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- Thread starter Bucknut24
- Start date
Idk...at this point I kind of want the entire team to be injured instead of 75%...at least then we would have an excuse.
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I just have no idea if we're good or bad. I thought that after week 3 we looked better than anyone in the league, and I thought after last week that we might have the worst defense in the league. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle but I just don't know. I think Baltimore is a really good team and we've squeaked out two wins against them. Pittsburgh offense looked incredible this week but they've also looked terrible at times. Cleveland's OL looks great. We should be favored in 5-6 of our remaining games so potential to still make a run.
At least we get Jacksonville next week.
At least we get Jacksonville next week.
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I wanted to wait until the game was over to post since I knew I would jinx it otherwise. Very impressive drive at the end to score on 4th down on the 1. Two wins against the Ravens is huge, as I do think they are the next best team in the division and are starting to hit their stride. Even more impressive is that we were able to produce points with Green, Jones, and Eifert absent (and Zeitler for much of the game) and overcome some very questionable holding calls. Overall, you can see vast improvement in Dalton's comfort and timing...once he has Green and Eifert back, he could really get some big time production.
On defense, I am a tad worried...we are great on third down but we need to get to third down more often. The secondary looks great but we need to get stronger in the middle...improvement from Atkins and getting Thompson back will be huge. Also not having Mauluga in the middle hurts in the run game but Rey is pretty good in coverage I think. I am guessing our first round pick has to be a LB. I think if we can get healthy this is a team that can make a run in the playoffs if they are on their game.
On defense, I am a tad worried...we are great on third down but we need to get to third down more often. The secondary looks great but we need to get stronger in the middle...improvement from Atkins and getting Thompson back will be huge. Also not having Mauluga in the middle hurts in the run game but Rey is pretty good in coverage I think. I am guessing our first round pick has to be a LB. I think if we can get healthy this is a team that can make a run in the playoffs if they are on their game.
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Andy Dalton's inability to get off of his first read (Sanu right now, Green normally) at times is beyond frustrating. He's shown huge signs of progress in that department, but the last few weeks it seems he's reverted to some of his old ways. I hope I'm wrong, and I hope the offense continues to improve as more players return from injury.
IMO, the defense is fine. The linebackers just need to get more comfortable out there. At times, it looks like they are playing not to get beat, rather than going about the defensive gameplan. I like our corners this year, but Iloka still has a long way to go before I can enjoy him as our starting safety alongside Nelson. He's too inconsistent.
IMO, the defense is fine. The linebackers just need to get more comfortable out there. At times, it looks like they are playing not to get beat, rather than going about the defensive gameplan. I like our corners this year, but Iloka still has a long way to go before I can enjoy him as our starting safety alongside Nelson. He's too inconsistent.
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Agreed on Dalton and the offense...I think his hand is likely forced at this point since Sanu is essentially our only real weapon (excluding Hill and Gio in the passing game) but I hope it is not reversion.
As to the second part, I gotta disagree (except that I do agree the defense is fine, just not exceptional as I thought before). Burfict is a stud and I think Lamur can be a solid starter with more experience. But Rey, DiManche, Flowers, and the rest of the LBs are not NFL starters in my eyes. A good sub to give the starters a breather for a play or two, or special teams player? Sure. But not every down players and we are a little light in the pants there (every guy except Burfict looks about 225 out there). And I'll have to go back and watch again, but I thought Iloka has had one hell of a season so far and is improving every week.
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I don't know what the hell happened to Vincent Rey. Such a surprise player last year, played SO well alongside Burfict. He just can't seem to find his rhythm this year. Lamur is going to be a stud in this defense. As long as he stays focused on improving and learning the defense, he should succeed. I have to agree with the overall depth being a disappointment this year in the linebacker group. But if they can find a way to get a spark out of Rey, and keep Lamur and Burfict healthy, look out. I'm not giving up on Vincent Rey yet.
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Yeah I'm not sure but I just don't think Rey is a full-time starter...I think he is a good role player but I guess my point in saying this is that I think the LB position is an area to improve upon next offseason. I think we will be fine at the position (particularly when Mauluga comes back) but I just don't think it is on par with the other position groups. But I definitely like Lamur.
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I wouldn't mind seeing a couple of draft picks next year being linebackers. Hell, I'd be content with the entire draft being offensive lineman, linebackers, a tight end and maybe a safety.
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Seems about right, I don't see any other pressing needs. Definitely a couple LBs, depth is an issue. Tight end is assuming we aren't keeping Gresham correct? But another safety is necessary regardless of Iloka, Nelson isn't getting any younger. Offensive tackle is important too with Whitworth getting older and Collins gone.
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By all means. Maybe we can convince Cleveland to take him for a draft pick or something.
Or we just get Hawkins back
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