First of all we're 2-2. That record is neither great nor horrid. Our post season hopes are alive and well. The bad part is that the two losses came against division foes. That, however, can be corrected by winning against the Jets and Pats later in the year. I see going 4-2 in the division as very possible and 3-3 as likely. And I don't see any game on our schedule as unwinnable. Positives The two big FA additions have played as advertised. I'm not the least bit disappointed in Marshall or Dansby. We seem to be getting healthy. The return of Odrick (and McDaniel from suspension) gets our DL depth back to normal. That should be a big part of improving our run stopping ability. The return of Crowder and Ike should be the other big part of improving our run defense. The return of Jerry can only help the running game. Henne continues to develop. I didn't want to look at his numbers until he had a few games under his belt. Now that he has, its clear that he is improving as a QB. There's still much to do and he'll never be perfect, but he's hitting the statistical goals I had for him. In general, it is very unlikely that a QB with an 85+ QBR is the problem and I don't feel Henne is the problem. Wake looks like a star in the making. He's become a guy opponents have to game plan for. Negatives Our OL was supposed to be one of our strengths and it hasn't been. I think the loss of Grove really set us back. Strength at the pivot is a big key to the running game. Our pass pro has been solid but we haven't shown the ability to physically dominate with our running game. We lack play makers in the secondary. Clemons has been solid but he's not a play maker. I see a play making FS as one of the most important positions in today's game. They cover up so many team deficiencies. Bell and Allen have been spotty. Davis has been very good, but its so easy to avoid a CB. I still expect that Smith will regain his starting spot at some point. I see him as a Cromartie clone and it may allow Allen to play more STs. Our STs are the worst in the league. For whatever reason the players weren't executing. Hopefully, the new coach will have better success getting them to do that. On our return and coverage units, the players seem to lose far too many individual battles. Allen was one guy who often won his individual STs battles so he may be able to help. Our pass rush has been one-dimensional. Outside of Wake, we haven't shown much. I am hoping that the return of our injured and suspended DL and LBs will help alleviate that a bit. I hope moving Starks back inside will provide a bit more inside pressure. Outlook I think our record is good enough to keep us in the hunt. NE seems to have gotten weaker and other than STs I felt we looked like the superior team. The Jets have been very good, but I'm not sure that Sanchez' no INT streak is sustainable. I think he has gotten more than his fair share of dropped INTs and I find that has a way of evening out over the course of the season. Also there are no teams running away record wise. I expect that the playoff race this year will come down to the very end. The team that improves throughout the season may end up prevailing.
Good post Raffy. IMO, the next month or so will determine our fate this season. We play; at GB, Pitt at home, at Cincy, at Baltimore, then host Tennessee, in that order. I guess where I'm going with this is, and as others here have said, to be the best, you have to beat the best. Well, GB, Pitt and Baltimore all fall into that category IMO. Tennessee can be a very tough. Just depends which team shows up from one Sunday to the next. And, the same can be said of Cincy, more or less. So, by about mid November we should know whether we are a contender or a pretender. Go Phins!
Good post. You touched on the only thing that really concerns me and that is the run blocking of our offense. I think Berger may be an improvement pass blocking wise but there is a huge drop off when it comes to run blocking. Huge. I think we really need to get John Jerry back and that may take longer then we hoped. It could be two or three weeks before he's back up to his pre sickness form. I think next years draft could see us drafting three offensive linemen As for the pass rush, I agree that it isnt all world but our defense has had three very good games so I'm not that worried. Chad Henne is still going through growing pains but he's ahead of the curve when thinking about what you would expect froma 2nd year starter so i'm optimistic. So to me, what it all comes down to is injuries and how good the offensive line will become. If Jerry can make a difference then the sky is the limit. If he doesnt a wildcard is what we'll be shooting for
Good thread. I think one of the things that we need to remember, is that younger teams generally get better as the season progresses. Mainly because they're able to practice harder. These guys aren't getting any days off, literally or figuratively, as opposed to older teams which can't get after it. So I would expect this team to get better as the season goes along. I think if we can go 3-2 in our next 5, we should be set up well for the rest of the season.
Good post there Rafael. I agree with you on everything you said. I believe the special teams will get better this season. Plus I believe we will post a more than good enough record going into the playoffs. Divison or not.
Good thread!!! And great followup input!!!! I don't agree that Smith is an IBM clone. He isn't as fluid but is MUCH more physical. I think he will find his way back as well. All indications are that he's working hard and doing all the right things, that is he isn't taking it bad either. John Jerry "shouldzl help our running game, I sure hope so. Incognito is getting better and better it seams, and to date we have faced 3 of the better run D's in the league. The rest is very accurate stuff, and one other thing I want to add: I've been saying all along that Mike Nolan was one of our biggest off-season moves and I stick by it. It will take the players awhile to catch on, and when they do, I think we'll see quite a difference in the sacks and dynamic defense he brings, and cmon, the guy has already made Jason Allen's game improve remarkably, something the previous defensive minds couldn't, and that includes Saban.
Its obvious the team hasnt come close to putting a complete game together in all phases, actually were 2 and 2 with only 1 out of the 3 units playing well in any particular game.. Tells me there is a ceiling for this team that is attainable and we haven't come close to reaching it....grind grind grind...once we become complete, and we see what that looks like, we'll know what we got.
I think our Special teams are better than San Diego's. But yeah they still suck. Hopefully a coaching change will light a fire and get them to perform.
i also think we would be better of with grove at C, but he must be injured, he hasnt signed with anybody, not even a visit IIRC, maybe we have a hidden deal in place with him to sign him once he is healthy ?
Interestingly enough, Donald Thomas, whom many still rant and rave about when he was let go, is also sitting on his couch waiting for a team, any team, to call
