With the portal winding down and the news cycle slowing, what’s everyone’s confidence rating for next year on a scale of 1-10 as we head into Summer? How does it compare to the rating at the end of this past year?
For me, at the end of the season: 4.5/10
I’ll admit, I was pretty down on our ‘25 outlook after the Navy debacle and the initial winter portal. The exodus at WR, missing on any impact TEs, seeing the defense against Navy without Bowman and Stutsman. Didn’t love a few of the staff retentions, initially was pretty disappointed with Alley’s departure. Felt like we went dime shopping in the portal and didn’t have much of a direction heading into ‘25, even with Mateer.
Confidence after Spring Ball: 6.0/10
Mateer has received rave reviews. We aren’t hearing the concerned whispers about the offensive ineptitude we heard after spring ball last year. Fasusi and Fodje are legit. Ott and Maikkula are big-time additions at positions of need. Sexton is getting positive reviews (happens every spring, so taking it with a grain of salt). Safety and interior DL should be fantastic. I trust growth at LB with BV at the helm.
LB depth and corner are still concerns. WR is a huge question mark, especially given the unprecedented bad luck last year.
Big picture, I’m still not sure how to feel about BV back to being full time DC. I like it in theory, but game management needs to be improved from the first three years. Like Dreiling, Kevin Wilson, and Wes Goodwin….majorly, majorly dislike our current offensive staffer whose room is painstakingly underdeveloped. Early returns certainly sound like Arbuckle could be “that dude” and turn this thing around pretty quick.
Overall, cautiously optimistic…but still dubious of our depth and ability to win close games against a monster schedule. I’d also say my biggest concern is lack of playmakers on offense. Who are the guys that can be difference makers with the ball in their hands? Ott, XRob, Burks?
What does everyone think?!
For me, at the end of the season: 4.5/10
I’ll admit, I was pretty down on our ‘25 outlook after the Navy debacle and the initial winter portal. The exodus at WR, missing on any impact TEs, seeing the defense against Navy without Bowman and Stutsman. Didn’t love a few of the staff retentions, initially was pretty disappointed with Alley’s departure. Felt like we went dime shopping in the portal and didn’t have much of a direction heading into ‘25, even with Mateer.
Confidence after Spring Ball: 6.0/10
Mateer has received rave reviews. We aren’t hearing the concerned whispers about the offensive ineptitude we heard after spring ball last year. Fasusi and Fodje are legit. Ott and Maikkula are big-time additions at positions of need. Sexton is getting positive reviews (happens every spring, so taking it with a grain of salt). Safety and interior DL should be fantastic. I trust growth at LB with BV at the helm.
LB depth and corner are still concerns. WR is a huge question mark, especially given the unprecedented bad luck last year.
Big picture, I’m still not sure how to feel about BV back to being full time DC. I like it in theory, but game management needs to be improved from the first three years. Like Dreiling, Kevin Wilson, and Wes Goodwin….majorly, majorly dislike our current offensive staffer whose room is painstakingly underdeveloped. Early returns certainly sound like Arbuckle could be “that dude” and turn this thing around pretty quick.
Overall, cautiously optimistic…but still dubious of our depth and ability to win close games against a monster schedule. I’d also say my biggest concern is lack of playmakers on offense. Who are the guys that can be difference makers with the ball in their hands? Ott, XRob, Burks?
What does everyone think?!
