I am just gonna say it. I think Matt Cassel has a career year this year. I have many reasons after watching some of the games over the last couple years and some of the games from NE. If you look back he has had very little talent or stability around him. Especially last year. Say what you want but he went to the pro bowl in 2010. Yes he was an alternate, so what he was still a top 10 quarterback that year with not even half the talent around him we will have this year. Contrary to popular belief he has the ability to throw more than 20 yards. Evidenced by his year in NE and some truly beautiful throws from 2010 that you can see by just looking on youtube. Last year he had no offseason to learn the once again new offense he was going to be asked to run. Compounded by the truly chaotic play calling paradigm that was in place when Haley was in charge. He was caught in the middle of a power struggle and infighting in the offensive coaching ranks. Once Haley was ousted he was already injured. So I think Orton looked better by default from not having such a schizophrenic situation to deal with. So what is my specific prediction you may ask.

Here it is,

3800 yards, 32 touchdowns, 16 interceptions, and 2 rushing TDs.

Bold yes, but let me go into my thinking.

3800 yards. 237 yards per game average. I think you would agree that that is obtainable if the offense is going even reasonably well by the first game. Brady's ypg average in 2011 was 327. and was not even a career year.

32 touchdowns. 2 TD per game average. With our receiving corps and Hillis who is a strength in the screen game and has great hands not to mention Moeaki returning and adding Boss this is easily attainable. Rodgers had 45.

16 interceptions. I think we can all agree one thing that Cassel does not have is an interception problem. He is pretty good at protecting the football. This is an average of one per game. I think it may actually be lower than this but with a more open offense and more confidence to try some plays I think he may throw a couple more than he otherwise would have, so I am comfortable with 16.

2 rushing TDs. Self-explanatory QB sneaks at the goaline, etc.

I think with these stats and a obviously improved OL and running game we will be in the mix for AFC-W champions and a playoff berth.

You may now commence ripping me as a pollyanna and a kool-aid drinker. But these are not pollyanna numbers but average to slightly above average and I think if you put aside your jaded feeling from the last couple years under Haley and that debacle I think you will realize they are very realistic.

I just watched the entire game which as you all know has 3 of our draft picks in it. It was a fun game to watch for sure and I have some observations for you.

1.) Dexter McCluster - All I can say is WOW! If he can translate even some of that explosiveness and toughness to the NFL we have go ourselves a special player. He reminds me ALOT of Charles. Although I think he may not have JC's top end speed. i think he may have better change of direction and lateral quickness believe it or not. One thing that really jumped out at me is his toughness in pass protection. He was going 1 on 1 with linebackers and DEs and winning. 275 yard rushing and 340 total yards!!! enough said. :)

Negatives: The only thing I can say is his size. But as I am sure all of us have experienced someone who just seems to be made of sterner stuff than others, I think DMC is one of those people. He didn't have any signifigant injuries in college and I dont think we need to be unduly concerned. If he cant "play with the big boys" it will show up in training camp and we will know then.

2.) Kendrick Lewis - I was skeptical when we drafted him because I thought there were probably better safeties on the board. I am now however quite pleased with him. The biggest positive on him is he is obviously a smart and disciplined player. He "stays home" and makes sure that no big plays get past him.  He is a solid wrap up tackler which is refreshing given the poor tackling of our safeties last year. He doesn't just go for the knockout (which can cause problems as we have seen) but  instead makes certain the guy is down.  He is VERY good in kicking coverage. Single-handedly saving a couple possibe return TDs in this game by manning the flanks very well.  He also registered a nice PBU to stop a drive on 3rd down. He is the leader of that D obviously, as multiple times I saw him setting the D up and calling coverage audibles. 

 Negatives: Needs to know when to try for the big play. It is great he is watching out and acting as anti big play insurance but there were a couple times I saw he could have been more aggressive and possibly done something great but he held back a bit and let the play be made by someone else.  

3.) Eric Berry - Not much to say, this was not his best game. To his credit most of the offensive plays were totally drawn up to minimize his influence. Ole Miss ran most of thier plays away from him, specifically it seemed. But I have seen him in other games and he is a rare talent. I think he will be great.

Negatives: Not much that sticks out although he does go for the big hit sometimes and misses. But that is what you have K. Lewis for behind him right? I think Lewis takes Page's spot and starts next to the Berry for years to come.

Overall, I am very optomistic about our picks after watching this game. I can't wait to get those training camp reports and to get this season started!