I can understand the outside press and commentators, talking heads, podcasters not being bullish on the Saints.
In addition to questions about DA, consider the following: There are multiple positions and position groups whereby the fans are counting on players improving their performance or regaining prior form from injury or just being young and learning to improve and play better. The Saints have a ton of young talent who seems to be either on the ascension, or struggling to break out and some vets who have suffered from injuries or just poor coaching (I'm thinking of Kamara and Miller, here especially)
As KB, has stated "could be" seems to define a lot of what is driving the confidence and hope or this team. "Could be" exists pretty much an all position groups, maybe besides the defensive backfield. And then there are injuries; this team doesn't have much depth anywhere, but other teams don't either, so the Saints will have to just be lucky and not get hit with the injury bug too much.
The most significant improvement that *must* happen is on both lines: if our offensive and defensive lines improves, I think Carr will get better, KK will have an easier time game-planning and calling plays, etc. But guys like Cameron Jordan, Alvin Kamara, A.T. Perry, Trevor Penning, Fuaga, Turner, Young, Fiosky, etc. need to step up and show out.
And then there's coaching: I think KK and his offensive staff will be beneficial, but the question is will it be enough to get to 10-12 wins? Sorry, I don't see it. I see the ceiling is 9 wins and the floor around 6 wins.
I'm hoping for the "could be" to happen with most players, but most teams ready to win 10-13 games are more do not have a bunch of "could bes" on their team.