So, I'm going to say something here, and people are free to stunt on me
later for saying this:
I liked a lot of what I saw last night and I like where Tomlin has this
team going.
Now, do I think they are making the playoffs? Nah. .500 record? No - the
AFC is too good this year. But I think this team is building it's
foundation to be a monster next year. I think this is going to be like one
of those Cowher years when he went 5-11 or 6-10, and I agree with Tomlin
when he said 'definitively no' when asked if he's going to make changes.
- The offense has gotten better in each of the games it's played. That
first half was awesome - they converted long drives twice, ran the ball
effectively, spread the ball around, and were generally effective.
- Despite the Browns oline being portrayed as God-like, the D without Watt
got consistent pressure, and honestly is still waaay better against the run
than expected. They got pressure even though they ran a lot of 3-3-5.
- Le'al is going to be a monster. Bush is definitely improved. Jack is a
huge addition. Add a Ike Taylor level corner to this defense through the
draft next year and watch out.
- The oline, coming into the year considered a gigantic liability, was good
last night. How much did we hear from Miles Garrett?
- Yeah, Mitch needs to go, and it will happen at some point this year. But
give Kenny the Mahomes treatment and let him sit for as long as you can.
- Pickens is a hybrid of OBJ and Antonio Brown. Assuming his head stays
screwed on right, he'll be WR1 for 10 years. DJ and his drops (he had 2
last night) can explore free agency in a couple of years.
- The run game is getting better. Warren is a great change of pace back to
Harris.
None of this is good enough for this year, but I like where this is going.
I like the plan. I think this year is going to be tough to watch, but I
think they are going to turn this around.
Flame away. :)