There's so many stories with this team... Lee is definitely one of them, but the transformation from August to January was across the entire team. I think finding that playmaker and motivator in Lee was a big help though. Bosa is a god, but as his chosen celebration demonstrates he's very laid back. It's good to have 1 or 2 guys with Lees energy between plays. He was the x-factor play-maker on defense.
- The DE play from Frazier and Miller (pick6 against Bama was huge!)
- Eze finding his inner beast mode -- I think we all knew he'd be a good one, but he took it to another level a year early.
- The LB corps and Secondary not just turning the corner and becoming respectable, but able to carry the team at times and ending with shutting down all 3 Heisman finalists.
- The OLine gelling and going from being a liability early to a championship squad by the end
- The WR corps stepping up for both QBs. Devin and Spencer struggled to contribute with the ball in their hands at the end of 2013 and it's clear they took that personal and stepped it up. Spencer's off-the-ball play has always been Tatum-esque but it was a joy to see him contribute as a direct threat. No way Devin would've been a 2nd round pick after 2013 season. Corey, Thomas, Marshall, and Wilson all stepped up big too despite some mishaps early.
- Obviously JT and Cardale.
Looking back it almost feels like the only units that were comparable at beginning and end were the DLine outside Spence' spot, and the TEs. Everyone expected the DLine to be a strong point and they lived up to those expectations despite losing a guy. Meanwhile the TEs featured more than in years past (arguably they could feature even more... but just so many fantastic skill players)
The world may never see a team that dealt with so much adversity, started below expectations... and yet finished so utterly dominant. Seriously running roughshod over the Heisman-led favorites despite 4 turnovers !? The team that finished 2014 deserves to be mentioned with the likes of 95 Nebraska imo.
