Observations from the Colts Game

WillParks · Joined: 24 Feb 2009 Posts: 292

Offense:

1. Once again our lack of killer instinct hurt us big time. I haven't been a big Linehan fan at all this season but his conservative/prevent offense play calling in the fourth quarter prevented us from getting a badly needed win.

2. Brandon Pettigrew's hands can't be trusted on anything more than 15 yards. His drop near the goal-line was inexcusable.

3. Stafford played a great game but still flashed a lack of timing with his receivers. How can that still be happening 12 games into the season?

4. Our o-line did a great job in pass protection but we have to be able to run the ball to finish out games. Late in the fourth quarter we were one first down away from securing the win and we couldn't run the ball effectively enough to get it. The o-line needs some serious work in the off-season

5. Losing Ryan Broyles could really hurt us this year and next year.

6. How many drops are we going to have before we start firing coaches? I really hate seeing these drops. At this point, I think both Shawn Jefferson and Scott Linehan should be let go in the off-season.

7. I know Leshoure was a 2d round pick put Joique Bell needs to get more snaps. He is a better receiver and a better north-south runner. He has a knack for making a big play at the right time.

Defense

1. Suh and Fairley had really good games. The one exception would be Fairley's horse collar penalty. Stupid penalty at a really bad time.

2. We continue to be hurt by the marginal play of our DEs. Did anyone else see Cliff Avril just run into Andrew luck and not even try to get his arms around him late in the game? Considering how much attention our DTs get, one of our DEs' should be disruptive on a regular basis.

3. It is a good thing Coby Fleener got hurt because we couldn't cover TEs very well today.

4. We might need to upgrade the safety position in both free agency and the draft. Everyone besides Delmas is would be a nickel/dime package safety on any other team and Delmas can't stay healthy enough to counted on as a part of the long-term solution at that position.

5. Just like the offense, the defensive line and linebackers couldn't make a play late in the game. Were they gassed or were they playing to much of a prevent defense?

6. Jacob Lacy makes as many dumb plays as he does good plays. Now that we are definitely out of the playoffs give Jonte Green more snaps. At least he has the potential to get better.

This was another frustrating loss. It showed that we have glaring needs S, DE and G/C. Our LBs are solid but it would be nice if we had someone that was a playmaker at that position also. From here on out, I hope that they start giving more snaps to our younger players (Riley Reiff, Jonte Green, Tahir Whitehead, Travis Lewis, Ronnel Lewis, Sammie Hill and maybe even a practice squad person). Its not like we are getting stellar results from our veterans.

With the salary cap constraints we have because of Suh and Stafford's rookie deals this could be a very tough off-season. I think this is where we find out just how good Martin Mayhew really is as a general manager.

What did you guys see?

usedaschwartz · Joined: 10 Feb 2009 Posts: 280

Gunther needs to retire. The game has passed him by.

detfan782004 · Joined: 01 Apr 2005 Posts: 39366 Location: Montana

TL-TwoWinsAway · Joined: 19 Feb 2008 Posts: 24074

WillParks · Joined: 24 Feb 2009 Posts: 292

I think that we need a new offensive staff. We put up great numbers so far it isn't an offense we can consistently win with. We definitely need some position coach changes. Shawn Jefferson needs to go. I think we should also consider finding another d-line coach. How can we coach our guys to not get their hands up if they know that they won't be able to get a sack? At least we batted one pass down today. I don't think Gunther Cunningham needs to be replaced though.

stylish313 · Joined: 17 Jan 2009 Posts: 13779 Location: Flat Rock, Mi

bigez2011 · Joined: 26 Mar 2007 Posts: 599

qball8001 · Joined: 22 Nov 2005 Posts: 7932 Location: Arizona

TL-TwoWinsAway · Joined: 19 Feb 2008 Posts: 24074

IDOG_det · Joined: 02 Mar 2009 Posts: 11742 Location: here

Problem: Not the players, they're perfect. Fire everyone... except the players

Solution: none, just do it on the fly with Sexy Rexy
_________________
Kate Upton for sexy President!!!
Travi$ Scott is better than you

^^^^Kempes on the sig^^^^

"The original Ezekiel Ansah fan"

Nnivolcm · Joined: 07 Aug 2008 Posts: 5269 Location: Montana

TL-TwoWinsAway · Joined: 19 Feb 2008 Posts: 24074

IDOG_det · Joined: 02 Mar 2009 Posts: 11742 Location: here

IDOG_det · Joined: 02 Mar 2009 Posts: 11742 Location: here

You know what? Let's get Andy Reid! That guy is DA BEST EVA!!!
_________________
Kate Upton for sexy President!!!
Travi$ Scott is better than you

^^^^Kempes on the sig^^^^

"The original Ezekiel Ansah fan"

WillParks · Joined: 24 Feb 2009 Posts: 292

I definitely think there need to be some player changes in addition to some coaching staff changes. Brandon Pettigrew needs to go. We can't have one of our primary offensive weapons make so many crucial mistakes. I honestly think that we should, if at all possible replace Raiola and Peterman if we can. Cherilous is pretty pedestrian also. Personally considering how heavy his feet seem to be maybe he would be a better G. He is imminently replaceable though. We have to get one or maybe even two starting safeties. Spivey isn't working out due to injury and inconsistent play. Delmas can't stay healthy. Silva and Cary are good 3rd/back-up safeties. Avril hasn't been a consistent playmaker and needs to go. Jackson hasn't produced much in his back-up role either. Vandenbosche doesn't have much left in the tank and isn't worth the $9 million salary he is going to get. Our LBs all play the run pretty well but as I mentioned before there are no real playmakers in this group. Martin Mayhew will be pretty busy during this off-season.