09-12-2022, 11:15 AM
(09-11-2022, 11:58 PM)Joelist Wrote: I do think that when you get behind Burrow's picks and the blocking issues and the other miscues a big culprit sure looks like it is Zac Taylor not playing his offensive starters at all in live preseason action (as in full speed football). In particular an OL with four new starters NEEDED the full speed reps to get into some kind of sync with each other and Burrow needed them to get into some kind of internal rhythm.
Yes the appendectomy caused Burrow to miss a lot of practices but really both he and the entire offense should have played in Preseason Game 3 for at least a half to get the gelling process started and get some kind of rhythm established. Had we done that I suspect we would not have turned the ball over 4 times, the line would have been in a bit better sync and we would have won.
I'm not sure playing your starting OL (hell, 2 of them were hurt/getting over injury) for 2-3 possessions total in 3 preseason games had anything to do with the way they played. Look, it takes time for any OL to get starting a new season let alone 4 new starters ESPECIALLY going against a very very good D and probably the best DL in the NFL.
You can prep all you want but when bullets are firing from the AK the way the Steelers came out it's tough and becomes damn near impossible when your QB gives the damn ball away 4 times 30 minutes. Truth of the matter is the OL adjusted and played great football for 25-30 minutes in the 2nd half and you miss an extra point and chip shot FG due to multiple reasons.
Had they won this game everyone in the NFL would be talking about a tremendous comeback win. This team takes far more positive away from this game going forward.
