[Bluefin]

Originally Posted by LaTunaNostra

Thanks for the stats and the thread in general, BF.

No problemo, someone has to optimistic.

I don't think the O has that far to go to improve measurably. Carter does have to limit those impulse throws, and imo they were less panic last year than ego. He seems to think he can do in the pros what he did in college, and disrespects the ability fo defender to read his movements. I don't know how you coach that chutzpah out of a player but beat it out of him with benching threats.

Carter wants to be a playmaker to begin with, when coupled with a broken offense that required him to be the difference, it led to an increase in bad decisions and throws.

That's why I can come off as harping on the running game and more defensive turnovers.

Getting those things will make it much easier for Carter to learn to play within himself and cut down on the bad plays.

That mimicking of game time pressure in practices, well which would you prefer, a practice in which defenders could actually plank you, or to have Bill Parcells immediately behind and to the side of you screaming "throw it, throw it you stupid SOB?" I can't imagine more pressure than that.

Because the defense can't hit the quarterback in practice, I don't know if simulating pressure would help or not.

I'd certainly try.

The defenders could be instructed to simply tag Carter or to grab a flag hanging on each side of his waist.

My idea would be to acclimate Carter to having a free defender coming at him and to carry out his assignment.

I know Carter can be an effective quarterback with a running game and a safe pocket.

That's why I'd like to see more work put in to simulate poor game settings.

Again, I don't know how well game conditions can be copied in practice using fewer players and often playing halfspeed.

Maybe it's because I'm left handed, but I can't help but wonder if there isn't a more creative way to address coaching impulse decisions in practice.

Just the presence of Keyshawn is going to improve third down success. In addition, Witten's second year will see him more of a threat, exploiting the short and intermediate passing game takes pressure off the run game and opens it up deep. Terry Glenn can do anything Joey Galloway could do, and much more, and Key's presence is key there too. There was a mention elsewhere of how two te sets produce more of an element of surprise for defenses. Can't wait to see Ryan blocking.

With Johnson and Witten, the offense should be much better at sustaining drives this year by converting third downs.

And there's no way in hell Witty only scores one touchdown this year.

That number's gotta jump.

Glenn should be more effective with a true threat across from him and there remains a chance of AB getting back in the mix.

Even with all my optimism, I'll continue to hold my breath in regards to Bryant.

Michael Irvin told him what to do, but it remains to be seen if there's too much Derek Ross in Bryant.

We're still pretty much a "no-name" offense, but it can work.

I've got great expectations that the O can make a quantititative and qualitiative leap this year that gives the team the balance to be a serious contender.

Spags' latest piece was on the lack of names on the offensive side of the ball.

So what?

If things start coming together, the offense will be fine, IMO.

Name recognition will come in time, but the group must first play solid football as a unit.