I was listening to sports talk radio today here in Cali and one of the ESPN announcers made several points worth repeating. He essentially said that teams usually have a huge fall off in ability and success from their 1st to 2nd string quarterback. Unlike the teams of the past built on defensive line pressure and running the ball (Giants come to mind), the successful teams of the future will be built on the Offensive line and their ability to protect their starting QB.
He cited the fact that 85% of the playoff teams over some stretch of the last few years (3-4?) have had their 1st string QB start at least 14 games. He also used the Pats, Pack and Colts as examples of team following this trend to build their Oline through the recent draft to protect their QBs. I have always been a big believer that success starts in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Hopefully our O line will be healthy and play better this year.