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Okay, this might sound crazy coming from "Mr. Kool Aid", but I'm actually worried about how excited everyone is getting over the new coordinators.  I too am very excited.  I think they can help this team to continue to get better and better.  However, I am starting to see some of the same "hysteria" we saw when we landed Pioli last year.  Some fans thought that getting Pioli was going to solve everything overnight.  As a result many fans were angry and others have even questioned if it was the right move after our 4-12 record this year.  Quit being Yo-Yo's people!!!  These hirings will make us a much better team in the long run, but they won't turn a 4-12 team into a 12-4 team overnight.  These hirings are another step up a very long climb from 2-14 last year up to a consistent Super Bowl contender down the road.  If we start off 1-3 next year it doesn't mean the sky is falling or these were bad hires, it just takes time.  I for one, will be thrilled with 8-8 next year.

With free agency quickly approaching it looks like we will have an uncapped year next season.  This means there will be less FAs on the market.  That means that more teams will resign their top FAs because there aren't many options left out there to take their place.  I've seen some people's FA "want lists" and it reads like a pro bowl roster.  Would it be great if we got those guys?  Yes.  Are we going to sign that many top tier FAs?  No, we're not.  If we get 2 day one legit NFL starters in free agency this year I think we will have done well considering the circumstances.

In short, don't set your expectations for this off season and next year so high that you'll be depressed and pissed off when it doesn't happen.  Part of the reason I stayed positive this year is because I wasn't running out to buy Super Bowl tickets the day Pioli was hired.  It takes time to climb out of the NFL basement.  So yes, be excited about how things are going, but keep some perspective.  Then maybe next year there won't be a need for "Kool Aid" to cheer people up.

PORKCHOP OUT