For me it is the running backs. For the first time since Ahman Green (the first time around) I feel excitement for our running game. Not only because we spent a second and a fourth on RBs but because we finally drafted a couple of guys who many people are looking at and saying good things about. It seems that in the past all the guys we brought in, whether it was through the draft or whatever, were just guys. Even though a lot of the guys we've had since Green (I can't believe he only left in 2007, it seem so mauch longer than that) brought a lot of hope initially and a few of them even showed flashes it just seems that no one expected much from them and honestly, we didn't get much. With Green I got the feeling that on almost every play he was only a fraction of an inch from busting any run into a long one. I've never got that feeling from anyone since. I'm not expecting an NFL rushing leader from Lacy or Franklin and to be honest, with out offense I'm not even expecting them to give us more per season than Ryan Grant did (1200 yards), I'm just hoping that the potential is there. Of course I'd be happy if either of them develops into the type of back that we could count on to pick up a 3rd and 2 or 3 on a fairly consistent basis as well.
After that it would have to be the pass rush. I'm hoping that someone, anyone, can take a bit of pressure off Matthews.
Originally Posted by: sschind
I'm looking forward to seeing Lacy & Franklin too, and I'm thinking they will bring a competence to our running game that we haven't seen in a very long time. So much so, that as position battles go, I figure they already have them wrapped up.
I think all of our LB positions will be extremely competitive outside of Clay.
But, for sheer excitement in seeing changes in personnel, you have to like the upgrades at RB, and imagine how those players will impact our offense. This will be HUGE!
As for pass rush, yeah, I agree there too. Going into this offseason, I felt our greatest needs were RB, DL, LB and OL. It all points to being able to control clock with the running game, extending drives, and getting after the opposing QB, stopping plays at the line, or behind the line.
Datone. Huge addition. Lacy and Franklin. Both huge additions. The shuffling of our OL looks to be a huge change, one that should pay dividends. The real wildcards: Palmer, Manning, Barrington, Malumba & Perry.
I find this latter group will make for an incredibly exciting battle for positions. Palmer, Manning, Barrington and Malumba being virtual unknowns. All we have is a lot of promise at this point, but I hope it is realized, and that they all make this team and have great seasons. If so, wow. This could be really special.