So, I'm going to reply to both of you on this one and I think Sledge alluded to this a bit...
I know Maclin, Wallace, Woodhead, etc. aren't top tier weapons. They aren't S or A tier. They're like B tier and maybe Watson and Allen are like C+. But the thing is, even with these guys injured, Joe hasn't looked any different.
Maclin and Wallace are out? He'll look the same throwing to Camp and Moore. Everyone is healthy? He'll still have 5.5 YPA and a touchdown and interception.
He just hasn't shown even remotely consistent mechanics or accuracy and I don't think it matters who he's throwing the ball to unless they can make otherworldly plays on the regular.
Joe has amazing ability and capabilities, but he's just not showing any of it and hasn't been since 2014.
Thing is for me is that Joe has always had an issue with his mechanics and accuracy. Even dating back to when we were a competitive team, he always wasn't really that accurate nor was his mechanics spot on.
His mechanics and accuracy look really off this year, but I think we underrated just how big of a deal that back injury was for him. He didn't even look 100% when he came back. For the first two weeks our designed plays were literally throws/check-downs to RBs/TEs, I don't think we tried much in getting the WRs involved. I think it's the same issue with Camp and Moore. I think Joe is hesitant to throw it to them unless they're open. I don't think he's going to make the throw if they're covered and I think this goes to Pitta's point, throw to the open man, if he isn't there they go with the check-down. I honestly think what Pitta was saying is very legit, I think the coaches are kind of putting him in a box in those time of circumstances where you have Moore and Camp as your #1 and #2 because you don't want to risk a turnover. It kind of alludes to what Marty said when he said that the offense has to take their chances, but in a "Smart Way".
Honestly, the last few weeks of 2017 were really puzzling to me because he looked better that time then he did 2015 when he tore his ACL. His accuracy improved mightily, as did his patience in the pocket. If we can get that offense, which was a middle of the pack offense into this year, then not only can we easily make it to the post-season, but we can at least get to the divisional round.