ClericBlackDave
10-23-2007, 01:30 AM
What the title says.
This team currentlylacks a true identity on offense AND on defense, and I think it starts in the trenches.
On defense, we used to be able to stop the run AND rush the passer. That starts with your d-line. But this year, we let go of Adalius Thomas and Trevor Pryce is injured. The result?
A defense that can stop the run but be easily exploited by the pass because of no pressure. That affects our defensive identity.
On offense, in years past this offensive line had a road grating identity, so we ran Jamal, ran Jamal. Not always pretty, but an effective smash-mouth identity.
Last year for that 13-3 season the o-line wasn't the best blockers, but with Pashos and Brown coming on strong became consistent pass blockers, allowing McNair ample time to do his thing. We became an effective passing team.
This year, I would say the same was true before injuries to Terry to Flynn. Gaither and Grubbs and Chester have potential, but are inconsistent, especially in sustaining blocks. So one play, run McGahee, blown up in the backfield. Another play, a good gain. Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde.
Likewise, in the passing game. Inconsistent pass blockers. We do neither one, run or pass block, consistently well.
At this point, this team has to hope that Pryce's return fixes the pass rush on we're done on defense. Can't stop the big play at all.
On offense, we need Terry to return and Ogden to take those cortizone shots and get on the field, while Chester/Grubss/Gaither mature.
While I think the playcalling needs to change, we need more production from our QB(s), etc and we need to get healthy, I think the true key in the lines. Good teams lines dominate. Both are lines are injured, inconsistent, and perhaps not quite as talented as we think.
If we can get the trenches healthy and working consistently, I think a lot changes for this team.
This team currentlylacks a true identity on offense AND on defense, and I think it starts in the trenches.
On defense, we used to be able to stop the run AND rush the passer. That starts with your d-line. But this year, we let go of Adalius Thomas and Trevor Pryce is injured. The result?
A defense that can stop the run but be easily exploited by the pass because of no pressure. That affects our defensive identity.
On offense, in years past this offensive line had a road grating identity, so we ran Jamal, ran Jamal. Not always pretty, but an effective smash-mouth identity.
Last year for that 13-3 season the o-line wasn't the best blockers, but with Pashos and Brown coming on strong became consistent pass blockers, allowing McNair ample time to do his thing. We became an effective passing team.
This year, I would say the same was true before injuries to Terry to Flynn. Gaither and Grubbs and Chester have potential, but are inconsistent, especially in sustaining blocks. So one play, run McGahee, blown up in the backfield. Another play, a good gain. Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde.
Likewise, in the passing game. Inconsistent pass blockers. We do neither one, run or pass block, consistently well.
At this point, this team has to hope that Pryce's return fixes the pass rush on we're done on defense. Can't stop the big play at all.
On offense, we need Terry to return and Ogden to take those cortizone shots and get on the field, while Chester/Grubss/Gaither mature.
While I think the playcalling needs to change, we need more production from our QB(s), etc and we need to get healthy, I think the true key in the lines. Good teams lines dominate. Both are lines are injured, inconsistent, and perhaps not quite as talented as we think.
If we can get the trenches healthy and working consistently, I think a lot changes for this team.