I'm tired of the comparisons to last year's bad start and relatively good finish. There were some key differences last year- the big ones are:
1. Last year McGahee came in and gave the offense a spark. This year, McGahee's already playing well but it's not helping us win. The only spark could come from Roscoe Parrish, but he can't help if Losman can't get him the ball.
2. Last year, we had a dominating D that kept us in every game except the first NE game. This year, the D is a year older and missing 2 Pro Bowl players (Spikes and Pat Williams). I doubt they'll be as bad statistically against the run at the end of the season, but we can't count on them for points, turnovers and other game-changing plays like we could last year.
3. Last year, we had a much easier schedule. Miami was so bad that those two games were almost guaranteed wins, and the NFC West is a joke, unlike the NFC South. Miami is playing much better. Cincinnatti is playing much better. And we still have to play NE twice, Oakland, KC, Denver and Carolina.
I think we're pretty much screwed, but here's what has to happen to have any hope this year:
1. Pound the ball on the ground with both McGahee and Losman. Plan short passes for Losman, and if it's not there have him take off. And just ram McGahee down the opponents' throat until they prove they can stop him. So far no one has.
2. Bring in Winborn. Yeah, it's a gamble, but this D needs a spark without TKO and I don't know where else to get it.
3. Get Parrish back and find a way to get him and Lee Evans the ball. Reverses, screens, sideline routes- whatever Losman can throw. These guys just need to get their hands on the football more.
4. Sam Adams and London Fletcher better step it up. I want to hear one of their names called on every play that goes less than 8 yards.
1. Last year McGahee came in and gave the offense a spark. This year, McGahee's already playing well but it's not helping us win. The only spark could come from Roscoe Parrish, but he can't help if Losman can't get him the ball.
2. Last year, we had a dominating D that kept us in every game except the first NE game. This year, the D is a year older and missing 2 Pro Bowl players (Spikes and Pat Williams). I doubt they'll be as bad statistically against the run at the end of the season, but we can't count on them for points, turnovers and other game-changing plays like we could last year.
3. Last year, we had a much easier schedule. Miami was so bad that those two games were almost guaranteed wins, and the NFC West is a joke, unlike the NFC South. Miami is playing much better. Cincinnatti is playing much better. And we still have to play NE twice, Oakland, KC, Denver and Carolina.
I think we're pretty much screwed, but here's what has to happen to have any hope this year:
1. Pound the ball on the ground with both McGahee and Losman. Plan short passes for Losman, and if it's not there have him take off. And just ram McGahee down the opponents' throat until they prove they can stop him. So far no one has.
2. Bring in Winborn. Yeah, it's a gamble, but this D needs a spark without TKO and I don't know where else to get it.
3. Get Parrish back and find a way to get him and Lee Evans the ball. Reverses, screens, sideline routes- whatever Losman can throw. These guys just need to get their hands on the football more.
4. Sam Adams and London Fletcher better step it up. I want to hear one of their names called on every play that goes less than 8 yards.
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