Green and bell, I don't think you can/want them to fill in for more than about four games. If(say for example) you can count on pro bowl level play from Sean Lee 70% of the season on average, you can expect that level from green 30% of the season(slide the Lee percentage however you want just +\- the Green percentage as well) I think Cooper looks closer to the player he was expected to be than ever before I just hope he can stay healthy. Regardless, we know without a doubt from a few years ago that we can still do very very well with average play from the left guard and right tackle spot because of the level of play from the other three positions. Also McFadden proved himself more than adequate behind those three players.
With a decent QB, this offense can always close late if the D can keep it close. We do the methodical thing all game and when crunch time comes, our methodical yet hurry up game is impossible to beat without a turnover or possibly field goal miss. That change of pace is important for our success in tight contests.
It took at least 7 years to build this offense starting 2009 with smith. I believe we are in year 2 of the defense shift of build focus. I believe our legit, top 10% chance of getting to/winning the super bowl started last year. I believe we have a legitimate shot at the super bowl this year but may still fall short due to our very young defense. I think with one more defense oriented draft with our ever improving criteria for talent acquisition, we would be the favorite for 3-4 years.
If we continue to let guys go before their decline, and draft close to the caliber/talent level of recent years; We may be able to to effectively cycle the rookie contracts of the defense with the veteran contracts of the offense. (I have no idea the numbers so I'm going to make them up to illustrate how it can work in a very simplistic form)
Assume cap is about 250 million over/each of 5 years. Last year assume we had a 180 million dollar offense and 70 million dollar defense. We dumped a 100 million dollar QB for a rookie contract, spent that savings on high draft pick rookie defensive contracts. So assume this year we have a 155 million dollar offense and 95 million dollar defense. My guess is that if you continue with this strategy we will see a few rubber banding events that would eventually find an equilibrium (my[uneducated] guess is) ideal talent/contract value is offensive and defensive contracts around/within one fifth of each other. In the 250 million dollar cap example, ideal would be good to great value contracts with offense/defense split 140 million/110 million and then trying to operate in between that 140/110 split.
Next to be replaced by a rookie on O in a few years(due to cap+law of diminishing returns) is Dez. Their are three types of players on our team. The bottom roster players that churn to get the cream to rise to the top, the role players that inevitably sign team friendly deals, and the high dollar players that will be replaced as soon as they can get 80% of production from 20% of the money.
I'm excited for our team and fans that we seem to be a well run organization in nearly all facets. Great time to be a fan!