Eberflus explains why Velus Jones EARNED his roster spot.

If it was up to me, I'd rather see Velus get 5 carries a game or whatever the number is they're targeting for Roschon (who had a few moments but was underwhelming and not nearly as hyped). I think Poles & friends were as disappointed in Roschon as I was - given the high price they paid for Swifty.

Anyway... Velus'speed is a differentiator...he can easily accelerate past other fast men. I absolutely think he's capable of catching the ball out of the backfield enough to keep the team 2 dimensional. I think Getsy was just afraid to take any chances with the guy catching brutal, off-target short passes from JF1, with his own job on the line. But I don't think Waldron will hesitate at all especially with Caleb putting the ball in better places for a guy to make a play. If they put Velus in toward the end of any half and with the opposing defense maybe tiring after a long series or after a quick turnover... I'd see if they can handle Velus. I bet Waldron does too.

Objectively speaking, I'm forgetting that I've been a fan of this team for over 35 years.

It would not surprise me if we got to the Conference Championship Game and here's why:

1) Top 10 defense. Any team with a top 10 defense can win it all. It's entirely possible, especially so if that second pass rusher emerges, that we have a top 7 or top 5 D. That on it's own takes us to the playoffs.

2) Several elite players around CW. Moore, Allen, and Kmet are elite in their positions. The RBs are good. Odunze is a high potential rookie who can benefit from the CB1 and CB2 coverage Moore and Allen will draw. Or in a 2 WR set, Odunze gets CB2. With his contested ball rate plus his reach advantage over a typical CB2 he's going to destroy them.

3) CW doesn't need to be a top 10 QB (on his own merit) this year. CW needs to get the ball to the WRs. That's it. This isn't USC where it's him and a bunch of scrubs and he's got to play Hero Ball all game long to keep things competitive.

On paper, we have the best roster in the division. The Eagles don't scare me anymore. There are the 49'ers. That's legit. Other than that, what opponent in the NFC do you say is an automatic loss for us?

This is the most excited I've been for a season in years. I cannot wait.

I'm also betting our ST improves this year too. Especially with our new punter pinning teams deep.

If Jenk stays healthy, this OL should be stellar at run blocking and powerful on both sides.  I'm bullish on Swift and Herbert.  I definitely want to see Velus get regular touches like we used to see with Pinky and Mark Green (who were great COP backs). 

This OC knows how to run the ball and if preseason was any indication intends to use play action to help Caleb.  I can't wait to see how the OL does now having some continuity (4 of 5, with the one being an upgrade).