One cannot predict the W/L record because we don't know the strength of schedule until we see what kind of teams we are playing...you can't really predict by this year's records. However, I think it's easy to say the team will be better.
1. Injured players being healthy makes us better on the DL and LB....very unlikely we suffer the number of injuries next year that we did this year.
2. Free agency and the draft...yes, we are up against the cap, but we will wiggle free enough to sign 2-3 guys who will help our rotations and dept, if not a potential starter.
3. Second year in the transition to Kiffin's 4-3....Lynch, Sapp, and others who played in that D said early on that it took 3 years to really get it.
4. We played quite a few rookies (Frederick, Williams, Escobar, Hollowman, Randle, Heath, Webb, Wilcox) and first time starters or contributors like Beasley, Dunbar, Leary....that's a lot of young guys who got experience in the NFL this year. Whether they are starters, rotation guys, or special teamers, the experience they gained this year will pay dividends next year.
I also believe that just as Carter's 2nd year in the 3-4 saw him shine, his 2nd year in the new 4-3 scheme will also see him improve again. I know everyone is down on Claybourne, but he played really well against Philly in that last game, and I think being healthy with a year in the system will also see him improve.
