With this season now over the word failure again comes to mind as this team obviously is not in the playoffs and needs to figure out how to change that looking to next season. Better play and most of all consistency within it is what this team needs to get better. I understand there were a lot of changes throughout this past season but it’s not an excuse as it happens to other teams frequently.
To me Whaley needs to get things under control and build this team so it’s ready to compete in all phases of the game. I think everyone was in agreement that the defense had itself a fine season but after that in most cases you never knew what you were going to get.
The offense had its trouble all season and first and foremost the quarterback position was front and center. Injuries along with below average play from whoever was under center made it in some cases very tough to win. I know the Bills were in almost every single one of their games but some you could just tell that these guys couldn’t do it. The most important position on the field and you don’t have a plan if your guy goes down with an injury is ridiculous. Along with that the offensive line was not very good and it seemed like the guys that this staff put in looked like just a patch job. There were times were this staff could’ve gone outside the organization to fill a hole but we always heard “we have the guys within the organization to step in and contribute”. How did that work out? Lastly the wide receiver position will need to be revamped and attended to. Starters on this team are Stevie Johnson, Robert Woods and Marquise Goodwin but after that who do we have? We need a number one receiver and maybe even another guy. A veteran guy would help out the guys that we currently have.
Looking at the special teams there needs to be some significant changes. First off they need to part ways with coordinator Danny Crossman. I get that he was hired because he and Marrone are friends but he is not a good coach. He has not had many good seasons while in charge of special teams. New players and philosophies need to be put in place. Along with that hopefully someone teach this group of guy’s discipline. We had 3 returns for touchdowns called back because of penalties.
Back to the defense I think you could get another linemen and even a linebacker. The only problem I see us having is if Byrd moves on to another team. That may force them to draft a safety early in the draft to fill his spot.
There you have a bunch of moves and decisions that need to be made before next season comes around. I didn’t even touch on the free agents that will have to be elevated on this team to see if they remain. Along with everything listed there’s always more than everyone outside the organization will miss. Is there anything that you want to see changed/upgraded?