[Defensewins]

It is still very early, but the level of play at our weakest positions (offensive and defensive lines and Qb) has so far shown great improvement due to the addition of new players, return to health of certain veterans and the added year of experience in the Shannahan system. The hustle and enthusiasm is contagious and great to see. A sight for sore eyes.
The Front Office (Allen/Shannahan) is giving us new, young talent at quantities and quality we have not seen since 1992 and prior. The new players that look promising so far:

NT Barry Coffield, DE Stephen Bowen and DE Jarvis Jenkins have helped to solidify the front seven. It won't be long before Jenkins is the starter over Carricker. Not knocking Carricker, but Jenkins shows alittle more explosion and pass rush. We now have some depth in case of injury.
RB's Hightower, Helu and Royster added to Torrain, Darnell Young and Kieland Williams makes for a great stable of young backs.
The return to full health OT Jammal Brown and the frugal addition of OL Chris Chester has greatly improved the O-line play. They look like a completely different unit. I do not recognize Jammal Brown, he looks back to his former probowl self. I was not expecting much from Chester. So I am pleasantly surprised he is doing well. He is really thriving in our zone system.
Same with WR Jabar Gaffney and Donte Stallworth. I was not expecting much, they have impressed me with great route running and good technique. They are pros.
Hankerson is coming out of his shell.
Beck is finally showing the rest of the world what the coaches have seen in practice, Beck is capable of running the Shannahan system efficiently. So has Grossman but the interception is a set back. If Beck continues to play like this it is his position to lose. It appears Beck may be more athletic, quicker on his feet and eludes the rush better then Grossman. Which bodes better for the naked bootleg play-action. I would like to see Beck show some more down field stuff and not solely rely on one thing (short passes). The good defenses will eat him for lunch if he does not show some diversity.
Our second team O-line is still a concern. We need depth at guard and Tackle. We are still paper thin at O-tackle depth. I am not sure the backups we currently have have shown they can handle the job. Might have to see who gets cut from another team.