How I feel so far:
COACHES = unchanged optimism as a whole
Head Coach is the same = less optimistic
WR Coach / Passing Game Coordinator is new = More optimistic! The fact he has NFL experience, is an actual WR coach, isn’t trying to also be the head coach and know what he is doing is great. Plus he has more talent to work with than we have had in 3 years!
RB Coach is the same = unchanged optimism
TE Coach is the same = unchanged optimism
OL Coach / running game coordinator is the same = still trying to figure this one out. Our o-line has so much talent but performed so poorly last year I am sort of wait and see.
Offensive Coordinator / QB Coach is the same = more optimistic as long as he had a good learning experience from all his mistakes last year. If he repeats his play calling style from last year then god help us (He seemed to force the run early, and abandon it once the team was behind. I am looking for better overall play calling this year) Also, if he is designing an offense more for TH than I will grow much more optimistic.
Special Teams Coach is the same = lack of optimism is almost comical. I expect Cody to take over kick return duties at some point this year
D-line Coach is the same = unchanged optimism
LB Coach is the same = more optimism the longer Cabrel is here!
DB Coach is new = unchanged optimism. I thought Greg Brown did great and I think Ambrose can carry on that level of coaching
Defensive Coordinator is the same = unchanged optimism
DEFENSE = More optimistic as a unit
D-Line = more optimistic. After graduation 0 players, gaining experience/size/strength I think the unit will improve over 2009 easily. If we have all healthy players (Bonsu back and Kasa for a whole year) they could be a true strength for the defense
LB = more optimistic. Even though we graduated 3 seniors (2 starters) I feel they are being replaced by more talent guys. The other thing I like is the guys that are replacing them aren’t rs freshmen or true freshmen. They have been with Cabrel for a couple years which will help.
DB = more optimistic. I thought we might decline a little here with the loss of Burney, Cha’p, & Greg Brown, but I like the reports coming out about the unit so far. I think we got lucky having Ambrose on the staff to fill the DB coaching spot so easily, and I like the competition occurring at the positions.
OFFENSE = Unchanged optimism as a unit
RB = unchanged optimism. We are still relying on Speedy, have little depth, and lack a short yardage back (which hasn’t changed in over a year).
WR = more optimistic. With Simas off suspension, Prince as the full time WR coach (who knows what he is doing) and Clemmons turning heads things seem like they are getting better. I would like to hear more good things about Simmons, Cleistine, & Darden, and I we need Scotty’s leg to heal, but as a group I am becoming more optimistic.
TE = more optimistic. I thought we would definitely have a drop in TE play from 09 to 10, and I had no idea how Evans would do at TE. So far the TE’s seem to be doing quite well.
OL = slightly less optimistic. Last year I was really high on our o-line (as most Buff fans were) and they ended up being a big let down. As long as they keep jumping off-sides, holding, and giving up sacks they could be a burden on the offense. I like the fact there is a lot of competition, and with Miller out (as long as he is healthy by July) more guys will be getting chances in the interior. Last year they switched people around in order to have the best players on the field, this year I want to see the best unit on the field regardless of talent/star ranking.
QB = one big f***ing ?! Cody is a practice all-star. We all know that. Without a pass rush, or chance of contact, he knows where the receivers are going to be and can get them the ball. It looks good to coaches, but doesn’t transfer over to game day results (as he develops happy feet and throws duck off his back foot). Tyler is a game day QB. He does everything he can to win. If Tyler can show he is better in practice than Cody by hitting the receivers in stride on pass plays, and having good communication with the WR, he has a great chance of having that translate into wins on the field. If he is unable to do that in practice, and makes it look like Cody and he are neck & neck, then we might be in for more erratic play from the QB spot this year.
OVERALL FELLING = More Optimistic (but that is probably due to the fact I am a natural optimist)