[Schneed10]

My optimism stems from the defensive side of the ball. I think Montae Nicholson is a very, very important player in the making. His speed and athleticism permit our corners to get more aggressive and permits Manusky to mix up his coverage schemes more.

With a healthy Allen and Zach Brown, plus the addition of Payne and Settle, it's a given that teams will find themselves in more 3rd and 6s against us, and fewer 3rd and 2s.

That's where Nicholson's range comes into play. I think we get off the field much more effectively in 2018.

Montae Nicholson is the player in the secondary that it all hinges around - he will make the difference between another iffy defense and a decent one. Pair that up with our inevitably strong offense and I'm more than optimistic that it can all come together.

If I were buying a jersey now, with the thought in mind of who will be the player we're cheering about most in January 2019, it's Montae Nicholson. I love the guy.