What these guys take into consideration, which many previewers do not, is the X-factor that (hopefully) improved coaching brings. Outside of Brett Smith, the best players on the team last year were on defense. The defense sucked. Those players are back, and I fully expect some saltiness as a result of the new coaching staff.
Outside of QB, our skill positions are stock full of talent and/or experience. O-line play, as many expect, is critical. This position is one of emphasis by Coach Bohl. While he may not have a depth of road graders, I believe he should be a good enough coach to ensure the personnel he has performs well. He can also coach around certain deficiencies.
Honest to God, based on everything we're hearing about Kirkegaard, I have no worries about us losing games due to our QB situation. He sounds like he's fully capable of doing whatever Bohl wants him to do. If the only really suspect position group is the O-line, which is admittedly a critical one, I imagine that Bohl will be able to coach and game plan around any deficiencies that lie there. Then again, maybe with the new S&C program, those guys will be badasses this year. Who knows?
