It's early, so no reason to panic, but a couple of things:
- Last year's success was a surprise, so there is a solid chance for regression this year.
- The fact that the offensive line was our fatal flaw last year, and they did NOTHING to improve it over the offseason, is going to be the thing that ultimately keeps this team from making a run.
- The first quarter had Eli so shook, he didn't set his feet even when he had time, and spent the rest of the night checking down to 2-5 yard routes.
- Marshall struggled to get separation, even in one-on-one coverage, and the few times he got loose, Eli wasn't looking for him
- Shep made some nice catches, but hasn't really flashed playmaking skills that we were hoping for
- Gotta figure out how to make Engram a part of the game plan, if you're not keeping Ellison in to block
- (maybe keep Rhett Ellison in to block more often?)
- Defensive line has to generate a little more pressure, seeing Vernon and JPP play 65+ snaps stresses me out.
- Goodson looked pretty great in the middle
- Secondary seems a step shy of making plays a few times, I don't worry about them, they'll make big plays this season
- This is a title-level defense, and it is going to go to waste because Jerry Reese didn't allocate resources to the O-line.
The season is young - but to see the same major problem (o-line) that crippled this team last year, STILL crippling them this year is... frustrating, to say the least.
It looked like Hart tweaked his foot, and John Jerry got roughed up all game - at this point you gotta consider mixing in Jones and/or Fluker to see if you get better results.