Let's not forget this was a 7-9 team last year. Making the playoffs in more convincing fashion this year would represent a sizable leap for the franchise.
The offense has to be more than "give Gibson the ball and see if he can make something happen," which is how it started out on Sunday. Heinicke has to get Mclaurin and Thomas involved for them to have any shot this year.
I think the defense will come around.