UnluckyforSome

I always wait until preseason to make any predictions, since historically, when we've been bad in preseason it carries over true to the real games. It's not about winning or losing, but more just how the team plays and looks and carries itself in the preseason that I look at. That said, I have no confidence in Rhule. Zero. At least he hasn't admitted his surrender yet with a public comment about how he has to play Alabama every week now. 2-15 or 3-14, and it needs to be that bad to break up this arrangement. 7 or 8 wins keeps him here because of progress, and there can be some more "teams lose when they don't know why they lose" nonsense. We split with Atlanta. They are on a similar level of ineptitude with us. I lean towards Seattle being the other win, but the trip itself coupled with it being later in the season worries me a bit. The 3rd win if applicable, Atlanta, New Orleans which is very mortal after the 1st string defense, Detroit, Browns, only as a Baker revenge game since I do feel we are overmatched by their defense, or the Giants, although getting manhandled by a lesser version of the Giants last year is a concern. Most of the schedule offers little hope. Even teams like the Steelers, that are probably looking at a disappointing year, have an advantage since we have yet to show we can stop the run in 4 years now.

On a strictly my opinion level, he should find something else to do for a job. His privilege of playing in a lucrative and high profile sports league should be over. I am all for redemption and forgiveness for the most part, but there are consequences and sometimes an offense is terrible enough that the consequence is not having that part of life anymore. As an example, on a personal level, Vick never should have been allowed back. Don't care if some thought he deserved a 2nd chance. Don't care if he served his time. Vick killed dogs for sport, profit and fun. He should've been told to find something else to do.

Ridley also was guilty of betting on Falcons games from what I recall. Even though he wasn't playing, that carries a bit more weight and isn't a great look.

Despite the documented ridiculousness of the deal that was given Rhule, and Tepper's continued support for his coach, I do believe he could be shown the door this season if there is obvious regression by the team, and/or Rhule completely loses the team, and players are doing their own thing, ignoring coaching, and mailing it in after the 1st quarter etc. Can't have that happening, ego and hubris be damned.

Have to wait until preseason. When the team has looked bad in preseason it's carried over to the regular season. Right now, I have them winning 2 games. Split with Atlanta since they are just as terrible, and then another win somewhere. Maybe that Detroit game. QB is not NFL-quality, none of the backups are either. OLine is a complete work in progress. We haven't stopped the run consistently in at least 5 seasons. Donte is a liability on defense minus his 1 factor of speed. He's not a tackler. I keep seeing Gamble hopelessly riding Alge Crumpler's back as he rambled into the end zone for a game winner when I watch Donte attempt tackles. There are bright spots, and there are talented players. They aren't there yet though, and there are several critical trouble spots that are going to be treacherous all season long in my opinion.

The unrealistic trade with Washington makes this impossible, although Smarty Marty could maybe certainly be hoodwinked..