Time to take stock in the team now that everyone has at least 4 games under their belt!
Defense:
First and foremost the Patriots have suffered at least as much as any other team regarding injuries this season. That being said I feel the Patriots have withstood this situation as well as any team could have. Yes they played VERY poorly at home vs the Chargers. Then they went on the road and beat a very game Vickless Falcons team. No Vick + no Seymour = wash in my book. Even without Vick in their lineup the Falcons had the #2 rushing attack in the league going into that game. The most depleted defensive front New England has fielded in years held the Atlanta ground game in check.
The 'replacement' linebackers in the middle seem to be figuring out their responsibilites a little bit better every game that goes by. Rumors of Bruschi coming off the PUP to the active roster this season persist and what a boost that would ne to the WHOLE team. His leadership and ability could very easily settle the middle of that defense for the Patriots.
The secondary very well could be the unseating of the team's defense this year. Every week the lineup at safety and corner for New England features a virtual 'who's who?' of last years castoffs and unrestricted free agents. As much as the front 7 for the Patriots has started to gel a bit, the secondary looks as lost most of the time. Big play after big play is served up game in and game out. It gets old watching it.
Offense:
Tom Brady can still get it done under almost any circumstances but the left side of the offensive line needs to step up and protect him. The left tackle and guard spot are currently occupied with rookies and they struggle with the pass rush often. Deion Branch is struggling with being a target for double teams this year and David Givens has had SOME success stepping up in the 2nd spot. Brady can spread it around but having to keep the tightend at home one the rookie side of the line almost every time to pass-block gives him 1 less target.
Run blocking with this team as a whole seems to be an afterthought this year except for the Atlanta game. Dillon suffers the most as the line struggles. He is a North-South runner and the entire league knows this. Without any consistent blocking between the tackles the running game will continue to wither on the vine as Dillon gets a year older. All this aside I feel that the New England offense showed flashes of what it is capable of vs the Falcons.
Special teams:
Punting - check
Place kicking - check
Field goals - check +
Kickoff and punt return coverage - Achilles heel
My overall grades for the Patriots so far, including their chances to repeat:
QB - A
OL - D+
RB - C
WR - B-
TE - C
DL - A- (with Seymour playing)
LB - C
CB - C-
Safeties - D- (cant tackle)
Special teams - C
Don't count the Patriots out just yet. My hope is that the team, especially on defense, will gel more after the Atlanta game and start to play at a higher level. The schedule has been brutal and continues to look that way going into Denver this week. If the Patriots could pull off going into their bye the week with a 4-2 record? Who knows what could happen. New England has fed off of adversity before - hopefully this will be fun to watch again.
How about the team(s) you watch?
Time to rate your favorite team's performance and chances:
Time to rate your favorite team's performance and chances:
Go Patriots! ! ! !
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frodo_biguns
- gibbering dumbfuck
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The Assassin
- Raider Fan
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Offense gets a C. They are still inconsistant and the coordinators aren't calling the right plays in crucial situations. Courtney anderson deserves more passes thrown his way,and they need to run Jordan alot more than they do. and would it hurt for Langston Walker to block without holding sometimes??
Defense gets a C+. Playing alot better against the run,but struggling against the pass. Sapp has played alot better than last season and Danny Clark has been impressive.
Special teams C- Seabass was 4 for 4 against Dallas so maybe he is out of his slump. Chris Carr has potential but first must just run,quit trying to juke and keeping a dead play alive. Shane Lechler is money as always.
Coaching D Norv doesnt motivate these guys like a good hc should be. Hes too mr nice guy,which is what Al Davis wants. Jimmy Raye sucks nuff said. Rob Ryan needs to quit trying to turn DEs into linebackers. His system can work he just needs to get the right pieces in place.
Defense gets a C+. Playing alot better against the run,but struggling against the pass. Sapp has played alot better than last season and Danny Clark has been impressive.
Special teams C- Seabass was 4 for 4 against Dallas so maybe he is out of his slump. Chris Carr has potential but first must just run,quit trying to juke and keeping a dead play alive. Shane Lechler is money as always.
Coaching D Norv doesnt motivate these guys like a good hc should be. Hes too mr nice guy,which is what Al Davis wants. Jimmy Raye sucks nuff said. Rob Ryan needs to quit trying to turn DEs into linebackers. His system can work he just needs to get the right pieces in place.
Al Davis=Fidel Castro
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The Assassin
- Raider Fan
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Qbert wrote:no need to Grade the BROWNS.
maybe in 2006, better yet 2007.
(i'll sneak in a B- for whacking the 'Crows on Sunday though....)
:wink:
I'll give Romeo Crennell an A. He's taking chicken shit and maing it into a somewhat edible salad. At least this years Browns are giving every opponnent a game
Al Davis=Fidel Castro
...SSHHHHhhhhhhhhhhh.....dammit!!!!!The Assassin wrote:
I'll give Romeo Crennell an A. He's taking chicken shit and making it into a somewhat edible salad. At least this years Browns are giving every opponnent a game
the TURD isn't completely polished Yet....
[whisper]....Assassin--->betwixt you and me....OK?.....the BROWNS "should've WON" over the Bears last week--->and they DID. this week--->they "SHOULD WIN" over the 'Crows...lets see if they can actually do something "back-to-back" before giving out that "A"!
this should be like Public School Proficency EXAMS....a TEAM that was at the FAILING Level....and now has improved...will get a "better mark"....GREAT! but to say that Romeo gets an "A" after 4 weeks....ahem. i like your Optimism.... :wink: [/whisper]
My team?
The Quest for Reggie Bush-A Freaking +
The Quest for Reggie Bush-A Freaking +
John Boehner wrote:Boehner said. "In Congress, we have a red button, a green button and a yellow button, alright. Green means 'yes,' red means 'no,' and yellow means you're a chicken shit. And the last thing we need in the White House, in the oval office, behind that big desk, is some chicken who wants to push this yellow button.
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The Assassin
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Qbert wrote:...SSHHHHhhhhhhhhhhh.....dammit!!!!!The Assassin wrote:
I'll give Romeo Crennell an A. He's taking chicken shit and making it into a somewhat edible salad. At least this years Browns are giving every opponnent a game
the TURD isn't completely polished Yet....
[whisper]....Assassin--->betwixt you and me....OK?.....the BROWNS "should've WON" over the Bears last week--->and they DID. this week--->they "SHOULD WIN" over the 'Crows...lets see if they can actually do something "back-to-back" before giving out that "A"!
this should be like Public School Proficency EXAMS....a TEAM that was at the FAILING Level....and now has improved...will get a "better mark"....GREAT! but to say that Romeo gets an "A" after 4 weeks....ahem. i like your Optimism.... :wink: [/whisper]
Ok well let me ask ya this....Would ya rather Chris Palmer return and coach this team??
Al Davis=Fidel Castro
Buccaneers
First, surprised to see that they are 4-1. their schedule hasnt been anything to brag about, so I wonder if the Bucs can keep this up over the course of a season.
Offense B-
For such an offensive gury, I would say Gruden is somewhat overrated. He has yet to develop Chris Simms into a starter and Griese looks avg at best this year. Caddilac has been a wonderful surprise this season btu I hope that he can stay healthy. Him and Michael Clayton are the only weapons the Bucs have. Clayton hasnt gotten the ball nearly enough this season, and if the Bucs dont want opponents to stack the box, they need to find a way to open things up w/ the passing game. The O-Line play has been surprisingly good, which has allowed us to run the ball effectively expect for the Jets game.
Defense A-
Once again, the Bucs are riding their Defense. I think Monte Kiffin has been the best Def Coordinator in the NFL the past 10 years. The LB corp has played great, but outside of Simeon Rice, the D-Line has done nothing. The Secondary is always solid and Barber is having a Pro Bowl Season.
Special Team B
They have been solid. The Kicking game has been almost flawless as well as coverage but I would love for them to put a playmaker back there being that the ucs have never returned a KO for a TD.
First, surprised to see that they are 4-1. their schedule hasnt been anything to brag about, so I wonder if the Bucs can keep this up over the course of a season.
Offense B-
For such an offensive gury, I would say Gruden is somewhat overrated. He has yet to develop Chris Simms into a starter and Griese looks avg at best this year. Caddilac has been a wonderful surprise this season btu I hope that he can stay healthy. Him and Michael Clayton are the only weapons the Bucs have. Clayton hasnt gotten the ball nearly enough this season, and if the Bucs dont want opponents to stack the box, they need to find a way to open things up w/ the passing game. The O-Line play has been surprisingly good, which has allowed us to run the ball effectively expect for the Jets game.
Defense A-
Once again, the Bucs are riding their Defense. I think Monte Kiffin has been the best Def Coordinator in the NFL the past 10 years. The LB corp has played great, but outside of Simeon Rice, the D-Line has done nothing. The Secondary is always solid and Barber is having a Pro Bowl Season.
Special Team B
They have been solid. The Kicking game has been almost flawless as well as coverage but I would love for them to put a playmaker back there being that the ucs have never returned a KO for a TD.
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BSmack
- 2005 and 2010 JFFL Champion
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The Steelers are rolling along. The loss of Bettis and Staley was turned into a positive as they discovered that Willie Parker can shoulder the load as well. With Bettis and Staley now healthy, look for the rushing attack to get even more dominant.
Big Ben is emerging as a stud at the QB position and has summoned up two gritty end of game drives in the last two weeks. He'll probably miss this week, but he's Now if he can just avoid taking so many shots...
The defense is stout. The only issue I see is what they do when they cannot get blitz pressure on the QB. I'd like to see them pack the zones a little more when it is obvious (like in the Pats game) that the blitz is not working). But, other than that, it is really hard to bag on a defense that is averaging 14 points per game.
Big Ben is emerging as a stud at the QB position and has summoned up two gritty end of game drives in the last two weeks. He'll probably miss this week, but he's Now if he can just avoid taking so many shots...
The defense is stout. The only issue I see is what they do when they cannot get blitz pressure on the QB. I'd like to see them pack the zones a little more when it is obvious (like in the Pats game) that the blitz is not working). But, other than that, it is really hard to bag on a defense that is averaging 14 points per game.
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DallasFanatic
- Nobody's Punk
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- Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA
DALLAS COWBOYS
OFFENSE - C
This offense gets an average grade at this point but after last week I am optimistic and maybe slightly myopic, that this grade will get better. The conservative playcalling the first four weeks was a joke and I am glad Parcells listened to my rant last week regarding the playcalling. With a downfield threat in Glenn as well as Price, a first down receiver in Keyshawn, and stud running back Julius Jones, Bledsoe will continue to get the job done (sup Bri :D ). I think think this week against the Skins will tell where this offense is heading.
DEFENSE - C
I do like the pressure the fron seven are getting on the quarterback, but the secondary is our achilles heel. I do realize they played a hell of a game against the Seagulls, so just like the offense, this grade may change. Once Ware becomes more comfortbale at the LB position, this defense is really going to bring the heat.
Note to Parcells: On any long 3rd & 4th downs could you please take out Roy Williams and put in Aaron Glen? TIA
SPECIAL TEAMS - B
Its been a pleasant surprise to see McBriar boot punts 50+ yards and give us great field position. The field goal kicking is getting better now that we have some stability at the long snapper position. Who ever thought that position could be important? Our coverage on punts and kickoffs started off shaky but now that Burnett is healthy it too is becoming more stable
COACHING - C
I hope last week was an indication of whats in store for the Boys. If we resort to the pansy conservative playcalling of the first 4 weeks, than this grade is an F at best. Zimmer isn't doing that bad of a job on the defensive side of the ball if you consider the new transition to the 3-4, so he gets some slack. All other coaches need to step it up if the Boys want to see the playoffs.
OFFENSE - C
This offense gets an average grade at this point but after last week I am optimistic and maybe slightly myopic, that this grade will get better. The conservative playcalling the first four weeks was a joke and I am glad Parcells listened to my rant last week regarding the playcalling. With a downfield threat in Glenn as well as Price, a first down receiver in Keyshawn, and stud running back Julius Jones, Bledsoe will continue to get the job done (sup Bri :D ). I think think this week against the Skins will tell where this offense is heading.
DEFENSE - C
I do like the pressure the fron seven are getting on the quarterback, but the secondary is our achilles heel. I do realize they played a hell of a game against the Seagulls, so just like the offense, this grade may change. Once Ware becomes more comfortbale at the LB position, this defense is really going to bring the heat.
Note to Parcells: On any long 3rd & 4th downs could you please take out Roy Williams and put in Aaron Glen? TIA
SPECIAL TEAMS - B
Its been a pleasant surprise to see McBriar boot punts 50+ yards and give us great field position. The field goal kicking is getting better now that we have some stability at the long snapper position. Who ever thought that position could be important? Our coverage on punts and kickoffs started off shaky but now that Burnett is healthy it too is becoming more stable
COACHING - C
I hope last week was an indication of whats in store for the Boys. If we resort to the pansy conservative playcalling of the first 4 weeks, than this grade is an F at best. Zimmer isn't doing that bad of a job on the defensive side of the ball if you consider the new transition to the 3-4, so he gets some slack. All other coaches need to step it up if the Boys want to see the playoffs.
Indianapolis Colts:
A lot in here are calling them the best already. I'm not ready to do that yet. Not until they play the Steelers and Patriots.
Defense - A+ - It's been a long wait to see the Colts D play like this. But I'm not convinced yet. St. Louis will be a tougher test than anyone else they've played so far. If they can hold the Rams to 1 touchdown or less like they have everyone else, then I'll be a little more pumped up about it.
Offense - C - Fingers are being pointed all over the place here in Indy to try to explain why Peyton Manning hasn't thrown 20 touchdown passes in the first 5 games. It's a classic example of fans getting conditioned to one style of play, and when it slips a little, they go nuts. I'm not completely worried. Here's what I see. Defenses have changed. Last year, most D coordinators theorized that if you blitz Peyton over and over again and shake him up, you could beat him. Peyton proved them wrong by throwing 49 touchdown passes right over the top of those blitzes. Now, the blitzing schemes have been tossed in favor of dropping the linebackers back into coverage much like the Patriots have done. It has worked. But what Peyton should be doing is using an entire game to set up big plays. Instead, he's rushing Edgerrin James 4 or 5 times and still trying a big play in every single posession. That has lead to him thowing 3 picks. Two of those in double or triple coverage because the D is just not biting on the run. Classic example against San Fran - Edge gets 21 carries for 105 yds. Edge should have had 27-30 carries for 150-175 yards but Peyton was too damn anxious to try big plays and ended up throwing two picks toward receivers that were well covered. If Peyton becomes more patient in the next few weeks, the offense will be back to its true form.
I think this could very well be the Colts year, but, they still have a long way to go.
A lot in here are calling them the best already. I'm not ready to do that yet. Not until they play the Steelers and Patriots.
Defense - A+ - It's been a long wait to see the Colts D play like this. But I'm not convinced yet. St. Louis will be a tougher test than anyone else they've played so far. If they can hold the Rams to 1 touchdown or less like they have everyone else, then I'll be a little more pumped up about it.
Offense - C - Fingers are being pointed all over the place here in Indy to try to explain why Peyton Manning hasn't thrown 20 touchdown passes in the first 5 games. It's a classic example of fans getting conditioned to one style of play, and when it slips a little, they go nuts. I'm not completely worried. Here's what I see. Defenses have changed. Last year, most D coordinators theorized that if you blitz Peyton over and over again and shake him up, you could beat him. Peyton proved them wrong by throwing 49 touchdown passes right over the top of those blitzes. Now, the blitzing schemes have been tossed in favor of dropping the linebackers back into coverage much like the Patriots have done. It has worked. But what Peyton should be doing is using an entire game to set up big plays. Instead, he's rushing Edgerrin James 4 or 5 times and still trying a big play in every single posession. That has lead to him thowing 3 picks. Two of those in double or triple coverage because the D is just not biting on the run. Classic example against San Fran - Edge gets 21 carries for 105 yds. Edge should have had 27-30 carries for 150-175 yards but Peyton was too damn anxious to try big plays and ended up throwing two picks toward receivers that were well covered. If Peyton becomes more patient in the next few weeks, the offense will be back to its true form.
I think this could very well be the Colts year, but, they still have a long way to go.
DETROIT LIONS
Offense.....C+
Bad playcalling or not, Harrington shouldn't struggle to throw for more than 100 yards in a game. With Rogers' suspension, Roy Williams' inconsistency and Pollard's alligator arms, he's not getting any help. Kevin Johnson has been the best receiver so far. The line play has improved...Harrington doesn't have to run for his life but he still rushes his throws. Jones is running hard but doesn't have the numbers. If he ever goes down, this team is done. The running game should improve when Schlesinger returns to the lineup.
Defense.....B-
The play of the line has been strong as expected. The linebackers don't make as many plays as I'd hope for but Holmes has been a stabilizing force in the middle. Bryant's injury hurts the depth of the secondary but it's good to have a guy like McQuarters to get snaps. The defense is improving but this is a squad that thrives on turnovers. They won't hold teams to low scores or yards...they need to force timely turnovers to be most effective.
Special Teams.....B
Hanson has been one of the most durable kickers in the league but he's been bothered with a hamstring injury. He might finally be back to full strength. I've never had a problem with this team's special teams. With how poorly the offense performs, a big play in the return game is always a huge lift for the team. Drummond can't make it through a season without an injury. He's great when he plays but he's no good for the team when he's hurt. It helps to have to return veterans on the roster in McQuarters and Johnson...those two have been unsung heroes so far this year.
Coaching.....D
Mariucci has to get this team into playoffs simply because this is such a bad division. It's ripe for the taking and if he fails to get them back into the postseason, he'll get run out of town. I can't stand the conservative playcalling. Tollner has been non-existent in the offense...I'm convinced Mooch makes the calls on offense. Jauron has turned the defense around...the heat is off him. I think Mariucci is gone unless they make the playoffs.
Overall.....C
The defense has to continue force turnovers and give the offense a short field to work because this team hasn't shown to put multiple long scoring drives together in one game. Mariucci is still too conservative offensively but poor play of Roy Williams makes me doubt this team's ability to throw the ball up field. Hopefully Schlesinger returns soon to help Jones in the running game. This offense will die if Jones can't move the ball on the ground. The schedule is favorable for them...they're facing a lot of .500 and below teams and they still have 4 games left in the division including twice with the Vikings. If they go no worse than 3-1 in those games, I think they win the division and host a wild card game. Every team in the division stinks...it'll come down to the head-to-head matchups. Only one team will make the playoffs out of that division.
Final Prediction: 8-8 (NFC North champions)
Offense.....C+
Bad playcalling or not, Harrington shouldn't struggle to throw for more than 100 yards in a game. With Rogers' suspension, Roy Williams' inconsistency and Pollard's alligator arms, he's not getting any help. Kevin Johnson has been the best receiver so far. The line play has improved...Harrington doesn't have to run for his life but he still rushes his throws. Jones is running hard but doesn't have the numbers. If he ever goes down, this team is done. The running game should improve when Schlesinger returns to the lineup.
Defense.....B-
The play of the line has been strong as expected. The linebackers don't make as many plays as I'd hope for but Holmes has been a stabilizing force in the middle. Bryant's injury hurts the depth of the secondary but it's good to have a guy like McQuarters to get snaps. The defense is improving but this is a squad that thrives on turnovers. They won't hold teams to low scores or yards...they need to force timely turnovers to be most effective.
Special Teams.....B
Hanson has been one of the most durable kickers in the league but he's been bothered with a hamstring injury. He might finally be back to full strength. I've never had a problem with this team's special teams. With how poorly the offense performs, a big play in the return game is always a huge lift for the team. Drummond can't make it through a season without an injury. He's great when he plays but he's no good for the team when he's hurt. It helps to have to return veterans on the roster in McQuarters and Johnson...those two have been unsung heroes so far this year.
Coaching.....D
Mariucci has to get this team into playoffs simply because this is such a bad division. It's ripe for the taking and if he fails to get them back into the postseason, he'll get run out of town. I can't stand the conservative playcalling. Tollner has been non-existent in the offense...I'm convinced Mooch makes the calls on offense. Jauron has turned the defense around...the heat is off him. I think Mariucci is gone unless they make the playoffs.
Overall.....C
The defense has to continue force turnovers and give the offense a short field to work because this team hasn't shown to put multiple long scoring drives together in one game. Mariucci is still too conservative offensively but poor play of Roy Williams makes me doubt this team's ability to throw the ball up field. Hopefully Schlesinger returns soon to help Jones in the running game. This offense will die if Jones can't move the ball on the ground. The schedule is favorable for them...they're facing a lot of .500 and below teams and they still have 4 games left in the division including twice with the Vikings. If they go no worse than 3-1 in those games, I think they win the division and host a wild card game. Every team in the division stinks...it'll come down to the head-to-head matchups. Only one team will make the playoffs out of that division.
Final Prediction: 8-8 (NFC North champions)
Last edited by Shoalzie on Sun Oct 16, 2005 1:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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See You Next Wednesday
- De Gustibus Non Est Disputandum
- Posts: 1487
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The Packers Defense gets a C, the Packers offense gets a D, the Packers coaching gets an F and the Packers Management gets an F. Final grade: D-.
"As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron."
- H.L. Mencken (1880 - 1956)
- H.L. Mencken (1880 - 1956)
Bengals:
Offense- A
Carson Palmer is one of the top rated QBs in the league, Rudi Johnson is 5th in the NFL in rushing, and Chad Johnson is one of the top 5-6 receivers in the league. Chris Perry is a nice compliment to Rudi in the backfield, and when healthy TJ Whatsmynameuh keeps opposing Ds honest against CJ.
Defense- C+
They've been very opportunistic thus far, but IMO a part of that is the quality of teams they've played. Their pass rush is still somewhat lacking, and counting on 2 key rookie starters is bound to have some mistakes. Secondary is pretty solid, it's the run D that concerns me most.
Special Teams- B
Coaching- A+
Outlook-
I think this is a 10-6 team, which earns Cincy a playoff spot for the first time in a LONG time. If they can continue to add pieces to the D and keep everyone healthy, the future looks mighty bright.
Offense- A
Carson Palmer is one of the top rated QBs in the league, Rudi Johnson is 5th in the NFL in rushing, and Chad Johnson is one of the top 5-6 receivers in the league. Chris Perry is a nice compliment to Rudi in the backfield, and when healthy TJ Whatsmynameuh keeps opposing Ds honest against CJ.
Defense- C+
They've been very opportunistic thus far, but IMO a part of that is the quality of teams they've played. Their pass rush is still somewhat lacking, and counting on 2 key rookie starters is bound to have some mistakes. Secondary is pretty solid, it's the run D that concerns me most.
Special Teams- B
Coaching- A+
Outlook-
I think this is a 10-6 team, which earns Cincy a playoff spot for the first time in a LONG time. If they can continue to add pieces to the D and keep everyone healthy, the future looks mighty bright.
"Our staff is going to ensure that anyone who attends this University and wears the Indiana uniform will make this privilege among their highest priorities and not treat the opportunity as an entitlement,'' Crean said in a statement. "We fully expect our student-athletes to accept the responsibilities academically, athletically and socially that come with representing one of the top programs in college basketball history."
Oakland Raiders
Coaching: In a word, uninspiring. Today's game v. the Bolts was a 'must' win game, and coming off a bye, Norv's team came out as flat as can be. Well hell, FLAT is basically what they've ALWAYS been in the Norv era. 6-16 as Raider top man, and that ain't gonna make it with Al. Nope, not at all. Norv's gonna be hearin' footsteps.
Grade = D+
Offense: The offense is missing a couple of important pieces, IMO. 3rd down back with a touch of speed, an upgraded O-lineman or two, and a reliable possession receiver. Collins has put up good enough numbers, but the truth is that he's on the hot seat for his play. Just not consistent enough. Moss has not had the impact that he should, but I'm not putting that on him. It's a host of other problems.
Grade = D+
Defense: Has improved over last year, but that doesn't really say a whole lot, as last year they were UTTER dog shit. They've had too many silly penalties and they've found a way to get toasted, be it by the air, or on the ground. They are short a couple/few impact players on this side of the ball, but I basically have liked their effort to this point.
Grade = C-
Special teams: Lechler is outstanding, Jano is not steady, coverage and return games have been so-so, Walker has had a couple of nice kick-blocks. Carr hasn't broken anything big, and he had one fumble. No great shakes here, just fair.
Grade = B-
Outlook: Looks like 6-10 to me. Despite high hopes, this is not a team that can contend. I just can't realisically see them winning 6 of 7, or whatever, to get back into the race. Losing mentality has planted a seed and it is going to flower this year, I am afraid. Norv won't last. I think it is possible for Al to can him mid-season, although I don't really expect that. If 6-10 is what it is (or perhaps worse), Al will replace Norv.
Coaching: In a word, uninspiring. Today's game v. the Bolts was a 'must' win game, and coming off a bye, Norv's team came out as flat as can be. Well hell, FLAT is basically what they've ALWAYS been in the Norv era. 6-16 as Raider top man, and that ain't gonna make it with Al. Nope, not at all. Norv's gonna be hearin' footsteps.
Grade = D+
Offense: The offense is missing a couple of important pieces, IMO. 3rd down back with a touch of speed, an upgraded O-lineman or two, and a reliable possession receiver. Collins has put up good enough numbers, but the truth is that he's on the hot seat for his play. Just not consistent enough. Moss has not had the impact that he should, but I'm not putting that on him. It's a host of other problems.
Grade = D+
Defense: Has improved over last year, but that doesn't really say a whole lot, as last year they were UTTER dog shit. They've had too many silly penalties and they've found a way to get toasted, be it by the air, or on the ground. They are short a couple/few impact players on this side of the ball, but I basically have liked their effort to this point.
Grade = C-
Special teams: Lechler is outstanding, Jano is not steady, coverage and return games have been so-so, Walker has had a couple of nice kick-blocks. Carr hasn't broken anything big, and he had one fumble. No great shakes here, just fair.
Grade = B-
Outlook: Looks like 6-10 to me. Despite high hopes, this is not a team that can contend. I just can't realisically see them winning 6 of 7, or whatever, to get back into the race. Losing mentality has planted a seed and it is going to flower this year, I am afraid. Norv won't last. I think it is possible for Al to can him mid-season, although I don't really expect that. If 6-10 is what it is (or perhaps worse), Al will replace Norv.