Bortles will get the help he needs this coming off season.
The offensive line is a focus of a lot of fan ire right now, but I really think guys like Bowanko and Linder will only get better with an off season to work on getting stronger.
Joeckel will benefit from this as well this year. He didn't have the opportunity last season because he spent the bulk of the off season program rehabbing that injury. This year (barring injury in the next 2 years) he can work on bulking up some and getting stronger. He's got all the tools to be effective. He just needs that additional strength and conditioning.
The RT situation will be one to watch. I suspect the team will invest in a tackle to bookend that line, or at least to bring in some quality competition to go up against Pasztor.
Bortles will get help with the receiving corps as well. Hopefully, Blackmon applies for and is granted reinstatement, and he's able to keep himself out of trouble. If he does, he's going to be a huge upgrade that will help Bortles significantly.
I would expect to see the team looking at the TE position to upgrade. There will be possible options in free agency that would be significant upgrades, and I would expect to see the team explore their options. Lewis has continued to be inconsistent as a weapon in the passing game, and with a QB like Bortles, we need reliable outlets for him to work with, and Lewis doesn't fit the bill.
I think the running game is going to be upgraded this off season, probably through the draft. Finding a back who can have an impact on moving the chains will loosen things up for Bortles.
The team has a lot of holes to work on, but I think the offense is at the point where a few key acquisitions can really turn things around quickly.
Quote:Bortles will get the help he needs this coming off season.
The offensive line is a focus of a lot of fan ire right now, but I really think guys like Bowanko and Linder will only get better with an off season to work on getting stronger.
Joeckel will benefit from this as well this year. He didn't have the opportunity last season because he spent the bulk of the off season program rehabbing that injury. This year (barring injury in the next 2 years) he can work on bulking up some and getting stronger. He's got all the tools to be effective. He just needs that additional strength and conditioning.
The RT situation will be one to watch. I suspect the team will invest in a tackle to bookend that line, or at least to bring in some quality competition to go up against Pasztor.
Bortles will get help with the receiving corps as well. Hopefully, Blackmon applies for and is granted reinstatement, and he's able to keep himself out of trouble. If he does, he's going to be a huge upgrade that will help Bortles significantly.
I would expect to see the team looking at the TE position to upgrade. There will be possible options in free agency that would be significant upgrades, and I would expect to see the team explore their options. Lewis has continued to be inconsistent as a weapon in the passing game, and with a QB like Bortles, we need reliable outlets for him to work with, and Lewis doesn't fit the bill.
I think the running game is going to be upgraded this off season, probably through the draft. Finding a back who can have an impact on moving the chains will loosen things up for Bortles.
The team has a lot of holes to work on, but I think the offense is at the point where a few key acquisitions can really turn things around quickly.
If we can upgrade the center position to a guy who has elite talent instead of a project like Bowanko, that would help the team ALOT. I think it would be foolish to not look for upgrades there and just HOPE he gets better.
Quote:If we can upgrade the center position to a guy who has elite talent instead of a project like Bowanko, that would help the team ALOT. I think it would be foolish to not look for upgrades there and just HOPE he gets better.
If there's an opportunity to upgrade the Center position, I think they will. But, I don't see that as being their main priority. The team loves Bowanko, and they expect to see him continue to develop. There's no reason to think that won't happen.
I agree that Bowanko, Linder, and Joeckel should all improve this offseason with strength training, but I think at least two of those guys would be solid depth in a best-case scenario. Not that the team shouldn't focus on their development, but they certainly shouldn't pass up the chance to add quality talent if given the opportunity. I think a strong offensive line is vital to building a successful offense (duh).
I've long wanted this team to draft offensive line heavy, and I think the Cowboys or 49ers model of drafting the big guys early and often should be our blueprint, especially now that we have a QB and a ton of money to spend on FAs. Caldwell really does have the luxury of selecting the best player this year, regardless of draft position. If that ends up being a Olineman, I'll have no problem with that.
I especially agree that this team needs a new TE. I like Clay Harbor as a 2 TE set and sneaky goal line pass catcher, but would love to see a Jermaine Gresham type added this offseason. Sign one and draft one would be best-case.
I wouldn't complain if they don't touch the WR position this offseason. The only possible signing I see is Cecil Shorts on a really cheap prove it deal for competition purposes, otherwise I don't expect them to do much.
We need a good, young RB this offseason, hopefully from the draft. I would dislike a Demarco Murray signing based off the injury history and carries he's had this year. I think they'll carry Toby, Denard, Storm, and a draft pick going in to next season. Her hart is a wild card, but he played well when given the chance last week.
This seems like a young, resilient and talented (in some areas) team, and I think they could improve a lot next season if they hit a home run this offseason. If not, I think the seat Warms up for Bradley and co. going into 2016.
I was gonna edit her hart to Gerhart, but I think I'll use it as my next drunk thing to yell when they run him on a stretch play.
I think Toby is pretty much a FA bust. At the very least, we cant depend on him being THE GUY. Denard is perfect as a spell back. I don't know where Gerhart fits in if we can find a top-talent RB.
TE is the most obvious need right now along with RT.
Quote:I think Toby is pretty much a FA bust. At the very least, we cant depend on him being THE GUY. Denard is perfect as a spell back. I don't know where Gerhart fits in if we can find a top-talent RB.
TE is the most obvious need right now along with RT.
Toby got hurt in the first game, and played pretty darn well when given the opportunity this week.
Im not ready to write him off yet. I think, if he's healthy next year, he will have the opportunity to make me look like an idiot for calling him Slowby Slowhart all season.
Quote:Toby got hurt in the first game, and played pretty darn well when given the opportunity this week.
Im not ready to write him off yet. I think, if he's healthy next year, he will have the opportunity to make me look like an idiot for calling him Slowby Slowhart all season.
Idk. He's nothing more than a short yardage back with decent hands. We need that every down stud.