[lex24]

Defense spent way too much time on the field. Offense relied on big plays. Did not sustain drives effectively enough. If Lund turns out to be as advertised, that could be a brobdingnagian loss.

More than anything else next year they need to be more efficient offensively. Let’s set coaching aside a second. We will see how Tavita does etc. Breaking down the offensive units:

QB. Costello showed promise. My question is his accuracy. He showed the ability to make big plays. The consistency should improve. He needs to be at about 65%.  Mills is the wild card. Truly a bummer that he will miss Spring. Hopefully he is ready come Fall. I suspect he is the most talented QB on the roster. But he needs to stay healthy.

OL. I’d love the experts to weigh in. My take is the line struggled with speed rushers and blocking in space. The defenses that beat Stanford on the LOS did so with speed. They have a lot of talent coming back. They need to jell early and improve their consistency.

TE:  Smith showed signs of being the next Ertz. He should be a major part next year. Parkinson could use a few lbs. Losing Schultz hurts most in the run game. Not sure they have the in line TE blocker to replace him.

WR.  JJ had a terrific year. He uses his size and strength very well. And he has excellent hands. Irwin is an excellent underneath receiver. Now find some speed.  Wedington if he stays at WR is more of a slot type imo. Give me someone like Rector.  He had his limitations. But he was a legit deep threat. They need that. Who?

RB. Maybe the most interesting question. I suspect Bryce leaves. But if he doesn’t I hope he works on his receiving. Then use him. They need to incorporate their backs more in the passing game. We know it’s in the system. They have done it with Taylor and CMac. If Love leaves, Scarlett is intriguing. He improved markedly. If he is the guy, getting 20 touches a game I think he can be very effective. Not a HR threat. But a guy that can move the chains. Speights showed flashes. But not enough  carries to make any impact. He shows a nice burst and he finishes. And he is a solid blocker. He was used a fair amount in the passing game, but only to protect. All in all I think he will push Scarlett.

Offense has a chance to be very good next year. It will need to be. Losing Harrison and probably Reid is brobdingnagian. If Meeks goes that adds to the pain. Cotton is a loss. He started to play well before going down. I think Okereke indicated he is staying. If so he will be the focal point of the defense. But Lance is going to need to work his magic. And the offense has to help. I think the wear on the defense showed, and not just with injuries. They were on the field an awfully lot in big games. 

[lex24]

Defense spent way too much time on the field. Offense relied on big plays. Did not sustain drives effectively enough. If Lund turns out to be as advertised, that could be a brobdingnagian loss.

More than anything else next year they need to be more efficient offensively. Let’s set coaching aside a second. We will see how Tavita does etc. Breaking down the offensive units:

QB. Costello showed promise. My question is his accuracy. He showed the ability to make big plays. The consistency should improve. He needs to be at about 65%.  Mills is the wild card. Truly a bummer that he will miss Spring. Hopefully he is ready come Fall. I suspect he is the most talented QB on the roster. But he needs to stay healthy.

OL. I’d love the experts to weigh in. My take is the line struggled with speed rushers and blocking in space. The defenses that beat Stanford on the LOS did so with speed. They have a lot of talent coming back. They need to jell early and improve their consistency.

TE:  Smith showed signs of being the next Ertz. He should be a major part next year. Parkinson could use a few lbs. Losing Schultz hurts most in the run game. Not sure they have the in line TE blocker to replace him.

WR.  JJ had a terrific year. He uses his size and strength very well. And he has excellent hands. Irwin is an excellent underneath receiver. Now find some speed.  Wedington if he stays at WR is more of a slot type imo. Give me someone like Rector.  He had his limitations. But he was a legit deep threat. They need that. Who?

RB. Maybe the most interesting question. I suspect Bryce leaves. But if he doesn’t I hope he works on his receiving. Then use him. They need to incorporate their backs more in the passing game. We know it’s in the system. They have done it with Taylor and CMac. If Love leaves, Scarlett is intriguing. He improved markedly. If he is the guy, getting 20 touches a game I think he can be very effective. Not a HR threat. But a guy that can move the chains. Speights showed flashes. But not enough  carries to make any impact. He shows a nice burst and he finishes. And he is a solid blocker. He was used a fair amount in the passing game, but only to protect. All in all I think he will push Scarlett.

Offense has a chance to be very good next year. It will need to be. Losing Harrison and probably Reid is brobdingnagian. If Meeks goes that adds to the pain. Cotton is a loss. He started to play well before going down. I think Okereke indicated he is staying. If so he will be the focal point of the defense. But Lance is going to need to work his magic. And the offense has to help. I think the wear on the defense showed, and not just with injuries. They were on the field an awfully lot in big games.