To Move Forward

Although Special Teams is a big concern...we have a new punter, and a couple guys who can return punts. Other than that hopefully the other issues are worked on this week. I'm not honestly sure how much Babs plays on special teams but hopfully he can help in coverage.

On defense, getting Bernard back should help both our run stopping and pass rushing. Our run stopping looked a lot better than I expected with him out...and really encourages me about Howard Green's supposed improvements. But where I really think Bernard will help is his pass rushing. He's always been a good pass rusher, and teamed with Mebane hopefully helps with the pressure up the middle.

On offense, we really REALLY need Locklear back. We didn't pass block very well besides Walter Jones...and we need Lock on the right side. Another reason we need him is that it gives Willis the chance to compete for RG...and we need our best backup OL to compete for that job. Our backups are much better at the Guard positions than Tackle IMO, and our OL could look better next week with Lock back and Sims out. I like Sims...but the improvement pass blocking at RT means a lot to our offense, and the drop-off from Sims to Willis or Pork Chop(so Willis eventually) is less than from Locklear to Willis at RT. With Morris out, we need to see Duckett play...and I'd like to see some of Weaver's skills used with Schmitt. Some powerback looks I think would give the defense something else to think about...having enough bodies to take down the back. I don't know what to expect this week, but was surprised not to see Seneca in the offense for any snaps last game. I expect to see him at least some this week.