Thanks for beating me to the punch,
@rossihunter2 LMAO.
I'd like to use this thread as an in-season review to this point.
Offense:
-I'm pleased to see Lamar take command of this offense. I think it's safe to say, just using the eye test, it's the best we've seen him since his MVP season.
-Gus is what Gus is, nothing more, nothing less. Don't get me started on Hill, but it was only a matter of time where we started to use the preseason playmaker aka Mr. Keaton Mitchell. You can see the potential with him.
-Speaking of playmakers, shout out to Zay! He may not win #OROY but he too is a difference maker. OBJ has caught on these last couple of weeks so hopefully this is the trend going forward. Would like to see more of Bateman too, but we'll see.
-Andrews was doing well before his season ender. What a confidence booster for Likely. If there was ever an opportunity to make a name for himself, it's now.
-OL has been a mixed bag. It's not a surprise how their performance determines our performance on offense as a whole. Ronnie Stanley. Sir, it's clear that you won't ever be the stud you once were. As such, the earliest offseason we get to replace your ass, we will thank you for your service. Linderbaum for the vast majority of this season has been him (word to Brother
@JAAM ).
-Despite his issues (including tonight), I definitely prefer Monken to Roman. As I mentioned to rossi, get rid of the roll outs to the right, screens, and end-arounds/jet sweeps.
Defense:
-If Mads ain't extended by this offseason, I want EDC in cuffs for criminal negligence. As for this front 7, I'm beyond baffled that we lead the league in sacks despite leading the league in almost sacks for like 5 seasons in a row it seems. Something about this organization makes older defensive players turn back the clock on some fountain of youth type of shit. Clowney and KVN are the latest examples of this.
-Roquan and PQ. What a tandem. This may be PQ's last season with us depending on what we do in the offseason and if it's the case, best endeavors to him on his future team (preferably an NFC team).
-After the draft was over, one of the main topics of discussion was the secondary. Prior to the season, I had questions about Stephens. Needless to say, he has quieted the doubts about him for the vast majority of the season. Prior to his calf injury, Marlon has continued playing like Marlon after getting sonned by Pickens again. RYS and Darby have also played admirably as well.
-Saving the safeties for last. MW can still show how much of a stud he is despite playing with one arm it seems. However, I have concerns about that coming to haunt us down the road. Geno Stone has been a sensational story. I would've laughed in your face if you told me prior to the beginning of the season that at some point that he would lead the league in INTs (not sure if he still is). Last but certainly not least: Kyle Hamilton. I don't even know where to begin with him. Coming off a impressive rookie season, he has blossomed to a foundational piece of this defense. He too is HIM.
-Mike Macdonald has truly been in his bag making this defense one of the best in the league despite missing Marlon and MW for a few games this season. While the infamous and dreaded 2022 Ravens defense has shown itself this season in spades, it's not AS MUCH as this season.
