Teriffic article on NFL.com

It's foolish not to consider the 2011 lockout as a factor, but there are other teams, competetive teams, not only dropping players, but refusing to replace with equitable talent.

I truly believe JR, Fox and Hurney all believe that the current roster, with 3-4 supplemental additions through FA, either now, or after June 1, can serve as an adequate roster to make a divisional title run.

I also believe the pending DW, Thomas Davis, and other extentions that are looming play a part in this passive behavior.

I am truly disappointed to lose Peppers, not from any sort of bullshit-sentimental perspective, but from a production perspective. That's 20-25 "impact" plays a year, minimum, you are losing. It's feasable to make up for that with a combination of players and a tweak in playcalling, but it's a major loss.

Other than that, the team needs to cash-in on the ultimate golden ticket that, typically, all playoff teams do: health. Last season was not a good year for player health. Much like 2004. Come 2005, the O-Line started 16 games together. We didn't run the ball for shit, but we protected Delhomme and Smith had a career season. The defense stayed healthy, and finished 3rd in the NFL in total yards.

In many ways, it is a game of luck--if the current roster maintains consistency, and they don't suffer any injuries similar to last season (Gross, Davis, Williams, etc), I see more than 8 wins with this schedule.

 

Observer article on free agent pantry being dry -

9 other teams are being just as frugal. The teams that are making splashes suck balls.

 

If we have a solid draft that yields a couple of guys who can contribute right away I think we have a good shot at the playoffs and maybe more. I am more worried about DT than DE. We have been weak against the run in the recent past and now we have some young unproven guys at DT.