Okay what does today mean?
Well, I'm quite optimistic.
Granted, we made moves on the defense, but the game is won in all 3 phases and honestly, the biggest issue on Sunday was the TOP. Our D was on the field too long. Even if we trade 3 and outs, it's a different ballgame...even with our flaws on the OL and schematically.
On defense: on multiple sites our depth chart indicates that Natrez Patrick is our starter at OLB with Ebu backing up Fowler. Even if that's not correct, it does point to Patrick being moved to outside, at least for the rest of this year and getting substantial playing time. That's a good thing. He's a rook and he's not Clay Matthews, but he's a baller and he tackles well.
I expect us to go HARD on press man coverage and run blitz the crap out of Atlanta, creating tons of interior pressure. Atlanta also has a pocket QB in Ryan and they've been struggling. We definitely have someone who can just man up on Julio Jones which makes the rest a bit easier.
That should be the defense's way of increasing the offense's TOP.
On offense: So let's presume we get don't get Williams. I don't like the idea of having a guy not in football shape being put on an island. I think that's asking for injury and he's going to want to be signed to a long term contract. Me no likey. But I think Cleveland ultimately wins out and I'm not unhappy about it. I think unless they make a move today, I think we'll still have our OL with no changes unless they swap Edwards for Demby (not sure how it could be worse than Demby, but I already know in asking the question, that it could be and I don't want that, if for no other reason than JG's health).
I truly think McVay's been focusing on 3rd down conversions, better play calling on 3rd down and offensive efficiency to ensure we aren't in many if any 3rd and long plays. I also think he's going to have gotten the message that he's going to have to scheme around his OL which means less production, but wins. I think he can do that. He clearly doesn't want to, but he's been doing it more and more and I think he'll pull out all the stops to not end up underwater on the season.
I think we fix a LOT of problems if we tried for Scherff, but it seems we're maybe in a bidding war with Cleveland for Trent Williams. I dunno what the plan is if they did get him. Move Noteboom to RT if he's back in time to start next season?
Could Austin Corbett be the answer? Unlikely, but yes. There's another smart technician-type OL I was super high on who didn't pan out... that'd be Barrett Jones. So, I dunno. Corbett is misplaced at Center and ultimately should be very good at LG, but he needs time to learn the position. Some guys struggle at first in all that traffic and this wouldn't be the first guy the Browns didn't have a solid development plan for.
In light of the recent changes which show an incredible commitment to winning now as well as in the future, I've considerably raised by win projections.
As of right now with no additional moves, I see us going 9-7 or 10-6 depending on some bounces, refereeing, FG kicking and a few other uncontrollable details.
To be clear, if the Rams can address the interior OL, especially not ignoring the double A gap pressure... this team can be as dangerous as it ever was...
