Lamar looks handcuffed in this offense. It's like we are relying on his ability to draw in defenders to get the run game going and that is it. I expected this offense coming into this year to air the ball out more but to me it doesn't look that much different than last years offense. Defenses are defending better at key times. Those comments earlier in the year about defenses knowing our plays before we run them come to mind. If you don't trust Lamar, who dazzled and came off an MVP season then who will you trust? The defense stacks the box against us and we run Pistol sets with only 2 receivers sometimes 3? Does that make any sense? The cuffs can't magically come off when we are down big. Greg Roman is a master at creating running concepts, absolute total animal at it. We can't just be that however. Lamar ISN'T just a runner.
As for Lamar, he needs to improve on accuracy/finding the open man which he seemed to do well last year. If he is going to be limited like this in terms of what they will allow him to do he needs to at least become even more efficient with some throws. I am not entirely sure why the flats seem to be ignored in this offense when it's there. I am not sold on the idea that he can't throw to the sidelines. The Titans game told me otherwise. A strong focus on mechanics this offseason is a must. Some of the overreactions to a kid whos ONLY 25 with a record of 30-7 is insane to me. 68 passing TD's with 18 ints. I'd say we have something special here, we need to let him be that and stop restricting him AND he needs to do himself the favor and take the next step with his mechanics. I hate when all we do is run sets with 2-3 guys running routes out of the pistol. Passing concepts MUST improve and it starts with what he can control which is his throws.
Defense looked good to me, Diggs got loose which was to be expected. A healthy Tavon Young, which is a stretch, greatly improves this defense next year if everything stays as is. All things considered, they allowed 10 points to the Bills. I can't complain. I could want more but that would be getting greedy.
Dobbins will get better.
Marcos Andres is killing me with his drops and he will continue to be called this until he starts catching balls again in the postseason. I am seeing a trend with him in the postseason I don't like.
Hollywood earned his name again. He looks much better and I think that comes from HOW we are using him now. Passing concepts MUST IMPROVE to take advantage of his skillset. I think he has potential to be great, number 1? Probably not. Great #2? Absolutely.
Considering how bad we looked mid season, it was a miracle we got to this position and let alone won a playoff game. This was an improvement from last year.
DRAFT TIME BOYZ, PITTS SZN