OarChambo wrote:I don't think you're wrong about what will happen, but I don't think it'll get the team back on a winning track. This team's series of bad decisions began about the same time Coughlin came to power. Sure, Caldwell is a convenient fall guy and his trust in Bortles is ultimately his undoing, but how is this team going to improve with the resources available and current structure of the rooster?Markulous wrote:I definitely agree with management being an issue. My guess right now is that Dave Caldwell is gone, which was probably the plan all along bringing in Coughlin. Coughlin can now either just take full control or basically hire an assistant with the title of GM to do his bidding. We had some big hits drafting (particularly those 3 players I mentioned plus Telvin Smith) and in FA (Malik Jackson, Calais), but there were a ton of misses too. Everyone knew Bortles would ultimately define Caldwell's tenure and unfortunately it didn't work out.
Here's my issue with coaching. Our DC basically was handed the job because he was on staff, we didn't vet anyone else (same with our OC both times). Looking at this year and last year in particular, his soft zone crap just doesn't work. You have arguably the best DB tandem in the league with a good FS and a top DL, and 2 very athletic LBs, why on earth would you play a soft zone coverage? That's part of the reason of what cost us the win last year in New England. We were ahead and started backing off only to let Brady pick us apart. If we would have just stuck with press/man coverage, we would have been playing the Eagles in the SB. This year, I see the same garbage.
I also question Marrone's control over the locker room. I wouldn't be pissed if they brought him back as long as we have different coordinators that we actually vet and interview externally, but if there's no improvement within a year or two with new management and new coordinators, Marrone has to go.
Cap strapped, no quarterback, argument there isn't a single cornerstone piece anywhere on the offense, and the defense is either north of prime age or chasing a contract in 2020 that Jacksonville probably can't give them without wrecking themselves further.
Yeah, all really good points and valid questions. I really don't know. The only people on offense that are safe this year are Fournette, Linder, Norwell (due to his contract and I guess he improved), and DeDe. While it's good having a guy like Linder, it's not enough to build around (none of them are, to your point) and you don't want to build your team around a RB, that's how you end up in this mess. We still need a QB first and foremost, a legit WR1, and better O-lineman.
Here would be my ways to save money:
Cut Parnell, Cut Bortles, Cut Barry Church, Cut/Restructure Dareus (he is a good run-stuffer, but if he won't restructure, he has to go).
Malik Jackson and Calais are the tough ones. They drafted Taven Bryan in hopes he could replace Malik, I'm almost sure of it, but a pass rusher (whether it's edge or 3 tech or OLB etc) takes time to develop typically and he isn't there yet. I'd personally look at what their trade value is and go that route. They would be big losses, but we also need to retain are young/upcoming players and Calais isn't getting any younger.
That should give us enough cap space unless we plan on making big FA acquisitions, which at this point I don't see happening.