Our left tackle went on Sirius XM earlier today to talk with host Adam Schein about the Carolina Panthers this year, and what has happened in the NFC South this off-season. Gross said it best, so I'll leave it up to him:

"I like where we are at in the division. I like these teams. But I wouldn't be surprised if we won the division."

"Score more points on offense, stay healthy on defense, and special teams needs to improve."

"To be honest with you, I've kind of loved everything that's happened in New Orleans (this offseason)"

I don't think it's possible to agree with #69 any more, on all three points. He has a really good grounding of what the team needs to do to take the next step, and I pretty much love the fact he was brutally honest about the Saints; and why shouldn't he? These are guys he's seen twice a year for the better part of a decade, they're rivals and he found out they were trying to injure the player who he's charged with protecting. Why not enjoy a little side-helping of schadenfreude?

More after the jump

The New Orleans comment is self contained- nothing special to talk about. However, the first statement is one we've seen echoed among many members of the team. There's a confidence we've seen from this group that wasn't even present in the 2004 squad. It's almost like they know something special is about to happen, no doubt, no worry. As long as confidence is kept in check (something Ron Rivera is striving for), this team is in for something special.

Also hilarious is how simply Gross can sum up this team's needs and woes. We'll spend another three months analyzing and over-analyzing every single move the team makes, yet Jordan gets it through with three simple tenets, although they're easier said than done.