I don't know if the players are just blowing smoke. I don't think however, that what is going on with this franchise is the same old same old. The most significant event is Ralph Wilson giving up control. I am not trying to disparage Wilson. He played an important role in the formation and continuation of the NFL. Ralph Wilson was never considered to be a good owner, until Bill Polian came along and I'm not trying to toot Polian's horn. Polian did manage to get himself fired. He also managed to put together the right players and coaches to win. Ralph Wilson decisions pre Polian and post Polian were not good. It was a parade of bad hires. I've said this before, if Ralph were in charge Nix would still be the GM and Lovie Smith would be the coach, because that is his M. O.
I have no idea if Doug Whaley will be a good GM. I have no idea if Doug Marrone can be a good head coach in the NFL. I am however more optimistic about these guys and the rest of the staff than I ever was about Nix, Gailey or Levi, Jauron or Donahoe and anybody. I just think this is different, maybe the players do too.