No, its happened before so statistically it cant be a rule, just a trend.
Ask me in December. right now we have one proven WR, no proven running backs, no proven outside pass rushers (unless you want to count Ninko) and no momentum, since we haven't even practiced yet.
Of course, similar qualifications go for the other 31 teams too.
My guesses, our additional WRs (slot receiver being one of our few solid, along with Brady) will be better than last year. I'm going out on a limb here, but I'm predicting more than 18 total catches between Lloyd, Gaffney and maybe Stallworth.
Not a big Light fan, but we'll have a new starting LT.
Running game is yet to be proven.
Gronk and Hernandez are great and they are young and both somewhat full of themselves. HOF is actually a real possibility for one of them, but even Gayle Sayers had to put up a few more seasons, so let's just enjoy the ride there until they become, hopefully, seasoned vets.
OLine has talent, but it's still five fingers working together. There's a bit of uncertainy for a while.
Pass rush/D could be awesome, but it could be the opposite. That's why they schedule some practices and games before the Super Bowl, so we find that out.
Secondary? I'll be happy to be in playoff contention feeling somewhat confident there. To paraphrase Jim Mora on the subject..."Super bowl, are you kidding, Super Bowl? If i can honestly look at our secondary by December without that in the back of my mind, I'll be ecstatic.
Other than those few uncertainties, it should be a breeze.
Feel pretty confident about Zoltan, hope I'm not jinxing him.