JKool

Ok.

That sucked. Let's face it, we need to learn to forget that game and soon, or it will be a long and terrible year. It is like the CB on the island - "I got beat last play?" This is the direction we need to go.

However, while I think players and fans should put that game behind them, just like a good cornerback, the coaches cannot.

With Atlanta and Tampa Bay losing, we didn't drop back in our division. Thus, the real questions for the coaches are what can we learn from this game, and where do we go now.

Here are my first pass thoughts, and I hope to hear from more of you:
1. We are not really pressing the passer the way a line that includes Howard, Grant, Smith, Whitehead, Young, and Bryant should. What is going on here? Maybe we need to blitz more, but with a front four made up of these guys, we need to be able to get it done with just them sometimes. Sure, they're getting some pressure, but it isn't very consistent, and in my mind, not so impressive yet.

2. We need to revise our running game. Duece isn't looking good, and I'm sure it isn't just his fault. I thought we learned last year that we needed two back sets to really get going. Sure, we were way behind and we had to pass, but still, we need to focus more on being effective on the obvious running plays.

3. It is time for McPherson to get some reps in practice. Bouman sucks, as he always has, and Brooks is too expensive for the play he is giving us.

4. We need a linebacker for crying out loud. Watson and Bockwoldt are fine, but they aren't playmakers. The rest of the crew is serviceable at best! Damn it, why didn't we fix this problem this offseason (or the one before, or the one before).

5. The OLine, despite a bad day looks pretty good to me. Sure it'd be great to have a younger LT, but on the whole, I'm pretty pleased.

6. We also need a second CB, and how. After McKenzie, we suck. The Safeties are looking good to me, and Bullocks will only improve.

7. Our passing game needs some work. I was having trouble telling if it was the WRs, the scheme, or the "quality" of the GB pass defense today, but our guys were looking bad. Also, AB, despite his own flaws, wasn't throwing THAT badly in the first half - we need to catch the ones that hit our hands.

8. I do agree that Katrina has seriously disadvantaged our boys, with no actual home games, a good deal of distractions, and a lot of road tripping, but we need to focus.

Just a quick overview. I'd love to hear from you guys.

"... I was beating them with my eyes the whole game..." - Aaron Brooks