We had major deficiencies on the team last year (particularly at QB, OL, punting, and reliable WR). Manny is rapidly addressing all of the areas of need (would still like to see more at OL and DT though -- even with the UCLA DT). I'm highly confident that next year's team will be more complete. Further, more of our elite talent will play a much more prominent role next year (Lingard, Davis, Brevin, Mallory, Jarren, Hightower, Pope & many others). Combine that with a highly competent OC/QB coach (major upgrade there), next year's team should perform at a much higher level on Offense. On Defense, if you look at the NCAA's stats for 2018 it will be tough to beat some of those (#1 in pass defense, very high in TFLs and Total Defense) but the Defense could be Top 5-10 again, if we really shore up the DT spot with some mature DTs that can really support Nesta, Bethel & Ford and be stout against physical OL/running games.
Last year, punting was atrocious at its worst and below average at best which killed us in the field position game (which is a huge determinant of the outcome of games).
Rosier had a flat out poor year last year (he played with more confidence & energy in 2017). We were a mess at QB last year. Even N'Kosi didn't perform that well as: (i) he needs to mature; (ii) he had off field issues that were a distraction; (iii) he needs to spend more time watching film & perfecting his craft; (iv) the OL play didn't help (neither did having extremely talented but young TE who will block even better as they gain weight); and (v) the WR really underpeformed.
Other than JT4, our most talented players on Offense didn't have a prominent role last year or were young. Lingard & Davis will be an upgrade. Lingard is special. Not knocking our RBs from last year (they worked hard & are great Canes) but Lingard & Davis will be better.
