Re-Watch Jaguars
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| I think Hooman has a lot of potential in the pass game, especially with Gronk returning |
The real problem is the offensive line. After a year of nearly impeccable play, they are at the root of the issue. Logan Mankins is not playing anywhere near his potential. Seabastian Vollmer was lackluster on the edge. Also, we're really missing Gronkowski. No matter how you slice it, Aaron Hernandez (or Tony Gonzalez as Solomon Wilcots called him) is not a good enough blocker to make the 2-TE set enough of an advantage to run the ball.
I honestly think that Michael Hoomanawanui is playing very well as an edge blocker, and as a blocker in space. However, he can't fill Gronkowski's shoes as a route-runner. He showed that he can catch and run. Hooman checks in at 6'4" 263, so he compares well to Gronk's 265 lbs. He's not Gronk, but I think his abilities are promising for the stretch run. A 3-TE set with Gronk, Hooman, and Aaron would be perfect for the no-huddle with Stevan Ridley and play-action to Welker or Lloyd.
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| It won't be a vacation week for the players... |
So, ultimately this game comes down to getting healthy. The defense was obviously shuffled around without Spikes, Dennard, and Talib. The offense is missing Gronkowski, and he shouldn't be rushed back. But still, we shouldn't look like this against The Jaguars regardless of injuries.
This was all about bad execution. The blocking for Tom Brady was bad, and the WRs didn't get open. Unfortunately, the problem is the starters who are healthy. The opening-day starting O-line was on display against the worst pass-rush team, and let up 9 QB hits?!?! That is unacceptable when the highest priority heading into the playoffs is to protect Tom. Likewise, we didn't run it enough; or effectively enough to slow those guys down.
So, let's see how we did on the keys to victory:
1. A Pissed-Off Brady - This wasn't the kind of pissed-off Brady that I was hoping for, so maybe I should have been more specific. Anyway, Brady was under a lot pressure, and Aaron Hernandez only came up with 1 of his 5 targets. Still, Brady had 2 INTs that must be blamed first and foremost on bad throws by Brady. Stevan Ridley and Brandon Lloyd did not do very much to go get the ball, but the throws could have been better.
2. Two Deep Safeties - With Chung and Gregory paired in the backfield, I had my doubts. Chung was completely fooled on the 50+ yard screen pass, and he also blew the tackle on another big play. I think the penalty on Chung for helmet-to-helmet contact was inevitable because the WR lowered his head, but he made up for it with another clean play, and 2 INTs. Gregory had a quiet game, but I believe he was replaced by Tavon Wilson for a few series. McCourty really needs to get back to safety.
3. Run It 35+ Times - We did not run the ball enough. We somehow forgot that The Jaguars can't stop the run. I suppose we got down on the scoreboard, but the real problem was that we couldn't convert 3rd downs. The runs that we were getting were not getting it done, and therefore Brady had to throw 41 passes and get hit 9 times.
4. Hit Henne Hard - The best defense we played all day came on plays where Chandler Jones or Rob Ninkovich got to Chad Henne. Unfortunately there was not enough pressure, even when blitzing. The defense really missed Brandon Spikes, but they really missed Jerod Mayo too. Mayo had a very quiet 6 tackles. McCourty got beat by Blackmon too often, and the pressure on Henne was rare or non-existent.
2. Two Deep Safeties - With Chung and Gregory paired in the backfield, I had my doubts. Chung was completely fooled on the 50+ yard screen pass, and he also blew the tackle on another big play. I think the penalty on Chung for helmet-to-helmet contact was inevitable because the WR lowered his head, but he made up for it with another clean play, and 2 INTs. Gregory had a quiet game, but I believe he was replaced by Tavon Wilson for a few series. McCourty really needs to get back to safety.
3. Run It 35+ Times - We did not run the ball enough. We somehow forgot that The Jaguars can't stop the run. I suppose we got down on the scoreboard, but the real problem was that we couldn't convert 3rd downs. The runs that we were getting were not getting it done, and therefore Brady had to throw 41 passes and get hit 9 times.
4. Hit Henne Hard - The best defense we played all day came on plays where Chandler Jones or Rob Ninkovich got to Chad Henne. Unfortunately there was not enough pressure, even when blitzing. The defense really missed Brandon Spikes, but they really missed Jerod Mayo too. Mayo had a very quiet 6 tackles. McCourty got beat by Blackmon too often, and the pressure on Henne was rare or non-existent.
5. Mistake-Free Football - Yeah right. All told, we didn't do enough to win this football game. Fortunately for us, Jacksonville is not very good in the red zone. Our defense was aided by some mistakes by Jacksonville, and managed to pull out a victory. All that despite allowing an opening drive TD to a team that hadn't done so in 25 straight games. If San Francisco wasn't a wake up call, this one has to be. This football team is not executing consistently, and Brady doesn't have time in the pocket. The defense gives up too many big plays. A bye week would be nice to adjust things, but we just need to get back to doing the little things right. Merry Christmas. Let's beat Miami, and hope for a Houston/Denver loss.
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