A very good (top 5) defense and a terrible (bottom five) offense. Put them together and every week is a grind where the defense has to play absolutely perfect for the team to squeak out a win every week.
They're not winning the division. They're not getting a Wild Card. Stop with the "this year feels different" stuff. They're going to win somewhere between 6 and 9 games.
The reason I feel better about the team than I do in 2014 is because I just like McDermott better and think he has a higher ceiling as a head coach than Marrone. Plus, the unit that is thriving is the unit that the HC specializes in.
The offense needs to be completely overhauled. Quarterback (although I hope Peterman gets a chance because I think he could possibly be good and I'd like to see), wide receivers, running back, OLinemen. All are needs. It's going to take a while for that to happen.
Temper your expectations for this team. Be patient. Trust the process.