(very) random thoughts

[sml1950]

1. This Friday it will be nine weeks since the team started training camp with no prior meetings, workouts or OTAs. AND with new coaches, schemes, attitudes and, of course, a new QB. NINE WEEKS. What will be accomplished in the next nine weeks. I can't wait to see.

2. I've heard several pundits say that the reason Cam has picked up the system so fast is that he has had to pick up new schemes with new coaches for four straight years. Of course, if he was failing, it would be because he had been in four different systems in four years. What a crock. Some people are book smart, Newton is football smart, and when you mix that with his skill set and appetite for success you have a formula that can lead to quick improvement.

3. Games have ebbs and flows and teams do also. This team has been in a down cycle since getting blown out by the Cards at home in the 08 playoffs. That punch knocked the air out of our players for the last two years. Once you dig a deep enough hole, it's hard to climb out of and 2-14 was a mighty deep hole. Even though player for player and position by position you can make a case that we have a better team than most, we have to learn how to win again. We blew the first game on a ST punt return and failure to score inside the 10. The second on the failure to convert two first quarter FGs into TDs and a 21-0 lead instead of 13-0 and late defensive lapses. Finally, in last weeks game, despite struggling in the weather, we found a way to be mentally tough enough to keep it close and get it into Cam's hand one more time. Winning is contagious (like losing) and this was one big step out of that hole.

4. JR deserves a big amount of credit for shepparding the new CBA through,as

well as reasserting his influence over team's direction. From giving his approval ( or insistence ) to drafting Cam to re- signing the core players to big second contracts, he has re- established himself and the franchise as class A. I sure hope that his health holds long enough to get that ring.

5. We will get, at least, one NFLN Thurs flex game this year and , at least, two Sun/Mon games next year. Cam = ratings.

6. If I'm dreaming, don't wake me up.

[PiratePanther189]

If we are at least .500, maybe a game under, I wouldn't be suprised if one of our late season divisional games isn't a Sunday Night flex game this year...kind of like, I believe, the Giants game in 08?

[Ivan The Awesome]

Excitement is in the air. It's like falling in love again.