I can only think of one possible road to improvement on D this year. And its the obvious one everyone knows about:

1 ) Talib comes back, and miraculously hits the ground running. He plays at high level despite the layoff and his presence also helps Marcus.
2) the New LB they signed gets more and more comfortable with his role with each game, and he begins to make a significant impact.

Them two things is the only way i see them improving. And they are both iffey.

Another wildcard that is always in the mix is injuries. The Saints, Bears, Chiefs, Steelers, Pats, are all subject to the Football Gods whims. Maybe this team gets healthy, and that team gets injured. No-one knows who's gonna be healthy come playoff time.

At least the Rams have a bye.

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