Quote:
Originally Posted by VeveJones007
A lot of good, reasonable points in there. I think 10 wins is definitely possible (maybe ~20% likely if I had to guess), but I do have three significant concerns that make me think 6-7 wins is the most likely outcome.
1) I’m not convinced Brissett is a top 20 QB and it’s really hard for those teams to be above .500. Just look at how Denver has done with a great defense and no QB since Peyton retired. Or even a team like Buffalo.
2) I think this OL is a bit overrated. They’re leaps and bounds better than 2017, but I think Luck masked some protection issues last year which Brissett won’t be able to replicate. If they could consistently win in the running game, I’d feel much better.
3) Pass rush. I’m more encouraged than I’ve been in any post-Mathis season, but if they can’t get consistent pressure in 2019, it will hurt them. They left a few games on the table in 2017 because of the lack of pressure. Hopefully they step up.
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Good points in there as well.
I am not sold Brisset is a top 20 QB either, but I also think he might not have to be with this team, and most important to me, this coaching staff.
Some of those other teams you mention, I watch them and literally just sit there and wonder what the effin' game plan is? I often equate it to the Jim Caldwell days- what exactly are you trying to accomplish, because to me, it looks like you just have this script of plays you are going to call no matter what and if they don't work, screw it, punt and let's see if we can beat them with D.
Outside of the KC playoff game last year (no idea what the hell that was, no friggin' idea - the cleats, the snow showers, F if I know but I'lll give them the mulligan...), but outside of that game I felt all last year that this team had a plan, that they went after things with a specific intent. That said, I also came away watching them and feeling a little like and I'm fucking hating typing this- feeling like I was watching the Pats. For seemingly centuries they have ruled the NFL by playing ball within 5-7 yards of the line of scrimmage, just rubbing people all over the field- chewing up clock and demoralizing defenses. I saw us doing that same thing, and it was kind of fun!
Similarly on D, it did not feel like we just took the damn "this is our scheme, we won't alter it for nothing (even Dungy was guilty of this) so I hope you didn't game plan for us"... it seemed like we actually went into games with unique plans in place- it was very refreshing.
So while I do understand the feeling that the QB play may be so inferior as to derail a run, I think we have a staff that is not going to pull a Pags and Pep (hey remember that turd) and just "do what we do" and see what happens. I think they will game plan around Jacoby's strength's, try to mask his weaknesses, and ultimately look to win a lot of close games with good scheme and good leaders.