A lot to unpack Matthew :) Enjoyed the read. I'm expecting the team to go with Klint Kubiac but who knows. I feel sorry for the OC because whoever it is will be hammered to run, run, run, and on 3 and 16, run again. I said the same thing previously but Zimmer doesn't run simply to grind the ball to slow the game and meticulously go forward. Zimmer runs to rest the defense which is permanently his focused.
Whoever is selected for the OC needs to run a balanced offense with complete permission to pass wide open if we're facing a defense that cannot stop the pass. One of the draw backs of this year's defense is that Zimmer will still use that performance to load up the defense instead of look at bolstering the Offensive line as well. Despite having Pierce back at the nose, Hunter on the end, Barr at linebacker, Kendrix back, and 3 corners coming back, Zimmer will want a DE or 3Tech in the first round, we have no second round so the 3rd round he'll want a safety. So... like normal, we're stuck with looking for a guard or tackle in the 4th and below. I'm really torn about the first-round pick. We do need a DE, Tackle/Guard, and possibly a QB if the right one drops, Lance might drop that far.
We also need to consider trying to find a larger O-lineman who can move to some degree, a guard that is large to take on some of those monster lineman who lift up our lineman and slam the into Cousins. I don't care if its in the draft or FA though I don't see us having much to spend because of the Cousins debackle. I also think it would be a cold day in hell before Cousins would volunteer to reduce his cost. So... if we're health in 2021, as things stand, we "might" hit 8-8 if we win 2 games I'm not expecting a win. To me the schedule says 6-10 again if the coach's mind set remains the same.
Ariz L; Balt L; Carolina W; Chic L (Sold.Field); Cinc W; Detr W; GB L (LB Field); Chic W; Detr W; GB W; LA L; Seattle L; Browns L; Pitt L; SF L; 6/10 is my early forecast. This is dependent upon having fans in the house, the coaching philosophy the same, and the players healthy or next year will be worse because we could easily get swept by GB and Chic. Hopefully free agency and the draft will change my mind.
I'll keep reading and listening because I enjoy your analysis, Courtney, and Jeremiah but I doubt I watch another game until the Superbowl... maybe the NFC and AFC championships to watch GB and Buffalo :)
Thanks as always for the thoughts Curt... and picking the schedule already is elite dedication haha. Love it. I agree with your point on the offensive linemen. They haven't done a very good job of surrounding their undersized center with big bodies who can help him out. That's been confusing to me.
The Wilfs must make sure that Zimmer is very aware that he has to let the next OC throw the ball out of a system that compliments the run. A modern version of the wide zone with motions and check. The wilfs must make sure zimmer knows that he is there to focus on the defense and the discipline. Somewhere in the draft they need to grab a jet sweet, bubble screen guy. Pure speed for eye candy to free everyone else. But this all comes down to Zimmer getting a talking to behind the scenes to stay out of offensive affairs
I'm not sure the Wilfs would have any say over how they approach the X's and O's... I'd be really surprised if they did. 100% agree on the modern version needing things like motions. They left some things on the table this year.
I agree with the X’s and O’s take but I do believe that they can make it very clear that A) JJ should be featured more in the offense, and B) the 6th OC in 6 years better work out
The pipe dream candidate is Joe Brady, but he should be getting a head coaching job. Gosh that would be awesome!
Any sense on what the thoughts are around the team regarding Klint Kubiak? I’m not sure that’s the sexy pick, but it may be the continuity that’s needed in another odd offseason.
I tend to agree that this system does work for Cousins, but it needs modern variations. Maybe Klint could bring that. Frankly the biggest thing is more early down and early game throwing. And stop running on 2nd and long!!!
I don't have a good sense for the feeling on Klint. Especially with COVID keeping reporters from the locker room this year, it's tough to get a sense for something like that. But his experience with the system and with Kirk makes a lot of sense to keep the train rolling and then add to it
Call me crazy, but maybe they should kick the tires on Anthony Lynn. He has a great reputation and he is the mastermind behind unlocking Austin Ekeler by using him creatively and in conjunction with other backs. Imagine Dalvin lined up slot left, running a fly motion at the snap, with a zone left play fake to Mattison. I'd like to see the linebacker that gets into his drop before Irv has the ball 17 yards down field on the hash. There may be 3 or 4 out there - and one of them plays for the Vikings. And if the safety cheats down to take on the crosser, you have Jefferson running 1 on 1 on the backside post.
Just send him and someone who plays Madden to the Kentucky Ranch and have a little clock management bootcamp...
Another benefit of going with an older guy instead of an up and coming guy (in my mind) is that they are less likely to get poached to be the next young head coach when they inevitably have a good year with the plethora of weapons they are blessed with.
Not a crazy thought. Their offenses have been good in LA. I think as a former RB coach, maybe he would be a little more creative in the passing game with Cook.
Great read Matthew!! My problem is I don’t trust Zimmer to hire someone who will maximize the skills of Jefferson, give Cousins easy reads in the passing game and have a modern philosophy on offensive production
Thanks Ben. I think Zimmer is always really concerned with turnovers... but playing it safe didn't keep them from turnovers or help them overcome turnovers...
This would be a great time to bring in Zimmer’s old buddy Hue Jackson!
Did Todd Downing leave on good terms? Could he be worth a look? He's on the Titans staff now but was here in 2018.
I don't recall there being any issues with Downing when he was on the staff. That's a good observation.
A lot to unpack Matthew :) Enjoyed the read. I'm expecting the team to go with Klint Kubiac but who knows. I feel sorry for the OC because whoever it is will be hammered to run, run, run, and on 3 and 16, run again. I said the same thing previously but Zimmer doesn't run simply to grind the ball to slow the game and meticulously go forward. Zimmer runs to rest the defense which is permanently his focused.
Whoever is selected for the OC needs to run a balanced offense with complete permission to pass wide open if we're facing a defense that cannot stop the pass. One of the draw backs of this year's defense is that Zimmer will still use that performance to load up the defense instead of look at bolstering the Offensive line as well. Despite having Pierce back at the nose, Hunter on the end, Barr at linebacker, Kendrix back, and 3 corners coming back, Zimmer will want a DE or 3Tech in the first round, we have no second round so the 3rd round he'll want a safety. So... like normal, we're stuck with looking for a guard or tackle in the 4th and below. I'm really torn about the first-round pick. We do need a DE, Tackle/Guard, and possibly a QB if the right one drops, Lance might drop that far.
We also need to consider trying to find a larger O-lineman who can move to some degree, a guard that is large to take on some of those monster lineman who lift up our lineman and slam the into Cousins. I don't care if its in the draft or FA though I don't see us having much to spend because of the Cousins debackle. I also think it would be a cold day in hell before Cousins would volunteer to reduce his cost. So... if we're health in 2021, as things stand, we "might" hit 8-8 if we win 2 games I'm not expecting a win. To me the schedule says 6-10 again if the coach's mind set remains the same.
Ariz L; Balt L; Carolina W; Chic L (Sold.Field); Cinc W; Detr W; GB L (LB Field); Chic W; Detr W; GB W; LA L; Seattle L; Browns L; Pitt L; SF L; 6/10 is my early forecast. This is dependent upon having fans in the house, the coaching philosophy the same, and the players healthy or next year will be worse because we could easily get swept by GB and Chic. Hopefully free agency and the draft will change my mind.
I'll keep reading and listening because I enjoy your analysis, Courtney, and Jeremiah but I doubt I watch another game until the Superbowl... maybe the NFC and AFC championships to watch GB and Buffalo :)
Thanks as always for the thoughts Curt... and picking the schedule already is elite dedication haha. Love it. I agree with your point on the offensive linemen. They haven't done a very good job of surrounding their undersized center with big bodies who can help him out. That's been confusing to me.
It makes one wonder how much influence the Big Tuna has on Coach Zim's overall philosophy...
The Wilfs must make sure that Zimmer is very aware that he has to let the next OC throw the ball out of a system that compliments the run. A modern version of the wide zone with motions and check. The wilfs must make sure zimmer knows that he is there to focus on the defense and the discipline. Somewhere in the draft they need to grab a jet sweet, bubble screen guy. Pure speed for eye candy to free everyone else. But this all comes down to Zimmer getting a talking to behind the scenes to stay out of offensive affairs
I'm not sure the Wilfs would have any say over how they approach the X's and O's... I'd be really surprised if they did. 100% agree on the modern version needing things like motions. They left some things on the table this year.
I agree with the X’s and O’s take but I do believe that they can make it very clear that A) JJ should be featured more in the offense, and B) the 6th OC in 6 years better work out
totally agree on both points
The pipe dream candidate is Joe Brady, but he should be getting a head coaching job. Gosh that would be awesome!
Any sense on what the thoughts are around the team regarding Klint Kubiak? I’m not sure that’s the sexy pick, but it may be the continuity that’s needed in another odd offseason.
I tend to agree that this system does work for Cousins, but it needs modern variations. Maybe Klint could bring that. Frankly the biggest thing is more early down and early game throwing. And stop running on 2nd and long!!!
I don't have a good sense for the feeling on Klint. Especially with COVID keeping reporters from the locker room this year, it's tough to get a sense for something like that. But his experience with the system and with Kirk makes a lot of sense to keep the train rolling and then add to it
Call me crazy, but maybe they should kick the tires on Anthony Lynn. He has a great reputation and he is the mastermind behind unlocking Austin Ekeler by using him creatively and in conjunction with other backs. Imagine Dalvin lined up slot left, running a fly motion at the snap, with a zone left play fake to Mattison. I'd like to see the linebacker that gets into his drop before Irv has the ball 17 yards down field on the hash. There may be 3 or 4 out there - and one of them plays for the Vikings. And if the safety cheats down to take on the crosser, you have Jefferson running 1 on 1 on the backside post.
Just send him and someone who plays Madden to the Kentucky Ranch and have a little clock management bootcamp...
Another benefit of going with an older guy instead of an up and coming guy (in my mind) is that they are less likely to get poached to be the next young head coach when they inevitably have a good year with the plethora of weapons they are blessed with.
Not a crazy thought. Their offenses have been good in LA. I think as a former RB coach, maybe he would be a little more creative in the passing game with Cook.
Great read Matthew!! My problem is I don’t trust Zimmer to hire someone who will maximize the skills of Jefferson, give Cousins easy reads in the passing game and have a modern philosophy on offensive production
Thanks Ben. I think Zimmer is always really concerned with turnovers... but playing it safe didn't keep them from turnovers or help them overcome turnovers...