Other than DJ, where do we need standout players?

[Philosophers]

I think for this team to hum, the following needs to happen:

RB - either we need a rotation of 2-3 very good RBs or one needs to be a standout.  We can't have a rotation of 3 average RBs.  That gets nothing done except spreads around mediocrity.  I am really hoping Tracy becomes that standout along with Singletary so we have a solid 2 RB platoon.

WR - We have Ferraris.  It is time to tune their engines then let them race.  If they were on the Miami Dolphins or Kansas City Chiefs, you can bet those head coaches would be trusting them more and getting them more opportunities.

TE - I am betting here on Theo Johnson.  I see old school Giants TE in this kid.  Love the Penn State bloodline.  I like Bellinger, but I think his ceiling is lower.  We need high ceiling players coached up to that ceiling.  Again, give this kid a chance.

OL - Play the veterans and get them into the starting lineup NOW so a unit forms and gets reps. Stop with this "experimenting."  Eze is a backup until proven otherwise so stop giving him starting minutes in practice.  Again, a unit needs to form.  If team is committed this year to Neal at RT, then play the best RG next to him.  If Neal fails by game 3, get him out.

Defense

I simply think this unit will be fine.  The addition of Burns, continued development of Thibs and consistency of Dex along with Okereke behind them makes this unit good.  Banks will be that much better.  Lock down the other boundary CB and get Phillips and Nubin the reps they need to make them starters and go from there.

Conclusion

The standouts to elevate this team need to be primarily from the offensive side of the ball as the defense should be ok.

[T200]

We need a dominant edge rusher. Someone who can apply pressure to the QB but is also stout in run defense and knows how to set the edge.

We also need a shutdown DB.

[Philosophers]

We need a dominant edge rusher. Someone who can apply pressure to the QB but is also stout in run defense and knows how to set the edge.

We also need a shutdown DB.

Think we are close to having those in Burns and Banks.  Far away from the other positions I noted.

[jgrangers2]

The O-line is the key and easily the biggest question mark for me. The offense will go as far as the O-line takes it.

[T200]

Think we are close to having those in Burns and Banks.  Far away from the other positions I noted.

I certainly hope so. Season's around the corner and we will get to see.

[MightyGiants]

I am not sure there is an answer to this question.  There are so many different ways to put together a successful football team.   I will say it's usually helpful to have a good QB, at least one elite receiving threat, and a player or two who can pressure the opposing QB.  Of course, you need a functional O-line (doesn't need to be elite, not that it doesn't hurt, but it needs to be solid)

[Philosophers]

I am not sure there is an answer to this question.  There are so many different ways to put together a successful football team.   I will say it's usually helpful to have a good QB, at least one elite receiving threat, and a player or two who can pressure the opposing QB.  Of course, you need a functional O-line (doesn't need to be elite, not that it doesn't hurt, but it needs to be solid)

When we had good teams we had standout players everywhere.  Now we need the offense to step up more I think.

[Jclayton92]

I'll be happy if we just get good production from the Qb, 2nd DB, and 2nd DT.

[Jolly Blue Giant]

Where it could be most beneficial to have a standout player(s)...IMO, would be to have a star blocking TE that can work in tandem with Neal on the right side

I have a lot of hope that Stoll and Manhertz will make a difference for the OL. Manhertz is tall and lanky (6-6/237) and Stoll is shorter and much stockier (6-4/250). Both rank high on PFF boards for blocking ability...Manhertz for pass protection and Stoll for blowing open holes for the ground game

Manhertz would likely be lined up near Neal. If Neal struggles, Manhertz will see more time on the field and we'll probably see more 12 or 13-personnel formations

Having 5 offensive linemen that are good, is nice to have...but having a couple of blocking specialists available to help the line exploit the defense is a luxury. So maybe we'll see more of Stoll and Manhertz, depending on the play calls 

[todge]

The Pats subscribed to the Analytic theory that defensive backs are the most important position on defense. To counteract the four, sometimes five, WR sets that some teams use, you need five or six solid CBs. We perhaps have one with question marks at the nickel/dime positions and a huge gap at the other boundary CB spot. I think Schoen will pick up one, if not two CBs before the first game


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