05-20-2019, 07:55 PM
(05-20-2019, 06:51 PM)NKURyan Wrote: I'm going to disagree. I think a big reason he struggled as much as he did in year 2 is because they basically redshirted him his rookie year. That's valuable experience that he missed out on.
And look, maybe Ross struggled with the playbook, maybe he was making some poor decisions on the field, I don't know. I think a good coach does everything he can to put a player - especially a young one - in a position to succeed. You can't tell me they couldn't have given Ross more chances on screen passes (which they never seem to throw to him) or reverses (which they basically stopped calling for him after he fumbled once) to at least build some confidence for the guy. Call the guy's number on a designed play and boost that guy up, don't ignore him, especially when a quick screen play or slant would only help your struggling offensive line.
You see it all the time when you watch good QBs, and commentators mention it all the time - "Andrew Luck goes right back to receiver X after he dropped the last one to show him he still has faith in him". That's how you build chemistry between the two. With Ross, it seemed like it was always "Well, he messed up on the one play we're going to give him a shot, so screw him we'll just play shorthanded the rest of the way".
If I had to pick a player that I think will have the biggest turnaround next year, I'm going with Ross. He's going to benefit from having actual competent offensive minds on staff more than anyone, because even if he does have huge holes in his game they'll find a way to play to his strengths.
I think they use him wrong. They constantly run him deep. That's not going to be his game in the NFL. They should be using him over the middle and getting him the ball in space where he can outrun guys. Then occasionally send him deep.
I would say that there's not reason he couldn't get 800 yards this year...but I think a lot of his issue is mental. That's what he needs to overcome.
I think Mixon will have 1400+ yards rushing.
Hmmm...who would I pick for a breakout year? I'd probably go with Ross or Price on offense and William Jackson making the Pro Bowl on defense.
