Cornerback Ronde Barber did his first interview of the season this morning, and among his comments was one very big claim.

Asked if this was the best secondary in which he's played, Barber made a very interesting assessment.

"It is athletically, without a doubt," he said. "As far as the players go, I don't know. It's pretty hard to top that '02 team that we had, Dexter (Jackson) and John (Lynch) and (Brian Kelly) and Dwight Smith. Those were some good players. But talent-wise across the board and depth-wise, we've never been better.

"I don't think there's a question about it. So, that being said, we have a lot of expectations on ourselves. If we don't live up to them, we'll all be disappointed."

If you really think about it, Barber's probably right. Aqib Talib's addition alone makes a big difference. Coupled with Phillip Buchanon, Tanard Jackson and others, it's hard to argue with Barber's statement.

Do you agree?