I agree there is still questions on the oline, Pouncey's health/availability for the whole season in particular, I agree about the run D. We have made some changes to improve in that area, but until the bullets fly we really don't know for sure. It was our weakest link last year and until proven otherwise it still is.

 

I agree with the article- the run D is the biggest issue by far. If Pouncey is healthy and our two guards (whoever gets the nod) play average, than that's a solid unit. Maybe not top 10 talent overall but I think that's okay with Ajayi's running style. Pouncey and Tunsil are so dominant though, an average guard that can hold a block for 1 second makes everything work.

The thing is though, we have the option to not run the ball on a bad day...we don't have an option to not stop the run if we want to remain competitive. So while we have made a lot of upgrades at LB and the DL, it still looks like the big question mark that they were last year. Everything points to the run defense being better BUT when you're last in the league, just being better doesn't cut it. We need a top 15 on run D to really have a shot at a great season.

 

I agree with your basic argument.

Last season, run defense was a huge problem. We had two games all year long where we allowed less than 100 yards. And the problem didnt get better as the year went on, where as the offense did improve all season. We averaged allowing 179 yards a game, which is so pathetic that its almost unbelievable.

However, as you said, we should be much better this season than we were. We've added Hayes, Timmons, McMillan and McDonald, all who are good run defenders. And we're getting back Rashad Jones, Howard, and maybe Misi from injury. There is every reason to believe that what was a huge issue last season will be improved to at least average levels in 2017.

However, the OL is still a question mark. Tunsil is now in his first season at LT. He should be good, but we just don't know for sure yet. Pouncey is still hobbling around and may not be ready for camp. James is ok, but not a Pro Bowler at RT. And then at guard, its all just a big unknown. We're hoping for the best, but we can't be certain of anything.

Right now, the OL is our biggest issue. Absolutely.

 

30th in the league in run blocking by Pff, 30th in rush defense..

yucky..

yeah I think the additions of Hayes..X..Raekwon..Timmons..R-Jones who are all good to great run stoppers should do the trick.

Raekwon in the middle shuts all that sh## down, thats what he does.

 

James stepped up his game considerably going down the stretch. Actually looked really good. I think it was just....new offense, needing motivation, etc.

He's on board. I think he'll be just fine. Trust me, I don't think I'd want another RT at the moment. At least, not any of the backups.

 

A correction on the stats..

I think you're looking at the rushing yards we gave up in the playoff game vs. Pittsburgh and erroneously thinking that's the average we gave up during the regular season from this link:
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/mia/2016.htm

We gave up 140.4 yards per game rushing during the regular season and gave up 179 yards in the playoff game vs. Pittsburgh (total average including that playoff game is 142.7 per game).

Also, there were 3 games not 2 where we gave up less than 100 yards (Bengals, Buffalo 1st game, Chargers).

In any case you're of course right it's pathetic.

 

You're absolutely right. Dumb mistake on my part.

 

Still terrible numbers

 

I'd honestly love to sign a LB or G during the last week of cuts.

 

Look bud, there's always going to be an area that needs improvement. I'm sure even the Pats have something like Training Camp Sous Chef listed because he hasn't gravitated to the newest sous vide trend that Tom Brady's on site follicle replacement specialist has requested because he loved how great it made the food taste on their gastro submarine tour of Ibiza.

 

I hear ya...and its all logical. But I do think the oline will be better even if Pouncey goes down that it was last year. At the end of the year, BA was not very good. I think Tunsil will hold up better. We have better depth...we were grasping at someone to play C last year...I think they'll have a back up plan going in whether its Urbik or Larsen.

 

You're right. And its been bad for a while. Starting with the collapse at Denver in 2014, they've allowed about 142 yards rushing per game, a period of 35 games. Although we were 9th worst in 2014, 5th worst in 2015, and 3rd worst last season, that 35 game average would have been dead last in either 2014 or 15. Its just that last season, the 49ers had one of the worst run defenses in NFL history, and the Browns were worse than us.

Allowing over 150 yards rushing is usually cause for disgust and shame, and we've done it 16 times in the last three years.