AzorAhai
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I see a lot of people complaining about the RB situation and even some suggestions that the team won't be any good because of it. Some are suggesting it will be a pass happy offense again this year. There's a few reasons why fans should still be optimistic.
First, the team can say what they want about last season, but they never intended to be as run dominant as they were last year. The philosophy was needed to keep the defense of the field. Easiest way to keep the Defense off the field? Control the clock on offense. This was a strategy many have been asking for for years, yet it was actually overused at times last year to the teams detriment at some points. They ran the ball on 1st downs almost 75% of the time and became very predictable out of necessity. That shouldn't be a necessity this year, but with the effectiveness of the OL and the success the balanced approach had we should still see balance this year.
The offense no longer has to cover up for the defense. This offseason the team added a double digit sack player in Greg Hardy, should have improvement from Lawrence and Crawford and added the top pass rusher in the draft. They get Sean Lee back and signed very good b/u LBs. Basically the front 7 should be vastly improved and the secondary should be better as well with the addition of Jones.
Now to the RBs. Demarco Murray had a very good season last year and I won't take away from that. What has to be factored in is his yards before contact which amounted to over 800 yards. Thats 50 yards per game before ever being touched. If the Rbs can average 4+ yards per carry and the team stays committed to the run game, I don't see any reason why it won't be effective enough to help this team win games. I have confidence that this OL can clear the way for these RBs and allow them all to be successful enough to make defenses focus on stopping the run.
This team will have improved at both DE positions, 1 CB position, and at least one LB position, possibly 2 over last years starters. They have also added significant depth across the entire defensive unit, while losing some effectiveness at only one position on offense(RB). The running game may actually be more effective since they don't have to rely on it and shouldn't have to run into stacked boxes all the time. They can truly be more balanced without the fear of exposing the defense.
Overall, I don't see how anyone can look at this team from last years team and not say they have significantly improved. Baring an injury plagued year, this team at minimum should be as good and likely better. Even if the running game takes a step back, the defense should be improved more than enough to make up for that and watching this defensive line every Sunday will be well worth that step back.
First, the team can say what they want about last season, but they never intended to be as run dominant as they were last year. The philosophy was needed to keep the defense of the field. Easiest way to keep the Defense off the field? Control the clock on offense. This was a strategy many have been asking for for years, yet it was actually overused at times last year to the teams detriment at some points. They ran the ball on 1st downs almost 75% of the time and became very predictable out of necessity. That shouldn't be a necessity this year, but with the effectiveness of the OL and the success the balanced approach had we should still see balance this year.
The offense no longer has to cover up for the defense. This offseason the team added a double digit sack player in Greg Hardy, should have improvement from Lawrence and Crawford and added the top pass rusher in the draft. They get Sean Lee back and signed very good b/u LBs. Basically the front 7 should be vastly improved and the secondary should be better as well with the addition of Jones.
Now to the RBs. Demarco Murray had a very good season last year and I won't take away from that. What has to be factored in is his yards before contact which amounted to over 800 yards. Thats 50 yards per game before ever being touched. If the Rbs can average 4+ yards per carry and the team stays committed to the run game, I don't see any reason why it won't be effective enough to help this team win games. I have confidence that this OL can clear the way for these RBs and allow them all to be successful enough to make defenses focus on stopping the run.
This team will have improved at both DE positions, 1 CB position, and at least one LB position, possibly 2 over last years starters. They have also added significant depth across the entire defensive unit, while losing some effectiveness at only one position on offense(RB). The running game may actually be more effective since they don't have to rely on it and shouldn't have to run into stacked boxes all the time. They can truly be more balanced without the fear of exposing the defense.
Overall, I don't see how anyone can look at this team from last years team and not say they have significantly improved. Baring an injury plagued year, this team at minimum should be as good and likely better. Even if the running game takes a step back, the defense should be improved more than enough to make up for that and watching this defensive line every Sunday will be well worth that step back.
