Off-season trending in the right direction. A few observations:

#1: The coaching staff we have in place is the real deal. The toughness and discipline of Smith's staff was so obvious in the back half of the season. We had PFF's worst ranked roster and won 7 games, and likely should have won 2 more (Carolina & Washington come to mind). Think about what we could have done with Ridley and Julio still in the fold... Point being - as we reload on talent, there will be a significant uptick.

#2: Losing to the Saints is always tough, but from a draft position and going to a 3rd place schedule is a massive advantage.

#3: We only need Tom Brady to complete the trifecta... Sean Peyton retired, Ben McAdoo is the OC in Carolina... these aren't little advantages our competition is giving us.

#4: Matt Ryan played extraordinarily well with his limited supporting cast last year. He has shown zero signs of decline - as a matter of fact, most pro football "experts" have noted his year was quietly one of the best of his career, considering the circumstances. Please get this man an offensive line and weapons. I see Ryan as the QB for 3-4 more years, and unlike a lot of fans (which is bizarre to me), I'm thrilled about that.

#5: Off-season needs: (1) offensive and defensive lineman. (2) A Wide Receiver. (3) Safeties. (4) A running back that can hopefully spell CP84.

#6: If we can get a first rounder for Calvin (with his talent and low, low cap-hit, it's not out of the question), then we should be in business come April. Would be 4 picks in the top-2 rounds with a full stable of picks behind it. This is where Terry Fontenot earns his keep.

Things are trending up. Braves, Hawks, college team aside, there is no bigger deal in the United States of America than winning the Super Bowl.

I think we may be back on track to that sooner than people think.