Cincy Jungle
After Sunday’s expected loss to the Packers, there really isn’t anything different to take away other than a few slight improvements and a minimalist glimpse of hope.
I’m trying to wrap my head around how this team and coaching staff operate. Normally, when a teammate, especially a captain, gets hurt and is out for an extended period, the team plays extra hard for that individual.
Well, it appears they are doing the opposite. I didn’t realize how a team was such a well-oiled machine under the direct leadership and management of one single player. Ever since Joe Burrow went down, this team has been lost. However, I’ve mentioned before that it’s not just because of one player; it’s everyone as a unit and a team.
They don’t look like one, certainly not every play like one.
The offensive line is bad, at best. They are inconsistent and (not to throw blame at anyone in particular) a big reason as to why the face of the franchise is recovering, yet again. They are either getting faked out, swam around, or simply pushed around by the opponent. The quarterback, no matter who it is, has no time to throw the ball, let alone hand it off to the running back to attempt a positive gain.
I’m not sure the defense understands the difference between schemes and coverages, nor do they know how to properly tackle. They can’t cover consistently or communicate with each other. Their one bright shining moment against the Packers was a tipped ball, intercepted by Geno Stone. A good defense should make it hard as hell for an offense to get a first down or in field goal range, let alone score a touchdown every drive.
I will give credit where credit is due, though. I will still stick with my word to say last year’s defense was worse. This defense has at least stopped two great offenses from scoring on a few occasions.
Again, give credit where credit is due. Joe Flacco came into this game after probably what seemed to be 15 minutes in his eyes to deliver 200 yards in the air with a pair of touchdowns.
The offense started the game with about the same intensity and synergy as the previous games, none. I’m not sure what was said in the locker room at halftime, but they came out firing in the second half. Though plenty of things to work on still, that second half at least gave me a slight glimmer of hope that maybe, in fact, Joe Flacco can come in and help this team survive.
Let’s give him more than a few days of practice and see what happens when they host the Steelers in primetime on Thursday Night Football. If this team has any hope or realistic chance for the playoffs, Thursday night would be the perfect opportunity to show up and have a statement win against a divisional opponent and long-time rival, in your own house.
