Much improvement is right, I don't agree with the Fox and Rivera comparisons though. They are both hard asses, benching Newton etc. That's the kind of stuff Rex needs to do and reign in these kids, I really think he is too soft and gets taken advantage of. Effort, focus, playing through injuries, just buying in...we always hear it but rarely see it.
You made a good call on the production he would get out of veteran backers like Lorax etc. and I don't hate the personnel on the field I do think this group of players as a whole sells the coaches short though. Whether it's brains, or just don't give a care this defense looks nothing like the Jets amoeba D when they peaked.