I guess going back to the OP and other comments. Riley tends to be optimistic from what I've seen, and I think that's an admirable quality. It would be a real downer if our coach was saying to expect a down year 9 months before the season starts again.
Talent or lack there of, I don't know as a whole. I won't argue that we didn't have a true fit qb, or that our rush ends aren't putting up the numbers we want. But concerning the OL, how good is the rest of OL roster? Last year Cav said there was a big gap between 1's and 2's, he didn't say "except for Sterup". Injuries happened, Sterup got playing time, and voila, Sterup was the starter but had the experience of being a starter before. If you want to play
5 guys and only 5 guys, be prepared to take your lumps when the injuries happen and replacements are building their practice reps in live games. It raises uncertainty on my part as to lack of talent or lack of preparedness.
I know I'm viewed as negative. But when you want to express your opinion in the face of unwarranted and unbridled enthusiasm, conflict can occur.