Overall, stagnant is probably the best description, though I wouldn't argue with continued slippage. Some areas show improvement while others slip, then they change places. (Except with ABC, which seems to be stuck in the toilet)
The improving economy will help improve overall financial results (or at least it should), but that's just like floating up and down with the waves.
Sapp is better than what we had, and certainly brings some positives to the table, but we probably overpaid. If Ted Washington can stay healthy, he's probably a better overall acquisition.
The Raiders new D-Coord. is Buddy Ryan's kid, and he's supposedly going to changing a lot of things up... Sapp will supposedly be playing end a lot in a 3-4, they'll use the 46, etc.
We'll just have to see how it works out.