Could be. Did that stamp start only this season? Did it start after the D was performing "below the line"?
IMO hard to replace the talent and smarts that Timmons has, though. Vince did admirably in that particular spot. Think about what the difference might have been if we had kept Timmons. Suddenly, you are replacing Shaz's spot with Timmons, which is a step down for that position but not as big a step as from Shazier to Big Red or Spence, and you are bringing Vince in for Timmons. How many teams have starting level back up at every position? Much less losing Shaz and the back up we did have. Now you are looking at your 3rd string and expect to have starting level quality there? I doubt any time could fit that requirement at any one position.
I do think that Burns was better last year. Davis was better last year, in some respects, and better this year in others. Haden was an upgrade over ****. I dont remember much about Gay's play this year.
In any event, in a couple of stats that matter, RZ% and PPG, your D did fine last year, lost in the AFCCG to cheaters and, outside of, possibly, Vince over Timmons, every position should have been better. In the draft we took Watt, which instantly upgraded that position. Puzzling.
They tried to bring in the pats ILBer, I know what was signed off on as a confidence in him, because he wasn't signed. But I took it as they really weren't high on Vince.
And IMO some real ****** hindsight. Because really Shazier was your only speedy cover ILber.
And don't get me wrong they made some real solid off-season decisions. Watt,Juju and Haden.
But ultimately that ILber proved to be the biggest weakness. And I am not so sure it was a strength even with Shazier being the all pro caliber ILBer.
If we look at possible scenarios you can avoid (obviously QB isn't one of them)
But if you look at this roster, I think these moves better be made, and all of them this off-season.
Draft a OLBer and ILBer early. Later a WR and OT.
And I am still leaning on them free agent bringing in a ILBer and FS. (with a Mitchell restructure- or cut)
I think it is critical by hook or crook two ILBers are added in some way shape or form. And I am not talking bottom of the barrel additions.
If you look at the roster good depth at
DE
CB
In this manner we can help eliminate the depth issues.
And if the coaches issues still persist? then we have nobody else to blame but them...........
Last edited:
