ChuckLiddell
Footballguy
We have stunk enough to not warrant an offseason thread for a long time. This offseason, maybe we will have something to discuss for a change.
Lots of reasons for optimism, and lots of reasons for concern. Here are a few worthy offseason topics in each category...
Reasons for optimism:
1. Looks like Parcells will stay. His work along with that of Ireland and Sporano this season was beyond spectacular. The rebuild looks to be well ahead of schedule.
2. Henning brought our offense to life with innovative and exciting play calling. He was able to take advantage of the skillsets that our roster did offer - which were not terribly strong. With another draft, and another year for some younger players to develop we may be able to infuse the innovative system with some stronger talent. That could lead to us having a really exciting offense for the first time since 13's knees began to fail.
3. The D is young, and good. Langford and Merling had solid rookie seasons, Matt Roth may have found his home at OLB, J-Peazy came back to life, Y. Bell looks like he may be a pro-bowl caliber safety, and the CBs (Goodman and Allen) had nice seasons.
4. Thanks to Jason Taylor's (sort of) demand to be traded to a "contender", we have an extra middle second round pick in this draft as well as an extra 6th. Having 3 picks in the first 2 rounds is fun! Could get us another blue chip OL, a WR, and maybe another secondary guy if all goes well.
5. Ronnie played well despite being just one year removed from major knee surgery. He also stayed healthy for the first time in his career for 16 games. He should by all means come back stronger next season.
Reasons for concern:
1. Pennington had a great season. Best in Miami by far since 13 was behind center. But the question clearly remains - can he take us to the next level, or is he simply an average QB who makes good decisions, but lacks the skill to take a team deep in the playoffs?
2. Crowder and Goodman are free agents that we may have to let go. Both made major contributions this season.
3. Will we get a true WR1 in the offseason? Boldin is probably going to be way too expensive to trade for. Maybe Ocho Cinco? We cannot go into 2009 with Ted Ginn Jr or Devonne Bess as our WR1. Both make fine complimentary WRs, but we absolutely must get someone on the field that strikes at least a little fear into the opposing defenses. Without that, both the running game and Pennington will suffer, and as such, the offense will be average at best.
It's fun to have something to talk about in the offseason!
Lots of reasons for optimism, and lots of reasons for concern. Here are a few worthy offseason topics in each category...
Reasons for optimism:
1. Looks like Parcells will stay. His work along with that of Ireland and Sporano this season was beyond spectacular. The rebuild looks to be well ahead of schedule.
2. Henning brought our offense to life with innovative and exciting play calling. He was able to take advantage of the skillsets that our roster did offer - which were not terribly strong. With another draft, and another year for some younger players to develop we may be able to infuse the innovative system with some stronger talent. That could lead to us having a really exciting offense for the first time since 13's knees began to fail.
3. The D is young, and good. Langford and Merling had solid rookie seasons, Matt Roth may have found his home at OLB, J-Peazy came back to life, Y. Bell looks like he may be a pro-bowl caliber safety, and the CBs (Goodman and Allen) had nice seasons.
4. Thanks to Jason Taylor's (sort of) demand to be traded to a "contender", we have an extra middle second round pick in this draft as well as an extra 6th. Having 3 picks in the first 2 rounds is fun! Could get us another blue chip OL, a WR, and maybe another secondary guy if all goes well.
5. Ronnie played well despite being just one year removed from major knee surgery. He also stayed healthy for the first time in his career for 16 games. He should by all means come back stronger next season.
Reasons for concern:
1. Pennington had a great season. Best in Miami by far since 13 was behind center. But the question clearly remains - can he take us to the next level, or is he simply an average QB who makes good decisions, but lacks the skill to take a team deep in the playoffs?
2. Crowder and Goodman are free agents that we may have to let go. Both made major contributions this season.
3. Will we get a true WR1 in the offseason? Boldin is probably going to be way too expensive to trade for. Maybe Ocho Cinco? We cannot go into 2009 with Ted Ginn Jr or Devonne Bess as our WR1. Both make fine complimentary WRs, but we absolutely must get someone on the field that strikes at least a little fear into the opposing defenses. Without that, both the running game and Pennington will suffer, and as such, the offense will be average at best.
It's fun to have something to talk about in the offseason!
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