QB: T.J. had some flashes and some fizzles, to put it lightly. Say what you will, but I haven't seen enough out of Leinart to say that he needs to hit the bricks in favor of T.J. taking the back-up role. 13 passes as a starter is not a big enough sample size and I look forward to he and T.J. competing for the roster spot in training camp/preseason next year.
RB: Pay Arian Foster at all costs. Nuff' said. Also, a hat tip to Ben Tate who had an exceptional season in relief duties.
FB: Vickers is plenty good enough, despite his stone hands. I think Casey however is wasting his time, he is a pretty good catching AND blocking tight-end who can add some serious depth there.
WR: I think we need at least two WRs so that we can say happy trails to both Jacoby and Walter. Don't get me wrong, I like Walter...but he's been off the past couple of seasons. He just doesn't have that sure handedness that made him a nice compliment to AJ anymore. As much as I would like a big FA signing to address this, our cap situation will virtually guarantee that we handle this in the draft.
TE: Again, I think Casey should be made a permanent TE. Between Daniels, Dreeseen, and Casey we are set at TE (provided Daniels can stay healthy).
O-line: Our o-line is good as is, it has a great chemistry and just gets sh!t done. I wouldn't change a thing other than to start grooming some young guys for the future.
DE: J.J. Watt and Antonio Smith are beasts, nuff said. Again, grab some depth guys as an insurance policy...but we are set at this position for the foreseeable future.
NT: Cody was the one 'meh' player in our front seven this year. He wasn't terrible, but didn't contribute anything particularly special ("On The Nose" aside)...I would like to bring someone in to compete with him for the job. Again, call me crazy but I can only wonder if Wade has considered giving Mario a go at it when he is healthy, now that we are set at:
LB: Our LB corp in general is deadly. Barwin and Reed are a good tandem and I don't even need to mention Cushing and Demeco. There also seems to be some good depth (even not counting Mario) in Braman, Alexander, and Dobbins (who made an awesome goal line stop today) we are good here.
CB/S: I think we are more or less set at CB. I know there are going to be people who will always think KJ is sh!t no matter how he plays on the field, but the kid showed a lot of improvement this season and stepped it up in the playoffs. I look forward to seeing how much he progresses with an actual off-season under Phillips. Also, I need to eat my crow regarding Brice McCain...he turned out to be a great nickel corner. All in all CB is a much stronger position for us than people are giving us credit for. As for S, we are set. Quin and Manning both had great seasons, and Nolan/Demps is good enough for depth.
K/P: I'm not a Rackers fan, he's far too inconsistent. I say send him packing and see if we can land either Josh Scobee or Conor Barth in FA. Also, a hat tip to Matt Turk, who did better than anyone expected (though still pretty mediocre). Thanks for the last hurrah, Turkey! Looking forward to having Hartmann back.
KR/PR: Anyone but Jacoby Jones. Seriously, give me a gimped out Kasey Studdard at PR over Jacoby Jones...a.n.y.o.n.e.
Coaches: Kubes, congrats - you'll be keeping your job of course. Looking forward to having Schaub back next year so you can prove to me that it wasn't all Wade. Also, thanks for staying Wade...losing you at DC would have sucked something epic.
S&C: I don't how the strength and conditioning stuff works...but it needs improved, we are the most chronically injury plagued team in history. Drink more milk!
