Musically they have already done it. There is simply not a question the song-writing has improved. Lyrics are extremely subjective, but if you like a bunchy of whiny grungy preaching, sure, Creed's your band.
Although AB doesn't really have fantastic lyrics either.
Anyway, on-topic ODR has definitely lost some luster for me. I have now decided it is HALF great. It has 5 great songs, a decent song, and 5 below par songs.
If they would just let Myles write some more next time (as well as shoot anyone who tries to get away with a chord progression as stupid as ILM) they will have one heck of a sophomore effort.