re: Reasons for Optimism in 2015 (Not for the Faint of Heart)

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You can get carried away with this line of thinking. Jamal Adams had this year's Bama game in the palm of his hand, and he did not crush their will. If he maintains sideline discipline, and tackles that Bama receiver the way he was coached to, we win that game. 

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He was a true freshman. Even the greatest players don't make every play, just like the best teams don't always win the game.

The point was that Adams displayed aggressiveness and instincts that are rare in such young players. Mathieu showed similar flashes as a freshman in 2010 before his legendary season in 2011.

But even in 2011, Mathieu didn't make every play. As great as his higlight reel is, it's the GOAT, there are several plays every game that he could have made as well, but didn't.

But his intensity and passion drove every player around him to be better, not just on Saturdays, but throughout the offseason and during game weeks.

Mathieu said himself it was the month leading up to the Rematch where he was unable to focus and deal with the pressure and hype that led to his and the team's downfall that night.

Adams can be that fire the team needs long before they ever take the field.

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The point is, there will be no savior. This will be accomplished with experienced talent across the board.

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Even if there was going to be a "savior", it would likely be Valentine, as the play of the DL is the most in need of an infusion of talent and attitude.

Of course there has to be talent everywhere, but one player can certainly lead the way in establishing an identity that the others players feed and thrive on.

Adams, Beckwith, Godchaux, Teahuma, even Tolliver all have the potential to be that type of leader that Dorsey was in 07, Mathieu in 2011, even Lavalais back in 03.

The greatest units, while certainly loaded across the board, usually have a player that personifies what they are about in a way that you can see.

We haven't had that since 2011 imo, and the temperment of our DC only exacerbated that deficiency imo.

The players we have stepping into leadership roles, and the coaches that are fired up to now be in the purple and gold, make this a powder keg that appears to be resting dangerously close to a flame....