Some optimism on the 'Shanaplan'

[GTripp0012]

I'm not about to join in with a chorus of excuses for the job Mike Shanahan has done -- those that can find forgiveness in this are more faithful than I will ever be -- but I do have this to say: this team looks a lot worse coming off a six game losing streak than it has realistically played.

Rex Grossman has been better than advertised this season. The offensive line hasn't consistently opened up holes in the running game, but it hasn't protected passers poorly this year, particularly in games played on grass. The receiver play has been wildly inconsistent (and at critical times, costly), but promising. I can't say a good note about the running backs, because we don't play Helu, but Helu is either a no. 1 or no. 2 in the NFL for the rest of his career.

And the defense has exceeded all expectation after last year. I think Orakpo is taking a lot of blame right now that probably should have been directed at him earlier, but that doesn't mean he's not a top pass rusher in this league. I think the secondary has actually gotten better over the losing streak in terms of covering receivers. And our linebackers are as good as any in the league now that Rocky has been benched.

So there's some legitimate reason for optimism after this game. The offense is bad, and has very few young pieces for the future. I'm thinking it may not be unsalvageable. I don't think this coaching staff can fix the issues or it already would have. But we'll have a healthier OL next year and that should have a trickle down effect to the rest of the offense.