This thread is only for optimistic posts. It's a place for those of us that don't think the season done and over to discuss the positives of this team.
Just a little history: we were 3-3 by week 6 in 2010, losing to 2 crappy teams by very narrow margins.
Here are some positives that I think have I us pointed the right direction:
- We have a semblance of ground game, which will help big time when it's cold. Benson is on pace for 1,000 yards and Green showed some really nice speed. Benson looks so decisive and his legs never stop churning. I'd love for us to get more screens in their with Benson and Green. I'd also love to see some more of the Reverse Wishbone formation McCarthy used to be so fond of when they kept 3 FBs. Put Kuhn and Crabtree in there with Benson and I think we could churn out some solid inside yards.
- Our pass rush is vastly improved, tied for 1st in the NFL in Sacks, which definitely is something that comes in handy late in the year. Worthy and Daniels each have a sack, Perry has 2 sacks, DJ Smith has 2 sacks, and Mike Neal showed some really good things. This defensive line will be scary good next year if everyone commits to the offseason, improves their strength, and refine their technique! Erik Walden looks like he got the message when he lost his job to Perry. His coverage is as good as CM3 and he's not making as many mental mistakes.
- Casey Hayward looked great on that coverage. Reggie Wayne is a veteran and tried to get the young lad to bite on that double move and he stuck with him. Even Shields, for as maligned as he is, has looked way better than he did in 2011. He's sticking his head in their against the run and he's batting down some passes. He's been on the receiving end of some BAD calls when he's actually had great coverage.
- Randall Cobb is so impressive. They need to get the ball in his hands more. James Jones is having a really solid season also. He trucked that CB with the stiff arm on that bubble screen and got another couple yards out of it. We needed him to step up with Jennings out and Nelson blanketed, and he has. I would love to see him lined up as a RB, get a toss, and then pass it. Anyone who watched Kentucky knows this guy can sling it. I remember him when he was at Alcoa High School (which is 35 min. from where I live) and he was a great passer then.
- DJ Smith has 4 batted down passes this season, 2nd most on the team behind Tramon's 8. For a 5'11" ILB he certainly can track the ball well and knock it down.
- Every time we lose, we rebound with a really strong game which we will need vs. Houston.
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