Mr B wrote:Cactus Jack wrote:Mr B wrote:It will all come down to Sam Darnold. They have a hell of a running game and a good defense. They should win the division this year (in my opinion) and should be in the mix for a title run as much any other good team.
The issue last season was the O-line & a lack of a run game (30th). The previous OC ran a college offense. Which put a ton of pressure on Geno & the guys upfront to block. It was a disaster for the most part.
They hired Klint Kubiak this offseason. Who comes from the Shanahan/Kubiak tree. Which should benefit Darnold having played in this system.
My only holdup is the O-line. As it remains one of the youngest units.
But the defense was trending in the right direction last season. The Ravens defense took a massive jump in year two under Mike Macdonald (#1 defense). I could see a similar trend happen here this season.
But yes, ultimately it will come down to how the offense performs. The performance of the O-line & how it impacts Darnold.
I was going to ask you about you OL. I know the Seahawks have THE two RB’s I wanted for the Cowboys (other than Judkins). I wanted Charbonnet when he was in the draft and this year I wanted them to draft Damien Martinez. If they can get the OL in order they could have a pretty dominant running game.
Not sure about the new OL coach though. The RB’s seem like they would fit better in a power running attack. More north-south and less East-west.
Adding Grey Zabel was a necessary move for them. But you also have a starting Right Tackle that has yet to play a full season & has dealt with a chronic knee issue which has caused him to miss a lot of time. As well as a Right Guard situation that still is unresolved. They did not add a veteran starter in free agency & instead are relying mostly on younger guys to develop. Which has been a re-occurring theme for this team.
Kubiak runs a heavy wide zone scheme. Which is perfect for a back like Walker. Martinez also played in a zone scheme at Oregon State before transferring to Miami.
Charbonnet is probably better suited for a gap scheme. So, he could eventually be the odd man out. He was a better fit under the previous system.
