1. For me, scoring 24 points against a team that has smacked us sideways the last few seasons was a huge positive. I give the maligned O line some credit, yes there was pressure -- but it was much better than it has been vs LA.
P.S. Aaron Donald is a MAN BEAST. I would kill to have a player like that on our D line. Just a force.
2. I am still kind of confused on why Graham disappears for huge parts of games. He has two catches in the last two games. I understand teams are paying him a lot of attention, but he is still a bona fide threat. He didn't get a lot of snaps last night (37), likely because of the short week and trying to protect his knee. He is such a threat, just want to see him more consistent in the game plan.
3. Russell's ability to break from the pocket and run is a HUGE factor for us going forward. Teams were lucky to not have to worry about him running when he was hurt, they now need to pay attention. I would like to see more read option.
4. I don't know what is up with Kearse this season. I'm not in the "Kearse hating" crowd, but I do think we need an upgrade. If you would have told me he would go the entire season and not get a single TD catch, I would have said you are crazy. Maybe he will finally snag one in the last few games and that will help his confidence? I don't know, he seems kind of uninspired to me...
I was hoping Richardson would step up this season, but he is a non-factor. But, I am glad they carved out a roster spot for McEvoy.
WR is an area we need to target in the draft, for sure.
5. I am excited to get Prosise back., hopefully for our first playoff game. He was really turning into a threat. We could really use his presence, especially on 3rd downs as an escape valve. Any updates on his shoulder, by the way?
6. Reece was a really good signing. He adds a dimension out of the backfield that Tukuafu didn't. He should have had an easy TD catch last night but Russell missed the throw. He has good hands and he knows how to get open, and that is a great thing to have for Wilson as a secondary or tertiary read. Kind of like having Mike Rob again, he was a big factor for our offense in 2012-2013.
7. Nice seeing Willson healthy and making plays. I'd still love to see more Vannett, but there is only so many snaps. Having a second TE threat will be huge when teams obsess on Graham. Great job by Willson keeping his balance on his TD.
8. Play calling: Nice to see another gadget play, it was under thrown and Doug fell down... Teams now need to pay attention to McEvoy as a dual threat.
Where are the screen passes and crossing routes?? I don't know if they don't run crossers due to Wilson's pocket visibility or what, but it seems like every pass is on the boundaries or flats and a few seams. I would think Lockett with his speed and Baldwin with his shiftiness would get open easily on drags. They may not be big gainers, but it's 5+ yards at a clip. When the running game is struggling, those are the kinds of plays I would like to see to help move the chains. It doesn't always need to be feast or famine.
9. Lockett is the threat we have been missing this season. He is a legitimate dual threat. Nice to see him have a breakout game and snag a long TD catch.
10. Baldwin DESTROYED Hill off the line on his TD. Holy crap he juked his jock strap off... lol. That was an audible I believe, similar to his game winner vs Miami. Originally, Kearse was in the left slot and when Russell saw the coverage he motioned Kearse to the right side and Doug lifted up his left hand, which I think was an acknowledgment to Russell that he knew it was coming his way. They have such great chemistry.
Anyways, just thought I would share observations after re-watching the game closely this morning. I am interested to see your comments.
