Quote:This seems a more reasoned stance than when you started, but I am left to wonder what free agents you would have brought in on the offensive side of the ball.


The team brought in Beadles. It tried to bring in Alex Mack and Cleveland matched the offer. It also tried to bring in Sanders, but he opted to sign elsewhere.


Who would you have signed on the offensive side of the ball that would come here and made a difference?

I think when we talk about bringing in guys to make a difference, we have to be reasonable. Ive thrown decker's name out there. Is he elite? No. Is he decent? Yes. And considering the inconsistency of the rookies, id have taken the veteran experience.


In reality, there are few elite players in FA. Not the point though. I think we underestimate the importance of guys who have at least played a game at this level. Experience alone would give them a leg up on guys like hurns/lee.


Youth isnt the problem. The problem is that the youth we have doesnt have enough experience, particularly on th offensive side of the ball. Putting that many 1st/2nd year players on the field at once wasnt the best strategy imo. I just dont see who it helps. If you throw a handful of rookies in with more experienced guys, my guess is there's less of a chance of the game being "too big" for each individual. Veteran players hold the younger guys accountable. You see it all the time with other teams, where a veteran goes up to a rookie who just made a mistake and discusses it with them.

Gus talks a lot about these guys needing to trust each other. I imagine it's harder for a rookie to trust another rookie than a guy who has played 3 or 4 years in the league.


The amount of cap space we have certainly would have allowed us to sign more veterans, for depth if nothing else. Wouldnt have crippled us financially at all.

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