Perspective

[meatpile]

If you had told me last year, around week 10, the following:

'We have lost Steve Smith, Kris Jenkins, Kevin Donnalley, Todd Steussie, Jeno James, DeShaun Foster, Bruce Nelson, Shane Burton, and Deon Grant for the rest of the season. Replacements for the players are already on the roster.'

I'd have been pretty gloom and doom. And that's what happened - and it's actually better b/c we drafted Colbert.

So - there's some perspective.

 

[Thelt]

The bad part is that one move was really the lynch pin. If we had not signed Meadows but in his place singed a good right tackle then I think we would be in much better shape. Our running game would still work and our defense would not be on the field so long. Jake would look better too.

I think we can still turn it around but if we do not think of next year (losers mantra I know) when we get all our players back, get higher draft picks and a soft schedule.

 

[PantherFanz]

I think we can still turn it around but if we do not think of next year (losers mantra I know) when we get all our players back, get higher draft picks and a soft schedule.

I am confused about the soft schedule part. There are only 2 games (one home and one away) determined by rank in the division, the rest are set in stone. So does it really matter where you finish in the division now in regards to the strength of the schedule?

 

[law1ng2b2]

I am confused about the soft schedule part. There are only 2 games (one home and one away) determined by rank in the division, the rest are set in stone. So does it really matter where you finish in the division now in regards to the strength of the schedule?

that's true. and those opponents for next year include New England, Minn, and NYJ. granted, these are games we have at home next year which will help. We also have Detroit on the road in addition to the two losses we can chalk up against Atlanta.

Even still, here is a little more perspective. The first half of our schedule is brutal. Road games against Denver, Philly, and Seattle in addition to Atlanta make it hard enough without all the problems we have had. But the next four games are VERY winnable. We take care of San Diego (which is not a gimme...i know), but still lose to philly and seattle, we still have a change to have 6 wins after 11 games. considering all that has happened, i'll take that.

 

[lde]

I am confused about the soft schedule part. There are only 2 games (one home and one away) determined by rank in the division, the rest are set in stone. So does it really matter where you finish in the division now in regards to the strength of the schedule?

No, but 2 games is a fairly big deal. It could be the difference between 9-7 andn 11-5. But you're right. Its not the same as 6 games. Maybe we could say softer schedule instead of soft schedule.

 

[Thelt]

that's true. and those opponents for next year include New England, Minn, and NYJ. granted, these are games we have at home next year which will help. We also have Detroit on the road in addition to the two losses we can chalk up against Atlanta.

Even still, here is a little more perspective. The first half of our schedule is brutal. Road games against Denver, Philly, and Seattle in addition to Atlanta make it hard enough without all the problems we have had. But the next four games are VERY winnable. We take care of San Diego (which is not a gimme...i know), but still lose to philly and seattle, we still have a change to have 6 wins after 11 games. considering all that has happened, i'll take that.

We need to beat Philly if we are going to turn things around. It can be done if you look at it. Philly does not run the ball that well so we should not get killed on the ground. They do not have a great run D so we might be able to take som pressure off of Jake. They lost both corners from last year. If Jake settles down and stops over throwing everyone. It is a lot of "ifs" but it is the best we have right now.

 

[Piper]

I'd like a win at Philly. I'll take a better effort. I'll take guys playing their gaps.

We must win two of the next three or it will really go down hill. 3-4 after the toughest part of our schedule will be ok.