I believe the signing of Steve McNair helped tremendously with the chemistry of the team. It gave the team an air of hope. However there appear to be several other reasons.

1) This is the second year under Ryan's scheme. I heard Bilick saying they underesimated the learning curve with the system and the players are now comfortable with it.

2) The contract status of Ed Reed and Jamal Lewis have cleared up.

3) I saw mention of some other additions to the defense, but the other huge additions are Bart Scott starting next to Lewis instead of replacing him, and Dwan Landry playing like an enforcer.

4) The change in Brian Billick.

5) Chris McAllister's new focus.

It appears all of these things have not only helped with the play on the field but in the locker room.