01-27-2025, 12:06 PM
(01-27-2025, 11:37 AM)M.W. Wrote: I think our offense s lacking 2 things to be elite:
1.) better O line play - if the tackles can stay healthy we need a really good OG.
2.) offensive play calling
I do think the offense can be elite with or without Tee. If the play calls are a bit more balanced and the OL can create a hole/push, we can establish a run game. We saw what that can do this weekend in the playoffs. This will go a long way to improve the offense as the opposing defense gets worn out with our grinding series. This will also take a possession or two from the opposition because we limit our 1.5 minute drives (pass, pass, sack , punt) and control the clock.
The new OL coach may help, but I think we need to pay up for a really good OG that has a history of reliability not injuries.
If you do not sign Tee - Gesicki becomes more important. If not him, some other dynamic TE.
If Burrow gets a few more seconds on average the WR/TE will get open.
We are in full agreement on the OL. Though I think we need to upgrade both G spots. But it is more than that, because we are a passing team, we value pass protection more than run blocking in OL players. Our 2 "best" OL guys are much better in pass protection than run blocking. Take a look:
Player: Overall PFF (Rank), Pass (Rank), Run (Rank)
Karras: 64.1 (25/64); 78.0 (7/64); 54.9 (48/64)
O. Brown: 58.2 (92/141); 69.5 (52/141); 49.7 (122/141)
Brown's numbers took a hit playing on that broken leg late. As did Mins' with the broken hand.
Our G's are actually better run blockers than pass blockers, but probably the worst pass blocking G combo in the league.
Mims: 57.8 (96/141); 60.8 (80/141); 52.6 (111/141)
Cappa: 50.5 (110/135); 39.7 (107/135); 54.9 (103/135)
Volson: 59.3 (78/135); 49.4 (97/135); 65.6 (52/135)
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Ford (OT): 50.6 (112/141); 50.2 (110/141); 49.8 (121/141)
T. Brown: 65.2 (54/141); 64.2 (73/141); 68.4 (47/141)
We do need better guys. But we also need guys who can do both things well/competently instead of only one. When we have them, this will allow more balanced playcalling.
The same problem is in the TE room. Sample & Grandy are blockers. Gesicki and Hudson are essentially big WRs. The only guy who does not give away the play by his presence is All, and he cannot be counted on due to injury. If we had legit 2-way TE's, the play would be more of a mystery based on personnel. Plus, we wouldn't need to carry 5 and it would free up a roster spot somewhere else (DE/OLB combo, FB/big back, etc.).
Speaking of, I also think we need a legit #3 receiving threat. Be it a TE or WR3. And an RB2 to share the load with Brown. Preferably a bigger back.
