Notes and Observations
From the desk of Christopher Chance
What is there to say about this team? I don't have much time to make my mark on this team. Hell, this year I probably won't be able to do much for that anyway. I only have the franchise tag to work with, so all those I want to keep who weren't offered contracts are going to be gone. Can't afford to lose Nnamdi Asomugha, so he's going to be franchised. There's no doubt about that. Unfortunately that means I'll lose Cornell Green, Josh McCown, Jarrod Cooper, Jeremy Newberry, Tim Dwight and Jerry Porter. That's a potential starting quarterback, two offensive lineman, two receivers and a safety. Jesus.
I may look into resigning McCown if possible. He's a serviceable quarterback with good accuracy. While he doesn't have the arm strength I need for my offense, his accuracy is good enough to make up for it, and we can focus on shorter passes until I get that quarterback. But what else is there to do for this team. I mean, there aren't a lot of players on the roster who fit what I need to run my systems. Let's see, what do I need from each position?
Quarterback: Pure Passer
My quarterback needs to have a strong arm to make those throws and great accuracy to fit them into the windows that open up. He also needs to be able to see the field clearly, and it would be great if he could move around and outside the pocket and extend the play.
Halfback: Balanced
My running back needs to be an all-around player. He needs to be fast and shifty when in the open field, and I want him to have the strength to break tackles and push the pile up the middle. His hands need to be good to catch the ball out of the backfield, as well. An all around player.
Fullback: Balanced
While not going to carry the ball much, he may be called upon occasionally to carry the rock. When not doing so, I need him to lead the runners and block for them, or possibly catch the ball out of the backfield as well.
Wide Receiver: Red Zone Threat
There's just too much needed here. Great hands, run crisp routes and catching the ball in traffic are the main things I'm looking at here. Most players on the roster right now are fast speed threats, which will help with the deep ball, but I don't want all speed. What else is there to do here?
Tight End: Playmaker TE
My tightends aren't going to be asked to block very often. They'll be used more in the passing game and, as such, need to be able to catch the ball.
Tackle: Pass Blocker Guard: Balanced Center: Balanced
My tackles need to be good pass blockers to set the pocket for whoever is quarterbacking for us. The interior of the line needs to be good pass blockers as well, but also push the defensive line to create holes for the running backs.
Defensive Tackle: Balanced Defensive End: Balanced
The defensive line needs to be able to rush the passer and be decent at preventing the run. Rushing the passer comes first and foremost for these guys as they will be asked to apply the most pressure of the front seven.
Outside Linebacker: Run Stopper Middle Linebacker: 3-4/Tackler
The linebackers are going to be our main tacklers, if the defensive line does their job in plugging up the offensive lineman and leaving them free. Good coverage skills coupled with stellar tackling, block shedding and pursuit are what I'm looking for here.
Cornerback: Man Coverage/Ballhawk Free Safety: Centerfielder Strong Safety: Run Support/Big Hitter
My corners are expected to be able to hang with receivers in one-on-one situations throughout the game with little to no support. The free safety is going to be the absolute last line of defense in the secondary, playing deep to keep everything in front of him. Now the strong safety is going to be both covering players and acting as the eight man in the box fairly often, so he needs to be able to tackle well and keep them down.
Kicker: Accurate Punter: Big Foot/Distance
Pretty self-explanatory here. Our kicker needs to be accurate to actually make the kicks when called upon. The punter needs to have a strong let to pin opponents deep. Enough said
I don't know what I'm going to do with this team. There are many holes in this roster, and not a whole lot of cap space to work with. Not to mention we don't have a 2nd round, 3rd round, or 5th round pick in this years draft. So I can't even rely on the draft unless I'm able to make some deals. Which I do plan on making some, if I'm lucky.