I just finished watching the game again, and a few things stood out to me.
1) Oline - probably the biggest surprise of the team so far this season. Even down 3 starters before the game, and 1 during the game, they controlled the LOS. Big props to the left side of the line. They ran well behind the make shift right side all day. I now the individual quality is not as high as it seems, but the whole is playing much better than the sum of the parts. The quick read and focus on getting the ball out early is showing the benefits we all hoped it would.
2) Focus - so far this season we have not been inundated with a bunch of pre snap drive killing penalties. Another sign of the coaches addressing weaknesses of the past couple of seasons. I hope to see this continue, especially when on the road within the division.
3) Rbs - As as a group they really got the job done in all three facets of the game. They hit the holes quickly, ran hard, caught the ball well, and pass blocked well. Woodhead's all around game has been a big boost. He played fantastic.
4) Defense - early in the game when we were bringing 6 Romo had no time to throw. A lack of ability to create pressure will be our biggest problem going forward this season. It lets the QB get into a rhythm, and puts a lot of pressure on the secondary; which needs all the help it can get. We are going to have to play more press man in order to be able to create pressure. We are thin in the secondary. However, while having been beaten by some excellent throws on good coverage the past two games (one of which was a game winner), I think press man is still our best bet. There are less mental breakdowns than playing zone or combo schemes. We did tackle much better for the most part this game.
5) TOP - our ability to sustain drives has been a huge bright spot. The best remedy for an undermanned and weak defense will be long sustained drives. Limit the other teams possessions and continue to put points on the board at the end of our long drives. Rivers has been surgical. Yes he has given up two pick 6s, but some times you have to tip your hat to a great play by the D. He had 83% completion rate and that included two clear throw aways. They can't score if they don't have the ball. Also, by shortening the game we can hope to get some 3rd down stops and do just enough on D to sneak out wins.
WR - another banged up unit that is producing. Keenan Allen was excellent. Gates was a BEAST.....he is running like he is 25 again. With Floyd now gone for the season we need VB and Keenan to play consistently well. I like how keenan goes and gets the ball with his hands and uses his body well. His explosiveness will get better as his knee continues to improve. I think Green needs more touches and they can look to get him more involved in the game plan.
1) Oline - probably the biggest surprise of the team so far this season. Even down 3 starters before the game, and 1 during the game, they controlled the LOS. Big props to the left side of the line. They ran well behind the make shift right side all day. I now the individual quality is not as high as it seems, but the whole is playing much better than the sum of the parts. The quick read and focus on getting the ball out early is showing the benefits we all hoped it would.
2) Focus - so far this season we have not been inundated with a bunch of pre snap drive killing penalties. Another sign of the coaches addressing weaknesses of the past couple of seasons. I hope to see this continue, especially when on the road within the division.
3) Rbs - As as a group they really got the job done in all three facets of the game. They hit the holes quickly, ran hard, caught the ball well, and pass blocked well. Woodhead's all around game has been a big boost. He played fantastic.
4) Defense - early in the game when we were bringing 6 Romo had no time to throw. A lack of ability to create pressure will be our biggest problem going forward this season. It lets the QB get into a rhythm, and puts a lot of pressure on the secondary; which needs all the help it can get. We are going to have to play more press man in order to be able to create pressure. We are thin in the secondary. However, while having been beaten by some excellent throws on good coverage the past two games (one of which was a game winner), I think press man is still our best bet. There are less mental breakdowns than playing zone or combo schemes. We did tackle much better for the most part this game.
5) TOP - our ability to sustain drives has been a huge bright spot. The best remedy for an undermanned and weak defense will be long sustained drives. Limit the other teams possessions and continue to put points on the board at the end of our long drives. Rivers has been surgical. Yes he has given up two pick 6s, but some times you have to tip your hat to a great play by the D. He had 83% completion rate and that included two clear throw aways. They can't score if they don't have the ball. Also, by shortening the game we can hope to get some 3rd down stops and do just enough on D to sneak out wins.
WR - another banged up unit that is producing. Keenan Allen was excellent. Gates was a BEAST.....he is running like he is 25 again. With Floyd now gone for the season we need VB and Keenan to play consistently well. I like how keenan goes and gets the ball with his hands and uses his body well. His explosiveness will get better as his knee continues to improve. I think Green needs more touches and they can look to get him more involved in the game plan.
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