Jesus I was pissed off. Sorry y'all. I normally don't get this angry. What a heartbreaking loss. I need to think before I speak lol.
That was a hell of a game though. This game kind of proved something I've been thinking. We really don't need too many pieces to get back to contention status. Sure, Flacco made some boneheaded plays today, but overall he was looking deep, had a few money throws(hell, he made the throw to potentially win us the damn game. It was a tough catch, sure, but it was a catchable one), but I think Flacco is finally starting to become comfortable again(*knock on wood*). Alex Collins looks like a damn good RB. Next season when we replace Buck Allen in the lineup for Dixon, I'm not going to want to face our rushing attack. We will have a very impressive 1-2-3 punch in Collins, Dixon, and Woodhead.
Defensively, I'm pissed off but I think next season it's important to account for a few things. 1. I think we have missed Tavon Young this season far more than realized. His ability to play at a very good level in both the slot and the outside has been sorely missed. I don't think Tavon Young gets his ass kicked like Carr did tonight. Next season, our defense will be better by virtue of Jimmy and Tavon being back. As disappointing as the defense was this game.. It's still flush with talent. CJ mosely is having a down year(possibly because of injury would be my guess, as he looked far more mobile last season). Bowser and Tim Williams may not be having a massive impact as rookies(which is sad..) we have to remember that Landon Collins also looked horrid as a rookie. It's too early to make a judgement call. Likewise, Marlon Humphrey looks good for the most part. Played a good game tonight. He's gonna be a #1 CB at the NFL level. This defense is set for at least the next half decade. The investments we have made over the last two years are paying off. Only real thing we need on the defensive side of the ball next offseason is an ILB and possibly another CB for when Jimmy goes down. Some people will say safety, but I say that Tony Jefferson will turn it around eventually and that Weddle has another year left in him. We should cross that bridge when we get there.
That said. Offensively. We need a legit LG. Hurst is only average. Lewis is not a LG in the slightest and I have no idea why we are going to keep playing him there. Collins is beasting with a makeshift offensive line down it's best man. Imagine this line with Yanda back in it and someone like a Billy Price. He'd be a 1200 yard rusher and you'd be forced to have to contend with another trio.
Skill position wise... Yeah we need work. We need a new TE, and possibly two new WRs. I'm good with keeping one of Wallace or Maclin as a potential #2, but we need someone who can come in and make a positive impact off the bat.
But overall, while this loss was heartbreaking, I think tonight showed that we're not too far away from being contenders again. Let's just hope the offense can continue to find it's groove. Ride Alex Collins and Woodhead damn you!
