Putting Things In Perspective: Week 6 Grades

via www.nflgridirongab.com

It's time to put things in perspective and give out my week 6 grades after  the Texans game. I want  to hear what you guys think, whether you agree or disagree and what needs to be done for us to improve over this somewhat embarrassing loss.

• Secondary Grade: C

Analysis:  

After the loss to the Houston Texans yesterday I noticed two significant plays. Leon Hall would have made a great INT against Andre Johnson but dropped it  due to the impact from the ground.  Johnathon Joseph also dropped a possibly  a TD INT return. Our secondary made plays but didn't follow through on them. Although Matt Schaub shredded and the Texans our defense for nearly 400 yards, I do not completely blame the secondary aside from the blown coverage by Chris Crocker that led to a Jacoby Jones TD. I am not upset with the play of  Leon Hall & JJ.. Most of Andre's yardage came on the 59 yard screen pass from the beginning of regulation in which Leon Hall was not matched up against him, Plus Andre Johnson is arguably the best receiver in the NFL he's going to get the ball without us having pressure on Schaub. I'm only giving them the benefit of the doubt due to the 2 dropped INTs and Crocker's INT before the half

• LB Core Grade: D

Analysis:

I am more critical of our LB coverage and midfield coverage mainly with Owen Daniels and the underneath routes ran by Walter and the coverage against the screen. Although they were great against the run they were absolutely murdered against the screen and by Owen Daniels. It seemed like most of 'Schaub's critical passes where easily made due to faulty LB coverage. Our LB core as a whole has to improve their coverage. The middle of the field seemed more open than a prostitute's legs yesterday. The LB's where better against the run this week, but the thing is Houston was passing more than the run. Where was the LB Blitz? We have work to do here or Greg Olsen is going to get off next week.

• D Line Grade: C-

Analysis: 

The only reason the D Line gets a C is due to the fact that Peko and Odom go down early. Peko and Odom are the best players on the D Line. In the beginning of the game Schaub was pressured and Fanene and Pat Sims where able to manage 2 sacks, but the rush was not the same without Odom and Peko.

• Running Game Grade: C-

Analysis:

Cedric Benson is not the problem, but there is a lack of creativity coming from the Offensive Coordinator. Stop characteristically running up the middle every 1st and 2nd Down. We also had a total of 17 rush attempts, so I can't completely blame Benson.Where was Bernard Scott? he must be spelled with Benson, He is a change of pace back, who can give us a deadly combo of Smash & Dash. When are we going to see Bernard get some outside runs? Screens? Wildcat Formation? Cedric Benson  can also get some type of screens or use in the passing game. I understand we want to pound the ball but we don't have to just have runs straight up the middle, Benson has some great field speed and vision. Also can we atleast get one reverse to Caldwell? Why the hell would you call a running play down 11 in the 4th quarter with not much time left? No Creative Plays at all.

• Passing Game Grade: D+

Analysis:

Dropped catches killed us, turnovers from inefficient Tight Ends are unacceptable. Carson Palmer played fairly good his receivers just dropped balls. Where is Chris Henry? Where is Chase Coffman? We are not utilizing our weapons, we should be able to go 4 or 5 wide on passing plays. Chase Coffman must be activated immediately if you are scared for protection purposes use packages where he isn't require to block. We cannot have 3rd down drops.Theres no room for Coles dropping 3rd down 4th quarter passes. Last year we suffered converting on 3rd down and that absolutely killed our offense. To many stupid penalties from the line also killed us as well. We have to play more mistake free football. There is no reason we should not have shredded Houston's suspect pass defense this is why we get a D+.

• Blocking Grade: C+

Analysis:

Penalties,Penalties,Penalties. Too many false starts and holding calls. The o-line would have received a B- for not have having these brain freezing penalties, and lack of holes opened for Benson.The great news is that only 1 sack was allowed and it came from UC product Connor Barwin. Mario WIlliams was held in check which was very impressive to see, we just need to get these mental errors our the way.

• Overall Grade vs. HOU: C-

Analysis:

We have to be ready for the screen plays as a defense next week because there is no doubt after watchin film from this game I Bears will be using it. We have to generate a better pass rush, If we don't acquire a DE via trade I look for Michael Johnson to fill the void. We also have to make sure our LB's cover Greg Olsen  he is one of Cutler's favorite targets. We must follow through on turnovers, they can impact the game drastically and Cutler will take his chances, we have to blow it up in his face. On offense we need to utilize our weapons and call more creative plays, spell Benson and Scott and see what it produces, Get Coffman and Henry involved, our offense has some crazy weapons..use them, O line needs to stop having mental lapses, and we need to play like we are the better team. If we can make these adjustments (which I'm sure Zimm will, I don't know about Brat) then we will end our next game with the W.