I agree completely, however I do expect to see some flashes of brilliance here and there this season to tide me over. If we can get the occasional look at what we have to expect somewhere over yond horizons, I'll be a happy guy.
I don't even think a great deal of optimism is required. The team didn't miss the playoffs by all that much in the past two years. With expanded playoffs in 2011 anything is possible.
I don't expect this year's team to be excellent or contenders, but I do expect an improvement from last year's time. I think that's a reasonable expectation.
I'll be happy if the team plays consistent football and doesn't descend into the same sort of crap that happened last season. I think Winter and Mariner have a lot more credibility with the players than Mo or Preki ever had, so I'd like to assume that they can keep the team focused and playing well together.