Quote:My issue is with whoever keeps using the roster turnover excuse when referencing the poor play of the offense.  I hear it from various sources, both in the media, the team, and the team's media (ie. Oehser).

 

Roster turnover CAN be an issue because one of the most critical components for effective play on either side of the ball is continuity.  Whether you're talking about an offensive line, skill positions, or on the defensive side of the ball, the more cohesive an experienced a team is playing together as a unit, the more effectively they will execute the plays.  It's not an excuse.  It's a fact.  Have you ever played the game? 

 

With the poor play of the offensive line, part of the issue aside from suspect talent in the middle of the line is the fact that they're being asked to do something this year they haven't done previously.  Then you toss a rookie into the mix.  An offensive line needs time to gel. 

 

If you're looking for a decent passing game in the NFL, it has a lot to do with timing.  That chemistry comes with repetition.  We've seen our starting receiving corps consist of Cecil Shorts III and a cast of guys.  We're missing Blackmon, and forcing Sanders to play out of position.  We're also missing our starting QB and TE who are sitting on the sideline, and our starting RB can't seem to get healthy. 

 

So, not only is turnover an issue, but availability is as well. 

 

All of this contributes to the lackluster offensive play.

 

Look at the better offenses in the league and how they operate.  It's like watching a Swiss watch operate.  Every part has a purpose, and everything works with precision.  If you take a part out, the entire watch stops working.  If you put inferior parts in, it doesn't work correctly, or is prone to breaking.  The same thing is true if you put a poorly fit part into the watch. 

 

Good offenses make it look easy and efficient.  We don't have a good offense, and we are thin on talent.  So, when we do lose someone who is actually a major component, it derails the entire unit. 

 

It will be interesting to see if there is any significant improvement once we've got Gabbert, Lewis, Blackmon, and MJD back on the field and healthy.  If the offense doesn't start clicking once they've shaken off the rust, then we've got an even deeper hole to climb out of.  We already know one piece of that is probably gone next year with MJD.  We know that the QB is probably on his last leg as a starter here.  But, if all of the parts are on the field, the hope is we'll see improved play from that unit.  It'll still be a group that's lacking for talent in certain areas, but we can be creative to scheme away from our weaknesses, even involving the lousy line play of late. 

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