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Yeah - I'm not so sure about some of sportscurmudgeon's analysis.
1. WR talent is fine. They get open deep, but we haven't been able to hit the deep ball yet. I think they need some time to gel with Ramsey, but also, Coles is playing somewhat injured this year and I think we can all agree Gardiner, "50/50," may not be the best 2nd receiver on the team.
2. I think our interior OL is fine. They held up well today and are getting better. The injury to Randy Thomas scares me. Obviously, RT has been a huge sore point, but next year, Jansen will hopefully step back in and play at his pro-bowl level over there.
3. I think all those other guys are back there for blocking primarily - and have done a decent job. Gibbs doesn't want a Shockey at TE, or rather, doesn't need a Shockey at TE - he needs solid hard-nosed blockers.
4. I may be the only one, but I think Ramsey showed a lot during the game. He has quickly learned how to play how Gibbs wants him to play. Once he has earned Gibbs' trust, I think you'll see the reigns come off a bit, and I think you'll see him start hitting some deep passes with more consistency. I think he looked great running the offense - he went 21 for 34 and had about 5 or 6 drops. If the receivers had held on to the ball, he would have completed over 75% of his passes!
They are a first-year team with a first-year coach! They have been playing tough, hard-nosed football and just have not had that certain je ne sais crois this year.
But....they are learning and fighting together, as a team. If the front-office does its job, resigns Smoot and Pierce in the offseason, and drafts well, I think you'll see a 12-4 team next year.
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