So...year one, we basically dissassembled the team Got rid of a lot of players and driafted pretty well. We won 4 games. Year two (this year) we got our franchise QB, picked up some wide receivers, improved the defense in free agency...and tried to pick up an all-pro Center. Unsuccessfully, but it was a heckuva try. And only won 3 games. I do think they made a mistake going with Henne (for the primary QB) because he was just not very good. Steady...but his level of steady is not at all good. Meant we had to put Bortles in earlier than desirable, but the kid has done all right.
How bad is Bortles? Not too bad. For instance, the sack by Watt in the end zone was absolutely on Bortles. He really needed to throw that ball away. On the other hand, he had at least 5 passes dropped by receivers (Lee for 3, Marcedes for 1 and Hurns for 1. I think Shots dropped one too...but it happens so often...). Several of those passes were for critical first downs. Yes, he missed a few passes. Marcedes in the end zone, for instance. Clearly he needs to work on his footwork under pressure.
The thing is, the kid is big, tough, and pretty close to fearless. He is also (so far) indestructable. Who said that availability is the best ability? Bortles is the poster child for availability. He seems to have a lot of courage too...his runs are big and usually effective. The problem is that his OL and WR's are young...and make rookie mistakes. So does he. If, in the offseason, Bortles works (as I am absolutely sure he will) as hard as he can, he will be much improved next year. Similarly, his WR's will be another year experienced and will play better too.
Offensive line? Clearly there is room for improvement. Not as much as some say, but room. I think Joekel gets an off-season to improve his craft...and strength. He didn't get that opportunity last year. He should wind up pretty good...ok at worst. Beadles? I can't tell. Not very special, but seems to usually get the job done. Bowanko? Room for improvement...and I suspect he will. I personally kind of like him and Bortles growing up together. Linder? Next year pro bowl. We need a right tackle. What most fail to recognize is that this group have been effectively without a coach. Butkus is ok, but Yarno is the man...and he is out. This is the one coaching decision I see coming. We need an OL coach...who isn't named Butkus. Tough call, but it has to be done.
So...this offseson? How about a good receiving TE, an experienced RT and draft D...DE first round, I think. A later RB makes some sense. Gonna be harder for rookies to break in.
Coaching staff? Keep 'em. Well, OL coach as above. Keep the rest for continuity. It makes no sense to blow things up at year two in a three year rebuild...
And for those who get suicidal when we lose? Miss ya, wouldn't want to be ya. This is a professional football team. Entertainment. To invest so much anger and angst is just silly.
Jim
Just a broke-down old college OT...
