent, and by getting him by trading out of spot right after they may have been scooped by DAL on bryant, they were able to recoup 2nd they lost acquiring boldin... reportedly they might have coveted gronkowski (sniped by NE?), but had a nice plan B (& C)... i want to see some goal line, situational 4-3, with cody & ngata... cody has stamina/endurance issues (DUH, at 370 ), but can be a difference maker in limited snaps... he isn't just a fat guy, but can really play. ozzie, along with polian and parcells, are among the shrewdest personnel evaluators in the business, and have great sense of value...

 

[Bob Magaw]

I like what Oak, Det, SF, Balt and TB have done. Can't believe nobody has mentioned Balt yet. Pick up Boldin, 2 great defensive players (with 1st round talent) for their scheme and plug a gaping hole at TE.OK, I guess Ilov80s beat me too it.

good call on TB... they should improve drafting 3rd, but they add mccoy (some scouts liked better than suh, arguably better fit in their scheme) AND price, who was a borderline 1st round talent... they follow doubling up on DT by doing the same at WR, in one of the most non-descript WR corp in the league (with STL)... benn could be one of the best WRs in the class, and williams (?) reportedly would have gone higher if not for character red flags... sounds chris henry-like (for good and bad)... also added sean jones (to start with the ascendant, emerging tanard jackson?)...

 

[bostonfred]

It depends how you define most improved. The Jets and Ravens took the biggest steps towards Superbowl contention, but they were already likely playoff teams. The 49ers probably took the biggest step towards winning the division, but I don't think they're going to win a Superbowl this year. The Raiders, Lions and Bucs look like they're on track for a run in a couple years, but either would be thrilled just to make the playoffs.

If I were going to pick one team that had improved its chances at winning it all this year the most, I think I'd pick the Ravens. The combination of their offseason, and the Steelers' nightmarish offseason, give them their best path to the division since their last Superbowl, and they added tier one talent to an already improving team.

 

[Steelfan7]

Ravens and Lions. Lions have added 9 new starters including the best player in the draft, one of the few true homerun threats and a collection new faces still in their athletic prime. No team did as much to turn their roster over. Ravens give Flacco one of the league's best WRs to pair with a solid running game and the best pass catching RB since Brian Westrbrook. Then, they grab a top 20 talent who may miss a year with an injury. The Ravens are one of the few teams who can select a 2nd round LB and be ok waiting a year for him to be at 100%. Ravens follow Kindle up with Cody. Cody is a mountain of a man who will succeed with a team that can use him in specific and limited situations to maximize his strengths and downplay his glaring weaknesses. The Ravens are just that team. Finish it up with 2 TEs (don't know about Dickson, but Pitta is going to be a player) and some projects. For a team on the edge between good and great, I think this offseason moved them back into the level of great.

Ravens still have major question marks in their secondary.

 

[menobrown]

I have to go with the Lions as the absolute most improved team. At the end of the year last year they were left with Stafford and one weapon in Calvin Johnson. Now even if Pettigrew and Ksmith can't go to start the season or be 100% during the season they added Burleson, Sheffler and Best and now have at least 4 weapons no matter what and potentially 6 if Pettigrew and Smith get well. If Stafford can avoid the sophomore slump I think this Lion offense can take huge steps next year and depending on Staffords development could begin to emerge as elite. Defensively they addressed several needs and got possibly the best player in the draft.

Of the teams you would realistically expect to have a shot at winning the SB next year I'd say Jets, Baltimore and Dallas did well. I like everything the Jets did except what they did at RB were I'd have liked them better if they kept the status quo instead of changing Tjones/Leon for LT/Mckight. Key still remains Sanchez develop but playing with a great D, getting Holmes after week 4 and a full training camp with Braylon suggests he should improve. Baltimore badly needed an infusion of youth on that defense as much as they needed a big time WR. They got both and as usual a job well done by Ozzy. Dallas did not do much with quantity and may not have even added a starter while losing Hamlin and Flozell. I feel like they must be mentioned because of what I view as the main SB contenders they might have got the biggest difference maker on the offensive side of the ball in Dez Bryant and if he can live up to his billing it's one guy who could have a major impact.

Washington goes from Campbell to Mcnabb and Zorn to Shanahan at quote possibly the two most impactful jobs to an NFL teams success. Hard to see them not getting a whole lot better but it won't be enough to make title contenders.

Ironically while going from Campbell to Mcnabb makes Wash a lot better the Oakland QB position was so NFL sub standard that Campbell going to Oakland will make a bigger positive difference to Oakland than Mcnabb going to Washington. Also like a lot of the Oak draft picks. Not a team ready to contend yet but they should be way better.

San Fran is building a physical tough team in the image of their HC. If you look at there draft every player they took is a physical type player and most of them should make an immediate impact. Due to Smith at QB I still have a hard time seeing them as title contenders but if you believe in the formula of power running game and tough D wins championship's they've got it. Also have two big time targets in the passing game so it's not like they are inept in the passing game.

Tampa Bay did a great job of filling needs but they still have a ways to go.

I won't get a lot of support for this but while I think if we look at this draft 3 years from now we might say Denver did the most to improve their team. A lot will of course ride on Tebow but they got two guys who have a good chance to start on the OL immediately, two WR's , and CB depth to go along with Tebow. Lost in them taking Tebow, trading Marshall and not picking Bryant was the fact I thought they acquired a significant amount of talent at positions of need.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

I liked what Washington did. They added a Hall of Fame coach and then went and upgraded at QB. They have some veteran RB's to add into the mix and they may not be done.

I think Washington will be a tough out this year, they played tough defense last year with Haynesworth in the game.

The Lions looked to have upgraded, Tampa Bay and S.F. However, not everything always translates to the field, so those teams to me will have to prove it, especially the Lions. One thing about Tampa and Detroit, they have 2nd year Qb's coming back so in that alone we should see improvement on turnovers and overall play.

Then you have Baltimore and the Jets, two of the better teams to go and upgrade. Unlike BostonFred, I like the Jets more. I would think that finally knocking off the New England Patriots has to be a huge target for them. One can argue that getting thru that tough division is a tougher task...and I agree that it is but that was also part of the reason they shined brightly in last season's playoffs. It's why Florida and Alabama shine in their post seasons. Battling thru the SEC doesn't hinder those teams, it makes them stronger in the end. I feel the same way about the Jets. If they can finally catch the Patriots, they could be the favorite to get through the AFC playoffs. To me, most of everything I'm talking about hinges on Sanchez, does he take a step forward or backward but the same can be said about Flacco. He's played a 2nd season and generally did OK, I think to win a SB he'll need to take another step forward hiself.

 

[Ilov80s]

Ravens and Lions. Lions have added 9 new starters including the best player in the draft, one of the few true homerun threats and a collection new faces still in their athletic prime. No team did as much to turn their roster over. Ravens give Flacco one of the league's best WRs to pair with a solid running game and the best pass catching RB since Brian Westrbrook. Then, they grab a top 20 talent who may miss a year with an injury. The Ravens are one of the few teams who can select a 2nd round LB and be ok waiting a year for him to be at 100%. Ravens follow Kindle up with Cody. Cody is a mountain of a man who will succeed with a team that can use him in specific and limited situations to maximize his strengths and downplay his glaring weaknesses. The Ravens are just that team. Finish it up with 2 TEs (don't know about Dickson, but Pitta is going to be a player) and some projects. For a team on the edge between good and great, I think this offseason moved them back into the level of great.

Ravens still have major question marks in their secondary.

Every team has question marks somewhere.

 

[Steelfan7]

Ravens and Lions. Lions have added 9 new starters including the best player in the draft, one of the few true homerun threats and a collection new faces still in their athletic prime. No team did as much to turn their roster over. Ravens give Flacco one of the league's best WRs to pair with a solid running game and the best pass catching RB since Brian Westrbrook. Then, they grab a top 20 talent who may miss a year with an injury. The Ravens are one of the few teams who can select a 2nd round LB and be ok waiting a year for him to be at 100%. Ravens follow Kindle up with Cody. Cody is a mountain of a man who will succeed with a team that can use him in specific and limited situations to maximize his strengths and downplay his glaring weaknesses. The Ravens are just that team. Finish it up with 2 TEs (don't know about Dickson, but Pitta is going to be a player) and some projects. For a team on the edge between good and great, I think this offseason moved them back into the level of great.

Ravens still have major question marks in their secondary.

Every team has question marks somewhere.

NFL is now a passing league and the last place you want question marks besides qb is the secondary. I just don't believe the Ravens belong in the great team category.

 

[Fear & Loathing]

I think the Lions are easily the most improved team.

Although I like the 49ers draft, I've docked them for passing on the chance to add McNabb and enter 2010 as the favorites in the NFC West.

 

[Bob Magaw]

It depends how you define most improved. The Jets and Ravens took the biggest steps towards Superbowl contention, but they were already likely playoff teams. The 49ers probably took the biggest step towards winning the division, but I don't think they're going to win a Superbowl this year. The Raiders, Lions and Bucs look like they're on track for a run in a couple years, but either would be thrilled just to make the playoffs.

excellent point...i guess i meant in several senses, thanx for the clarification...

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

The Lions are the most improved. Not really surprising when you consider they had the second most room to improve.

For years Detroit fans have suffered. As a Green Bay fan I appreciated the 2 wins per year, but I remembered when they actually had a franchise and I kind of missed that. No more. I think patience has been paid off. They look like a real team now. Now I don't chalk up those wins. Now I hope Rogers survives the encounter.

 

[Stillers Jr.]

I like what the Seahawks have done...

But the improvements that Detroit and Oak have made will be dramatic in the W/L columns.

I would laugh my ### off if the Redskins win the NFC East...and I think they have a puncher's chance..

 

[Bob Magaw]

I have to go with the Lions as the absolute most improved team. At the end of the year last year they were left with Stafford and one weapon in Calvin Johnson. Now even if Pettigrew and Ksmith can't go to start the season or be 100% during the season they added Burleson, Sheffler and Best and now have at least 4 weapons no matter what and potentially 6 if Pettigrew and Smith get well. If Stafford can avoid the sophomore slump I think this Lion offense can take huge steps next year and depending on Staffords development could begin to emerge as elite. Defensively they addressed several needs and got possibly the best player in the draft.

definitely for DET to become elite, stafford has to take the next step... i think he is capable... their OL is less than elite, which could be a rate limiting factor for another year or so... scheffler is very good receiving TE, if not elite... if pettigrew is fully recovered, those two TEs, could be dangerous. burleson isn't really elite, either, but when healthy has had some productive stretches... just having somebody competent on the other side, could act as a kind of force multiplier for calvin. if defenses are forced to pay less attention to him, he could fulfill the potential of being maybe the most physically, athletically gifted WR in league history. how good best is could play a huge role in how good the lions offense ultimately becomes... stafford, best and calvin = new triplets... best's electric lateral quickness, burst and open field moves will be amplified by the DET fast track, and should make him the best lions RB since barry sanders... they haven't had a RB with his explosiveness and game breaking, home run ability since the HoFer...

 

[daveR]

Biggest improvement? Maybe not, but the Browns...

Added Holmgren & Heckert to relieve Mangini of tons of non-coaching responsibilties.

Went from AD & BQ at QB to a veteran starter, a reliable backup, and a young gun for the future.

Fixed the right side of the OL.

Added a couple veteran linebackers.

And added three starters to a defensive backfield that, last season, ended with (former Lions WR) Mike Furrey starting. (No offense to MF.)

BIG IMPROVEMENT!

 

[Fear & Loathing]

Biggest improvement? Maybe not, but the Browns...

Added Holmgren & Heckert to relieve Mangini of tons of non-coaching responsibilties.

Went from AD & BQ at QB to a veteran starter, a reliable backup, and a young gun for the future.

Fixed the right side of the OL.

Added a couple veteran linebackers.

And added three starters to a defensive backfield that, last season, ended with (former Lions WR) Mike Furrey starting. (No offense to MF.)

BIG IMPROVEMENT!

Quarterback is still a major stumbling block. You better hope Seneca Wallace outplays Delhomme by a wide margin this summer.

 

[JaxBill]

Obviously not on the order of the seahawks or some other answers but...

Jags Front Seven Last Year

DE: Derrick Harvey, Quentin Groves

DT: John Henderson, Terrence Knighton

LB: Clint Ingram, Justin Durant, Daryl Smith

Jags Front Seven This Year

DE: Derrick Harvey, Aaron Kampmann (with Austen Lane and Larry hart possibly in on pass downs and Reggie Hayward also in reserve)

DT: Terrence Knighton, Tyson Alualu (with D'Anthony Smith in reserve)

LB: Justin Durant, Kirk Morrison, Daryl smith

 

[Fear & Loathing]

By my count the Lions should have a whopping 12 new starters in Week 1.

RB - Jahvid Best

WR2 - Nate Burleson

TE - Tony Scheffler

LG - Rob Sims

DE - Kyle Vanden Bosch

DT - Ndamukong Suh

DT - Corey Williams

WLB - Follett/Dizon

MLB - Deandre Levy

CB - Chris Houston

CB - Amari Spievey

SS - Wesley/Simpson

Of the 12, WLB looks like the only position that hasn't been upgraded from 2009.

 

[Fear & Loathing]

stafford, best and calvin = new triplets...

I like it. Let's get Borbely's hopes up.

 

[daveR]

Biggest improvement? Maybe not, but the Browns...

Added Holmgren & Heckert to relieve Mangini of tons of non-coaching responsibilties.

Went from AD & BQ at QB to a veteran starter, a reliable backup, and a young gun for the future.

Fixed the right side of the OL.

Added a couple veteran linebackers.

And added three starters to a defensive backfield that, last season, ended with (former Lions WR) Mike Furrey starting. (No offense to MF.)

BIG IMPROVEMENT!

Quarterback is still a major stumbling block. You better hope Seneca Wallace outplays Delhomme by a wide margin this summer.

Can't DISagree entirely. Still, it's a significant step forward.

 

[Abraham]

Agree with Boston Fred and others that Baltimore looks like the team that most likely went from "9 or 10 wins" to "12 or 13 wins". I also think Detroit won't be a laughing stock for much longer.

 

[BassNBrew]

Every team except the Panthers

 

[Sinrman]

Man, several teams have vastly improved. Lions, Raiders, Chiefs, Brownies, Seahawks. Though they didn't need to improve much, the Jets are unbelievably good now. If they don't win a Super Bowl in the next 3 years, I will be absolutely shocked...

 

[cstu]

Agree with Boston Fred and others that Baltimore looks like the team that most likely went from "9 or 10 wins" to "12 or 13 wins".

The Ravens only had 2 losses last year by more than 6 points so I can definitely see them getting to 12+ wins this year with the changes they've made.

 

[CiscoKid]

Man, several teams have vastly improved. Lions, Raiders, Chiefs, Brownies, Seahawks. Though they didn't need to improve much, the Jets are unbelievably good now. If they don't win a Super Bowl in the next 3 years, I will be absolutely shocked...

I think a lot of the players that the Jets brought in are on one-year deals - they might lock some of those players up for longer but that remains to be seen. I still think they are one of the most improved teams, though, and they were already pretty good last year.

 

[Pickle Rody]

While most will likely disagree with me, and possibly ridicule me, I think the Eagles got much better this off-season. No, they aren't the most improved team in the NFL. But so far they have not been mentioned in this thread and I believe they deserve to be considered a "much improved" team.

1 - I think Kolb will thrive in this offense. The Eagles had a top scoring offense last year and I see no reason for a drop-off. In fact, I see them scoring at an even better clip in 2010.

2 - The defense has been improved through free agency and the draft. Tapp and Simms are great additions who should provide some stability to the line and linebackers. Brandon Graham has been mentioned numerous times as a candidate for DROY honors by multiple sources and if he can come in and produce at a high level he will make the whole line better. In addition, the secondary won't be so stressed in coverage due to a better push up front. Adding Nate Allen will help the d-backs right away too.

3 - The systematic purging of veterans who will not likely contribute too much further down the line. The Eagles have gotten much younger in a short time period while still bringing in players with NFL experience.

 

[thatguythere]

By my count the Lions should have a whopping 12 new starters in Week 1.RB - Jahvid BestWR2 - Nate BurlesonTE - Tony SchefflerLG - Rob SimsDE - Kyle Vanden BoschDT - Ndamukong SuhDT - Corey WilliamsWLB - Follett/DizonMLB - Deandre LevyCB - Chris HoustonCB - Amari SpieveySS - Wesley/SimpsonOf the 12, WLB looks like the only position that hasn't been upgraded from 2009.

If you've seen Sims over the years, WLB hasn't really been downgraded either. There are still going to be some moves made on Defense.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

stafford, best and calvin = new triplets...

I like it. Let's get Borbely's hopes up.

After 8 years of Millen, it doesn't take much. I will say I am big time excited about the Best pick. I think his concussion problems overshadowed the potential he has to be a game changing RB. Those safeties who decide to drop deep and shade to Calvin will pay the price now. That pick completely changed this offense.

 

[Rovers]

Man, several teams have vastly improved. Lions, Raiders, Chiefs, Brownies, Seahawks. Though they didn't need to improve much, the Jets are unbelievably good now. If they don't win a Super Bowl in the next 3 years, I will be absolutely shocked...

I think a lot of the players that the Jets brought in are on one-year deals - they might lock some of those players up for longer but that remains to be seen. I still think they are one of the most improved teams, though, and they were already pretty good last year.

I agree.... Edwards, Holmes and Cromartie could all be gone in 2011. My guess is the Jets will sign one for sure, maybe two of those 3 players beyond 2010. That is another reason they went with a CB with their first pick.

 

[Gatorman]

Dolphins with Marshall improved their offense considerably, and the D is improved as well. They still need a safety, but otherwise this team is built to be a very physical team that no one will want to play.

The Jets have gotten better, but... I have seen many teams load up with veterans trying to put themselves over the top. It seems to be something that does not work out how they hoped. This team lives and dies on Sanchez's arm and if revis gets hurt...

 

[ScottyDog]

As a Seahawks fan, I wouldn't be all that stoked about having Holmgren in your front office. Did you see what shape Holmgren left the Seahawks in?

Biggest improvement? Maybe not, but the Browns...Added Holmgren & Heckert to relieve Mangini of tons of non-coaching responsibilties.Went from AD & BQ at QB to a veteran starter, a reliable backup, and a young gun for the future.Fixed the right side of the OL.Added a couple veteran linebackers.And added three starters to a defensive backfield that, last season, ended with (former Lions WR) Mike Furrey starting. (No offense to MF.)BIG IMPROVEMENT!

 

[radballs]

I think the Jets have had a scary, scary offseason. They were already a very solid team. I don't think any team can compare with what they've added so far.

First team I thought of too. I thought the Raiders had a good draft (maybe biased as a Raider fan). But, the Jets look like they're going for it all this year.

 

[The Goat]

I reserve my considerably biased opinion until the first week in June, unless the Rams manage to mend fences with OJ Atogwe. If he ends up in South Florida along with Brandon Marshall and Karlos Dansby, I'll stack up Miami's offseason against anyone's.

What I *will* say before then is that the AFC East is going to be brutal this year. 0-6 division record for Buffalo is a distinct possibility.

 

[seahawk 17]

As a Seahawks fan, I wouldn't be all that stoked about having Holmgren in your front office. Did you see what shape Holmgren left the Seahawks in?

Biggest improvement? Maybe not, but the Browns...Added Holmgren & Heckert to relieve Mangini of tons of non-coaching responsibilties.Went from AD & BQ at QB to a veteran starter, a reliable backup, and a young gun for the future.Fixed the right side of the OL.Added a couple veteran linebackers.And added three starters to a defensive backfield that, last season, ended with (former Lions WR) Mike Furrey starting. (No offense to MF.)BIG IMPROVEMENT!

Five NFC West titles and a SB appearance not impressive enough?

 

[David Yudkin]

I'm not sure what to make of the Jets. IMO, they were basically a 7-7 team that got 2 gift wins from playoff teams that could care less about winning. Their true record was 9-7, but I would say they were a 7-8 win team. They swapped a lot of puzzle pieces and probably ended up better, but they have a lot of me first players that could be a challenge to get to work together. They have on paper a harder schedule, and I'm still not sold on Sanchez, so to me they are probably a 10 or 11 win team. Edwards could be on track to being a one year wonder, and I'm not sure Holmes will come in and have a season comparible to last year. I might be inclined to suggest the Dolphins could make more of an improvement than the Jets.

By comparison, the Pats were one key play away late in games from winning 5 of their 6 losses. While clearly they didn't win those game, they IMO were more of a 12 win team than a 10 win team. And that was with the same team they have now with the only major exception having Wes Welker hurt to start the year. I don't see how anything they did made them worse than they were last year. IMO, they are still an 11-12 win team, especially if any of the younger guys contribute and they do a better job in playcalling.

Bottom line, I don't see how some folks are saying the Pats are a .500 team and the Jets will be a 12-13 win team. But that's why they play the games . . .