I can tell you the one thing that stands out to me is the ability of Haley, Pioli, and the new staff to get the best out of our players.  

Some of it is player maturity, but much of it is the coaches squeezing the players.  I know Im not the only one who was tired of seeing our former players got to other teams and be much better players than they were when they were with us.  Vonnie Holliday in Miami, Keyaron Fox in Pittsburgh, Kawika Mitchell in NY, Lawrence Tynes in NY.  The ones I can think of off of the top of my head.  

Glenn Dorsey is looking like he could be a great 3-4 end.  In the pre season, he has not been easily moved.

Demmorrio Williams was threatened to be traded or cut every year, but now he is looking prety solid.  

Dewayne Bowe is looking really solid so far.  

We have a lot of no name players who are looking pretty good.  I know that many will say its is only pre season, and that is true.  But I remember preseason last year when no one was really looking good.

 A team that can't develop players will always be limited in their success because they will be over the cap.  They have to buy players who are already established for maximum money (Redskins anyone?).  I am glad we are getting more out of our players.  This is how teams become great.  When you can turn a no name into a talent, you not only keep your team depth full, but you also create your own trade bait for extra picks in the draft.  Look at the Steeler linebackers.  Pittsburgh very seldom re-signs them, but when they become free agents, other teams who aren't good at developing players jump on them (Kendrell Bell?)

Im very happy to see this.