Better days ahead. (Off season part 1 thread)

I agree. We need a DT with this top pick. Aside from Baker rotating in, who do we have if Hatcher leaves?

Another thing, should the game plan be to pass it 72% of the time against a top 3 pass defense?

Not very smart gameplan or coaching imo. In fact, very dumb

What team have you been watching!? They haven't been able to run the ball the majority of the season so they are a pass offense out of necessity. They tried to keep GB a bit honest with some runs but with a line that struggles to run block and a plodding RB like Morris who telegraphs run by virtue of his being in the game I thought they ran too much. Actually I'm surprised that over a quarter of the plays were runs and IMO had they passed a bit more might have had better results on offense.

I get you don't like Gruden but I though he did a great job all season with what was essentially a 1 dimensional offense.

What team have you been watching!? They haven't been able to run the ball the majority of the season so they are a pass offense out of necessity. They tried to keep GB a bit honest with some runs but with a line that struggles to run block and a plodding RB like Morris who telegraphs run by virtue of his being in the game I thought they ran too much. Actually I'm surprised that over a quarter of the plays were runs and IMO had they passed a bit more might have had better results on offense.

I get you don't like Gruden but I though he did a great job all season with what was essentially a 1 dimensional offense.

Ive been watching the same team, but you think passing more against a great pass defense was the answer? Yeah, you could be expect more turnovers as well.

11 rushes for 50 yards...4.5 a carry isn't getting stuffed exactly. The argument makes sense if its like 3 or less yards a carry.

Matt jones will be in the future plans and they will also get another rb or 2 depending on Thompson

We need to improve team speed on defense. DLineman that are disruptive and can get to the qb is a top priority.
We desperately need a top notch Left Guard to solidify our O-line.
We need a big blocking TE that can also be a threat in the passing game. We do not have one that can block. Bringing in a 6th O-lineman is not working.

Couldn't agree more with the bolded part . . . we NEED speed bad on defense . . . the defenses in KC, Seattle, AZ, Denver, Carolina . . . what do they all have in common . . . they have extremely fast defenses . . . in this NFL, where passing offenses with fast receivers everywhere, you need to have a fast defense . . . we need new MLB's (yes, with speed) . . .

i also agree with need some new D-Lineman . . . some youth up front there would be nice!! . . . and one more stud corner . . . and a strong safety that is fast and can hit (in the Chancellor mode) . . .

will SM be able to fix this all this off-season? probably not, but if anyone can it is SM!! . . . but either way, i expect he'll address the defense heavily this year . . . and probably some height at WR too . . .and some o-line too . . . new guard?

Posted this in another thread, fits better in this one:

How to be better next year:
Better guard and center play (more specifically in regards to the running game)
Better pass rush

Both these areas will improve internally when we get injured guys back. Then add a few draft picks up front on both sides and I think we'll be greatly improved there. I also see Alfmo leaving and us drafting another rb.

Gruden has a ways to go as a coach. I think he improved from year one to year two. With that said, however, many times this year, it seemed the Skins were out schemed/game planned by opposing coaches.

While I know the running game has been non-existent for most of the year, Gruden doesn't seem particularly committed to it when the rubber hits the road. Ultimately, this is becoming a passing league but, to me, you still must have a commitment and ability to run the ball.

Yesterday, we were essentially one dimensional which has occurred to often over the course of the year. Against good teams, and in the play offs, that just doesn't fly.

We will see what next year brings, and I am hopeful that we will see a better team (even if record is not as good - first place schedule next year). My biggest concern is Gruden's default setting seems to, historically, be a passing game. Hopefully, we take some strides in establishing the run next year so in games like yesterday, the opposing team can't just pin their ears back and come full bore for the QB.
I think this staff comes into games really well prepared, but definitely in game adjustments are lacking. I don't really know whether that is a game skill that can be learned.

The O line need improved which should definitely help the running game. I really think the Skins lack of a run game hurt them big-time vs GB. They also need to let Morris go and find a more dynamic RB who can also catch passes.

The D needs improving at most positions but the line especially needs improved. I agree Knighton need to lose weight, he's not much good only being able to play 2 plays before he's winded.

This is spot on. I'm agreeing with irish way too much lately.

Our RB position is just not good enough, Morris is just not a homerun threat in any fashion. I think your starting RB needs to be that threat, and in the passing game too.

I've come around to chico's thinking on the center position, too. I don't think you outright cut Lichtensteiger but you definitely do what you can to upgrade it. If you successfully upgrade then you can let Steiger go.

Smart player but just not big enough.

Ive been watching the same team, but you think passing more against a great pass defense was the answer? Yeah, you could be expect more turnovers as well.

11 rushes for 50 yards...4.5 a carry isn't getting stuffed exactly. The argument makes sense if its like 3 or less yards a carry.

I'm surprised we didn't take more advantage of their passing D. They struggled with coverage in the middle and definitely didn't have the speed to cover DJax. But our line didn't hold up as well as it has against lesser lines (no that's not really shocking). Let's remember KC still posted a 300+ game. (not deducting the 59 yds of sacks), and a 91.7 passer rating.

We are picking 21st in the draft. Here are the 21st picks since the merger:
Draft Finder Query Results | Pro-Football-Reference.com (http://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/draft-finder.cgi?request=1&year_min=1970&year_max=2015&type=&round_min=1&round_max=1&slot_min=21&slot_max=21&league_id=&team_id=&pos_new=qb&pos_new=rb&pos_new=wr&pos_new=te&pos_new=e&pos_new=t&pos_new=g&pos_new=c&pos_new=ol&pos_new=dt&pos_new=de&pos_new=dl&pos_new=lb&pos_new=db&pos_new=k&pos_new=p&college_id=all&conference=any&show=all&order_by=)

Some good names on the list, particularly in recent years. A solid blue-chip player should be reasonably expected.