Well, while that was disappointing it certainly wasn't unexpected.
I think we all would have loved to have picked up help on the OL and TE. But the fact is that there really wasn't anything out there to pick up on the OL that looked like it would have been an improvement over what we already have. Secondly, a Howard trade, regardless of how you structured it would have been a great win-win trade for BOTH the Bucs and us, but it takes 2 to make a deal, and from what's being reported, the Bucs still wanted to keep him. I'm glad we stayed away from Eifert. He's a trumped up WR and we have enough of those already. Howard was the guy and if it wasn't going to happen, I'm OK we stayed Pat. I have a sneaky suspicion that the Pats like Lacosse, but he just hasn't been healthy. A high ankle sprain can be something that lingers when you try and play through it.
So he're what we got left. There are a couple of scenarios that will start to get this offense back on track.
1. We get back Wynn - It all starts from there. We solidify as position of weakness.
2. Mason and Cannon need to start to play like they did last season. Clearly both are playing through some injuries now, but hopefully after the bye they will be healthy enough to play to their potential.
3. Karras IS a problem in the run game. That's the only way to put it. He can't get to the 2nd level and get LB's There are ways to change blocking schemes so that you have Karras blocking a down linemen most of the time. Remember don't ask a guy to do something he can't. On the plus side, only Joe Thuney has allowed fewer QB pressures than Karras and I think its just one more, so he IS doing the job on pass protection.
4. I need to see Elumanour replace Ferentz as the primary back up interior lineman. Do you job Dante'
4. I think in the end Watson and Lacosse will end up being the 2 TE's and Izzo will wind up back on the PS. While not ideal, it should be enough.
5. I think getting Harry back is bigger than most think. I think he's been healthy for a couple of weeks now and will get back in a productive groove sooner than later.
6. Sanu, Harry, Edelman, Dorsett, and Meyers is as good a WR group as any Brady has had in 8 of his 9 superbowl appearances. We can certainly win with these guys who are ONLY going to get better as the season wears on.
