It's gonna be about injuries and health and depth as much as top-level talent. Schneider and Carroll are working hard to have quality depth across the roster, without overpaying. Our two lost Super Bowls, in addition to XL officiating woes, resulted from having shit for depth at a couple key positions*.
We're going to have some pleasant surprises... a couple-three guys from the last 2 drafts will start producing -- our 1st round pick from this year, the speedy LB, will impress and play well; LJ Collier will emerge as "JAG", which is an improvement over "invisible". One of our two edge rusher draft picks will emerge as someone who can apply pressure; Bruce Irvin will have a good season. Greg Olson will emerge as Russell Wilson's security blanket--and then promptly get injured, but he'll coach up the other dudes and come back for the playoffs. Our new-look O-Line will emerge as run-game maulers, and our 6th round RB will turn sure 7-yard gains into 4 yard gains, but will catch the ball on 3rd down for a first down, or pick up the blitz for Russell to hit DK deep, so a net plus. Penny will be back by December, in good form. Carson will have a few good games, but will be injured a lot of the season. Russ will ball out, best year yet, and carry us. Defense will suck a little less than last year.
Clowney might still come back. We'll pick up a couple serviceable veterans, including at DT, for a good price. They'll revive their career here.
When we win, it will seem like things are held together by chewing gum and baling twine. It won't be boring! Pro tip:
Be sure not to skip your heart medication on game day.
We will emerge as a force in December, and enter the playoffs strong. We will win our first two playoff games, first at home, and the second on the road, on a big defensive play, a pick or a strip-sack fumble returned for a TD. After that, my crystal ball gets cloudy, and the replacement magic 8-ball hasn't arrived yet. I think it's being shipped from China.
Sheesh, Ye of little faith. Get thee to Vegas NOW!! and bet a few grand for the 'Hawks to be in the Super Bowl. Safer than buying stocks!!
* In XL, we trotted out street free agent Etric Pruitt after Strong Safety Marquand Manuel went down in the first half. He got burned like In XLIX, Carroll inexplicably rostered Tharald Simon as active, and slot corner Marcus Burley as inactive. Brady and his receivers torched Simon at will during the key drives.