Of all the narratives I've been picking up on this summer from interviews and talk - the one that seems to be resonating the most is a noticeable rise in the role many players have taken with vocal and steady leadership. That trait has always been a significant factor in our on field success, and something that IMO has been noticeably missing over our recent swoon.
Sure great QB play is essential, but it won't overcome a lack of team leadership. Of all things during our historic run, that is an area that no one can deny played a critical role of rising to the occasion and finishing the job, and it was happening all over the field. You simply don't achieve the kind of success we experienced matched with the very non-historic recruiting classes that comprised those years otherwise.
Sure, talk is cheap, and wins and losses will tell the ultimate tale at the end of the season. However, there is a marked difference this offseason in what our players are describing in terms of locker room and practice culture, and how they are describing each other in building that.
If there's one area that gives me the most optimism heading into 2024, it's the leadership factor. If in fact they are walking the walk in this department - look out.