Barr coasting is a more recent example that comes to mind...
But yah, pressure is on Zimmer this year, KC too.
They've got to get a lot of new D pieces to fit together (think about the DL and D backfield) and I suspect 3/5 of the OL could be new or playing new positions too (Darrisaw, Davies, Cleveland).
Lots of reasons for optimism, but lots has to fall into place and things need to gel.
As far as Zimmers D's go, the last top one he had was what? 17? Not sure if they were top 10 in 18 or 19? Rules have changed so much to challenge D's and the Double A Gap isn't quite what it once was.
But the players with pedigree appear to be there this year and I subscribe to the theory that players make the coaches in the NFL. So arrow is certainly up.