Why We Really Need to Address the Passing Game

[Proudiddy]

By keeping Moore the starter and bringing in a talented rookie or veteran to compete as well at the QB position and bringing in a legit threat at WR to pair with Smitty. I'd also love to bring back Moose and Jarrett to let them compete for the remaining spots.

This has all been discussed and re-discussed, but why do we really need to shore up the passing game?

Because its evident that while the running game in the NFL is a key to winning in beating your opposing defenders into submission and eating up the clock when you have a lead, it's not enough anymore...

Evidence?

Chris Johnson eclipsed the 2,000 yard mark to join exclusive company.

DLo and JStew become the first duo in NFL History to go over 1,100 yards each.

Where are these guys???

AT HOME. You'd think with such potent running attacks we'd both be looking at deep playoff runs, WRONG.

Now the connection between us and the Titans is obvious. Our RB's efforts were voided by horrid passing attacks in the first half of the season. When a QB change was made, both teams started to win.

Point is, having a great running attack isn't enough anymore. Look at the teams in the playoffs, how many have ELITE running games this season?

None that I can think of off the top of my head. All of them are pretty good, but they're not great. Those teams are there b/c of their passing games and defense for the most part.

I was watching NFLN Sunday Night and Michael Irvin was joking with Marshall Faulk about Chris Johnson I think, and he was like "This is just more evidence that your kind are dinosaurs, you're becoming extinct in the NFL (running backs)!!! And my guys are taking over! (referring to receivers)"

I thought Faulk would be offended by it, but he wasn't. He acknowledged Irvin was right and that "the trend in the NFL is now headed toward passing..."

I know I'll get the typical "Great Job Captain Obvious," but really, them saying it really made it stick. It's crazy that a team with over 2,200 yards rushing isn't in the playoffs... It was obvious anything other than Jake would've been better, even if sub-par b/c he was so horrible. But, we really need another legit threat at WR to help Smitty. I think Moore is the guy, so we just need a quality backup there... But, the passing attack just has to be addressed thoroughly this offseason b/c of this trend towards passing.

The part that bothers me is that with Fox coming back, he's so stubborn and stuck in his pre-historic ways, I doubt he'll adjust enough to make our passing game upper-tier either.

[Guild]

The trend will continue as the league grants additional rule based protection to quarterbacks and receivers.

[panthers55]

It is clear that we need some help at WR but the real question is how do we do that. Everyone wants a rookie quarterback this year. Frankly if Moore is the answer and he appears to be, I would rather bring in a few wide receivers as high draft picks rather than a QB who we have successfully shown can be picked up off someone else's practice squad, as a free agent or other wise. Rookie receivers would be much cheaper than many of the FAs out there. I would rather have receivers who can step in and contribute right away than bring in a QB who will likely ride the pines behind Moore for years.

After all how many rookie quarterbacks this year have done better than Moore this year? Yeah it was only 5 games but it was a pretty darn good 5 games. To bring in a rookie at 50 million shows lack of faith in Moore and that he is only a placeholder. Maybe it is me but he looked better than that this year. With a better work ethic and experience, Moore could be our guy for the next 8-10 years.

[jpniner]

The trend will continue as the league grants additional rule based protection to quarterbacks and receivers.

which is, in addition to needing to focus on our own Passing game we need to also get better at CB and Safety in offseason

[guyinchesapeake]

The trend will continue as the league grants additional rule based protection to quarterbacks and receivers.

I agree with that. The rules have ensured that the teams with truly elite QBS are way, WAY ahead of the rest of the pack. This IS a passing league. The passing attack does not have to be the focus of an offense, but it has to be effective none the less. You have to be able to come back from a deficit. That's what killed us this year. No one feared our passing, and effectively doubled up on Smitty. Moose can't run the deep routes effectively anymore, and Jarrett remains an non-entity. With a run oriented offense, the TEs' should be targets more, as are the RBs' on swing and screen passes. Our most pressing needs are WR and special teams, followed by line depth on both sides. If Moore can execute better mechanics than Jake (specifcally, better use and timing with pump fakes and ESPECIALLY doing the progressions on the receivers), we can do some real damage next year, if we're coached right (i.e., make all that happen, and take advantage of it).