Last summer I commented that it did not feel like the comments were as optimistic as in other years, and that lack of total enthusiasm and commitment was borne out in the on-field performance for most of the season. This year feels a lot different, a combination of better communication (Hogan's interview), better energy, and a better sense that this is a total team. The corner was turned by John Flacco in his impassioned and colorful speech after the Utah loss, and this team never looked back. I think this year is going to look like the last three games of last year for the entire season. Defensive lack of experience is still a question mark, as is kicker, but I think Phil Steele and others are calling it right; Stanford could be the big surprise of this season.
