Quote:
Originally Posted by Skinny Tee
we can't look at Super Bowl years and recapture it by mimicking those individual transactions. Major changes to the game, like Free Agency and having a higher class of athletes, make those strategies archaic. We obviously can't use low draft picks like they did in the past, that is obsolete in this environment.
What we can do is see that our past teams had strong and deep lines that dominated the competitive games they played. Let's take that and implement that foundational idea to the modern era, as opposed to finding a replicate Monk or Gibbs.
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I think we agree that a SB level team needs to be top 10 level on the OL and top 10 in defense (which starts on the DL). We're just looking at it from slightly different angles. I just don't think things are as easy as saying Snyderatto is the root of all evil and must be exorcised (I'm not suggesting that you're saying this).
When Gibbs came in we were a disaster. In his four years we made the playoff twice. Not too bad IMO. When Gibbs left we had the following issues to address:
In addition to a new Offensive and Defensive system....
1) DL needed a LDE and DT
2) Mcintosh knees were a question
3) Washington was starting to show signs of aging
4) A young, top 5 defensive player had just been tragically taken from us.
5) Springs' health
6) Rogers health/abilities were in question
7) Developing QB going into another new offense
8) no quality WR over 5' 9"
9) OL that appeared fairly solid, but was aging. Several veterans had either signed new deals or restructures limiting their movement/release.
No way all those issues would be addressed in one year. What happened:
1) No LDE or DT that was highly rated was available when we picked. Unless I'm mistaken none of the DL that we passed over made an impact this year. Our projected starting DE is out for the year in training camp so Cerrato makes a move in desperation that is boom or bust, unfortunately it busts. I don't think many foresaw how poorly Taylor would play this year. I was hesitant with his move to LDE and felt he would be a liability against the run, but I thought he still had some pass rush left (unfortunately I was wrong on the pass rush part).
2) McIntosh rebounded a bit but will not develop into a superstar, just a solid LB.
3) Washington's age caught up to him and he's defintely in the twilight of his career
4) Landry moves to FS, plays well. Cerrato finds a gem in Horton in the late rounds of the draft.
5) Springs' health/cap number are still an issue, however Cerrato brings in Hall.
6) Rogers has a solid season and answers most doubters.
7) Campbell improves and puts up excellent numbers until the OL breaks down mid-season. His QB rating overall was up over 7 points from last year even with a weaker OL. This is in no small part to Zorn's coaching.
8) Drafted two WRs who should develop into starting NFL WRs, one 6'2", the other 6'4"
9) Rinehardt drafted 3rd round. Heyer developing. OL age catches up to them and we need to rebuild faster than anticipated. Currently we have solid depth but need a starting C, and either a starting G or T.
My point is, the FO isn't as stupid and incompetent as some would like to make it seem. Nor is the coaching staff. Many analysts had us in the 6-10 range this season. If we are able to address 70% of the holes on the OL & DL this off-season we should be very competitive in 2009 & 2010.