(03-04-2018, 11:25 AM)Sled21 Wrote: LaFell is a solid receiver. As soon as Core, Malone or any of the others up their game and can take his job, they will. Until they become as reliable as he is, they won't. Can't get rid of him until one of them is ready to replace him.

(03-04-2018, 11:32 AM)corpjet Wrote: Im interested to see what he can do with a full off season under his belt, like the OP said we can't be any worse, I think his play calling will be solid just need the O-line to block this year.

At the end of the day everything comes down to our OL

(03-04-2018, 03:41 PM)Sled21 Wrote: I'm really excited to see what Lazor can do with this offense, which really has a lot of talent on it. I'm also excited to see what Austin does with the Defense, which also has tons of talent. Maybe the co-ordinators can overcome the HC and go further into the playoffs...

(03-04-2018, 11:30 AM)HarleyDog Wrote: I tend to agree. I mean there’s nothing spectacular about LaFell and he does struggle to get open at times but he seems dependable and is capable of big plays.

(03-04-2018, 03:47 PM)TSwigZ Wrote: I’m excited too bc i feel like even tho we were one of the worst 7-9 teams I’ve ever seen offensively we still pulled out 7 wins with an offense that couldn’t move the ball. We really need a hot start to the season so we don’t fall in a whole again. It feels like other then the ravens the browns are gonna start improving and Steelers will be good untill Ben retires this division is gonna get real tough so we need to step up

(03-04-2018, 03:50 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: I agree with this.  I also like to add that Lafell seems to have Andy's confidence, as he targets him without hesitation.  I'd like to see some of that same repoire built with Malone, Core, Ross and others.

(03-04-2018, 03:50 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: I agree with this.  I also like to add that Lafell seems to have Andy's confidence, as he targets him without hesitation.  I'd like to see some of that same repoire built with Malone, Core, Ross and others.

(03-03-2018, 12:19 PM)SHRacerX Wrote: I think the success of the 2018-19 season comes down to one man:  Bill Lazor.  He had the balls to change the offensive line blocking scheme mid-season (that could not have been easy) and showed he was right in his need for a philosophical change.

A new offensive line coach, moderate success down the stretch (it was night and day compared to the early Zampese offense, which was putrid), and some personnel changes might create the offense that has been sorely lacking the past two seasons to pair with a solid defense.

Lazor didn't accept the status quo when he was handed the reigns on offense.  He recently referred to Dalton on the NFL Network as an "ascending talent" and referenced many QBs that had their best seasons in their careers as they approached 30 years of age.  If he believes that about Dalton, he will have to dramatically improve the protection, the running game, and the weapons at receiver to help him be successful.  

It will be very interesting to see who the starting receivers are next season.  I think Ross and Core and excel at X, Boyd and Erickson in the slot, and AJ Green (with Malone backing him up) at the other side.  Lafell should not be part of the plans.  He simply doesn't take advantage of the matchups provided by Green.

I also hope we see more of Gio and Mixon on the field together and using them both as outlets for Dalton.

If Lazor can make this offense a top 10 unit, I think the defense will respond and do their part.  The defense has a few glaring needs at DT and LB, but has the pieces elsewhere to be a solid unit and I like the Austin hiring.

This is the best I can do to try and be optimistic about the upcoming season.  Address the offensive line, be aggressive, and start fast.  

Mr. Lazor, I put this on your lap.   Make me a believer.

(03-04-2018, 04:16 PM)Sled21 Wrote: Yep, like I've said before, when Lafell runs a route, Andy knows he is going to run the right route and be where he is supposed to be, and more than likely come down with the ball. He may not get as much YAC, but at least he gets the catch. Reliability trumps flash. When the other's become more reliable, then LaFell won't be as valuable. Until then, I do not understand the criticism he gets constantly from some on here.

(03-04-2018, 11:06 AM)HarleyDog Wrote: I keep seeing Erickson pop up in conversations, why? What has he done that even remotely deserves any praise? His return skills started to look like he was coming around and then he regressed. His receiving skills are nothing special either.

(03-04-2018, 05:56 PM)SHRacerX Wrote: His kick returns are only as good as his blockers, but he is a reliable return man and I think he has looked good in his rare opportunities.  You don't average 15 yards per reception in the slot by being lucky, especially when our other slot guy was not doing much early. 

(03-04-2018, 05:56 PM)SHRacerX Wrote: His kick returns are only as good as his blockers, but he is a reliable return man and I think he has looked good in his rare opportunities.  You don't average 15 yards per reception in the slot by being lucky, especially when our other slot guy was not doing much early. 

(03-04-2018, 05:58 PM)HarleyDog Wrote: He makes bad decisions inside the 10.

Cannot do this man.

(03-04-2018, 05:58 PM)HarleyDog Wrote: He makes bad decisions inside the 10.

(03-04-2018, 06:21 PM)Nate (formerly eliminate08) Wrote: I like Erickson as our backup Slot receiver but i am starting to lean at having another player like Brandon Wilson returning Kicks this year.

Early prediction: Wilson becomes our stud returner of the future.


 

(03-04-2018, 09:47 PM)Sled21 Wrote: May be, but you never know what Marvin is telling him to do, either.........

(03-05-2018, 09:34 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: Whatever the message, it must be a dumb one because Marvin let Brandon Tate do this over and over again.  I don't think we saw Erickson make that mistake more than a couple times and, if memory serves, both times were in games where they were getting pounded (I think the Chicago game was one) and maybe he was just trying to get a spark, because Lord knows they didn't have any that day. 

(03-03-2018, 12:36 PM)fredtoast Wrote: Lazor did not make any major personnel changes until he was forced to due to injuries.