A deep threat isn't a magic bullet

[Mr. Scot]

There's a lot of pining right now for a deep threat receiver, mixed in with hope that DJ Chark can maybe be that guy.

I don't have any argument with either take, but there's another element that also needs to be understood.

The mere presence of such a player isn't going to be enough to make defensive units pull back. Defenses are going to continue to challenge the Panthers until Bryce Young proves he can connect downfield consistently enough to make them pay for it.

The Saints have been a good defensive team. And for all his woes as a head coach, Dennis Allen does know a thing or two about coaching that side of the ball. This won't be anything close to a cakewalk.

My plan is to go into next Monday looking for (and hoping for) improvement, but I'd stop short of expecting a "get right" type performance just yet.

It's still very early in the season, even earlier in the team's new era.

Adjust your expectations accordingly.

[Luciu5]

If we clean up the turnovers, the defense looks like its good enough to keep us in games. We don't have the weapons to be a scoring powerhouse yet.

[Carl Spackler]

I expect a worse performance this week to be honest, and I’m probably gonna try and take a week off this website afterward. It’s not gonna be pretty for the QB against that defense and with this set of receivers and the routes they’re asked to run. 

However, in a few weeks’ time, the “bench Bryce,” “Jimmy Clausen 2.0,” “Teddy Bridgewater 2.0” posts are gonna get a lot of notifications — and they’re not gonna be in agreement 

[4Corners]

8 minutes ago, Luciu5 said:

If we clean up the turnovers, the defense looks like its good enough to keep us in games. We don't have the weapons to be a scoring powerhouse yet.

That Sanders fumble was a killer. Can’t have that. It was a nice looking drive until that. I heard Myers say that was his 10th career fumble. Is that a lot? Seems like a lot. 

[CRA]

6 minutes ago, Carl Spackler said:

I expect a worse performance this week to be honest, and I’m probably gonna try and take a week off this website afterward. It’s not gonna be pretty for the QB against that defense and with this set of receivers and the routes they’re asked to run. 

However, in a few weeks’ time, the “bench Bryce,” “Jimmy Clausen 2.0,” “Teddy Bridgewater 2.0” posts are gonna get a lot of notifications — and they’re not gonna be in agreement 

yeah, I think Saints game is going to put folks in tougher spots than the Falcons did.   They have better D and better O. And then you lose Horn. 

I think Bryce might clean up some mistakes, but he just flat out doesn't the weapons to really survive vs a good defense.   I could see the Teddy talk rise.  Not that I agree. I think there was some stat about Bryce Young, that had the 2nd most throw aways in a debut in NFL history.  Which isn't a bad stat.  But it highlights his IQ to play safe and smart.  And fans are fanatics.  They want plays.  And Bryce just doesn't have the skill talent around vs a solid D.  His best player this week was Hubbard lol. 

[jb2288]

Just now, 4Corners said:

That Sanders fumble was a killer. Can’t have that. It was a nice looking drive until that. I heard Myers say that was his 10th career fumble. Is that a lot? Seems like a lot. 

Yes, it's a lot for 4 years.. He averages 2.5 a year so hopefully getting them out of the way early.  

[countryboi]

I wouldnt say that having a deep threat is a magic bullet, but it would help greatly. I question whether or not Bates would’ve had two interceptions had Chark been available. 

[CRA]

6 minutes ago, 4Corners said:

That Sanders fumble was a killer. Can’t have that. It was a nice looking drive until that. I heard Myers say that was his 10th career fumble. Is that a lot? Seems like a lot. 

it's always something with him ever since his rookie year.  First it was fumbles, then drops, bad routes ......Eagles never deemed him reliable enough to trust that much.  Even last year, they phased him out down the stretch in favor of Gainwell.  

It was well documented his struggles and unreliability.  Huddlers weren't willing to listen to it after we signed him.  Frank said he had potential to be an every down back and would like to see it....and thus he was deemed that. 

I mean, he has the talent to be great.   Talent is there.  

 

[4Corners]

1 minute ago, CRA said:

it's always something with him ever since his rookie year.  First it was fumbles, then drops, bad routes ......Eagles never deemed him reliable enough to trust that much.  Even last year, they phased him out down the stretch in favor of Gainwell.  

It was well documented his struggles and unreliability.  Huddlers weren't willing to listen to it after we signed him. 

I mean, he has the talent to be great.   Talent is there.  

 

I thought it was pretty stupid to get rid of Foreman. 

[Icege]

I saw some folks complaining that Smith-Marsette has speed and wasn't on the field for the offense, but I'm assuming that's because they forgot that he'd only been on the roster for 12 days by the time Sunday rolled around.

[Mr. Scot]

3 minutes ago, countryboi said:

I wouldnt say that having a deep threat is a magic bullet, but it would help greatly. I question whether or not Bates would’ve had two interceptions had Chark been available. 

If Young can connect with him...

If the OL can continue to give him time...

If the receiver's not blanketed by a speedy cover corner...

If the rest of the offense can capitalize....

Lotta ifs...no real guarantees

[CRA]

17 minutes ago, 4Corners said:

I thought it was pretty stupid to get rid of Foreman. 

I just thought it was dumb to not round out the backfield better than we did.  We overpaid Sanders.  Frank made a comment about what he wanted to see happen....and suddenly folks acted like the backfield was solid and no one should critique it. 

Sanders is a fine player.  But just like with the Chark/Theilen add.....we then overrate what people are. Despite the league already saying what people are. 

Sanders is a committee RB and Chark and Theilen are role-players at this point.  Not starting WRs. 

[4Corners]

3 minutes ago, CRA said:

I just thought it was dumb to not round out the backfield better than we did.  We overpaid Sanders.  Frank made a comment about what he wanted to see happen....and suddenly folks acted like the backfield was solid and no one should critique it. 

Sanders is a fine player.  But just like with the Chark/Theilen add.....we then overrate what people are. 

Despite the league already saying what people are.  Sanders is a committee RB and Chark and Theilen are role-players at this point.  Not starting WRs. 

Yeah sanders is a decent player but he got paid and not resigning a running back like foreman who brings the pain was pretty idiotic 

[Dave Gettleman's Shorts]

9 minutes ago, Icege said:

I saw some folks complaining that Smith-Marsette has speed and wasn't on the field for the offense, but I'm assuming that's because they forgot that he'd only been on the roster for 12 days by the time Sunday rolled around.

after what I saw on that one punt return, speed doesn't mean anything if you don't have awareness