Originally posted by genus49:
It wasn't just personnel that got worse. Our coaching/scheme worked really well that season because teams weren't ready for someone like Kap, plus we had very good complimentary players with different skill sets so teams couldn't assume what we were going to run.
What happened after was we lost some of these players but we also didn't make any changes to the offense assuming well it worked before so it will work again. Problem is other defenses learned how to stop the read offense and suddenly we're super predictable and don't have the personnel to properly execute the way we did before.
Let's be honest when you're using a converted DE turned fullback as your #3 receiver and deep threat....you're doing it wrong.
LOL! Yes, Roman often seemed to try and out think himself...
...and succeeded. Miller sneaking out of the backfield was a decent idea but how often did they complete that pass? It will be interesting to see if Millard gives Miller a run for his money. Watching him run after the catch is a thing of beauty...very smooth. But adding T Smith, Bush and using Ellington and Patton more downfield could make a huge difference.
As for talent, I think the talent last year was just as high caliber but perhaps not a good match for the scheme. They had injuries to RT, C, C, C, and C on the line; and none of their top receivers scared anyone deep. Can R Sherman treat T Smith the way he treated Crabtree, Lloyd or Johnson? Not if he doesn't want to be posterized.