We still have no credible run threat. Our OL can't run block. Watching our former players Moss and Singletary succeeding elsewhere brought this home. Yet we keep collecting RBs thinking that this is the missing ingredient. Watching the Lions OL assert their will in the run game has made everyone forget what a mediocre QB Jared Goff is.
You can keep saying we're not built for that but what are built for - a track meet? Josh still gets beat up most games. So we don't pass protect that well and don't run block that well. Seeing the pocket that CJ Stroud threw from brought this home. If your opponent knows you don't have a run game, your QB is going to pay for it. Admit it - Josh Allen is still our best running threat.
When we rushed 5 and 6 defenders and still couldn't pressure Burrow it screams failure of scheme or failure of personnel. I know the Bengals are among the best teams but the Texans got to him enough times to make him think. Our D never touched him in the last two outings.
Our defense during the Clappy era is just average. I know we're in the era of rules favouring offense and scoring but opposing running backs usually have their way with us as well. Our secondary makes plays from time to time but we do not consistently generate a pass rush. Our tackling has been mediocre the last few years. If we can't consistently stop opposing teams that means we have to score on nearly every drive.
We are long into the Clappy - Beane regime. Does anyone see evidence of a culture of excellence or playing with passion? It pains me to say it but I do not.
With the exception of the Miami game, we're playing flat - always lowering our level of play to that of our opponent. This team reminds me of the Marino era Dolphins - a mediocre overpaid team that always relied on their franchise QB to perform miracles to bail them out.
Please, no whining about injuries. Great organizations (KC, Philly, Pittsburgh) have understudies prepared to play.
When I see us lose to the hapless Patriots and play down to the level of the Giants, I see a team that doesn't believe in its leadership anymore.
Whether it's fair or not, if Clappy has lost the locker room, the regime has to go.
Yes, there's still time to salvage the season and the window of opportunity but we need to see it yesterday.