Super Bowl hangover or not, I feel this team is extremely well set up to sustain excellence this year with another 12 win season and deep playoff run. Here are some of my reasons for optimism.
Coaching staff: Sure McVay is a top five head coach. But he also has Wade, who I would call a top 10 D coordinator, and I defy anyone to tell me that Bones is not the top special teams coach in the league. Lots of talent and production on this staff.
Offense: I won't be surprised if we take a step back on offense with the loss of Saffold. That guy was a total pro the last couple of years and one of the best guards I have ever seen in getting to the second level on runs. And Gurley's health is a concern. But some of what we lose will be made up for by the return of Kupp, the continued development of Everett, and the addition of Darrell Henderson. Other than potentially the O-line, there is not a weakness on this offense.
Defense: I don't know what it was, but Wade figured something out toward the end of last season. The defense was not only good but dominant through the latter part of the season and in the postseason. We have the best player in football on the D-line, and a potentially dominant secondary with real talent at every spot and a 4- deep group of CBs. Weddell for Joyner is an upgrade. We will feel the loss of playoff Suh but not regular season Suh. I just think Wade has really figured out how to win with the players he has and I think we see a more consistently stingy D this year.
Special Teams: Our ace in the hole. I wouldn't trade Hekker and Zeurlein for any combo in the league, and we have a coach who has consistently fielded a top unit, even under Fisher. Natson could be upgraded, but overall this unit is solid.
My main reason for hope is that we have 3 solid units, each with the potential to be special. If one falters, the others can and will step up.
