Thats sort of where I come from. If they can win 5 games with what happened last year- not to mention the head coach fraying at the edges and a staff that included several assistants he frankly did not really want- I think we can put the floor more at 7.
They have a tough schedule. The AFC North looks better and better. But I think the slate of QBs they played last year is tougher than this year. And they did have targets on their backs. Etc.
Obviously any upside would depend on Stafford, Kupp and Donald being healthy all year. It does. But even a relative improvement in OL cohesiveness helps a lot. I do think they drafted well this April and that several rookies will be ready for immediate contributor roles.
The offense has to be enough of a threat that Morris can play the more aggressive style of 2021. And they have to- HAVE TO- find how to generate more consistent pass rush. Somehow. It is the biggest question facing them in my opinion.
I also think the coaching staff will be a better group. Love Pleasant being back and I like Wendell as the new OL coach. And frankly, the longer offseason this year will help these guys both physically and mentally.
But in the end, hard to see them blowing anyones doors off. I do think they will be a competitive, tough out. But it is probably a 7 or 8 win team, maybe 9 with some breaks. I still will predict they finish 8-9 right now.