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Originally Posted by sportscurmudgeon
Well said...
Why do you think Hightower was "one-and-done" even before the injury? I never got that sense...
What happens if after weeks 12-17 that Paul and Hankerson show that they have mediocrity written all over them? [Don't know about Paul but that sure looks like the right label for Hankerson as of this moment...]
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Don't get me wrong, I'm not anti Hightower by any stretch but I think the way Shanahan churns backs until he finds the 'one' made it likely that Hightower wasn't a long term solution. He brings a strong presence to the locker room and a good mix of power and speed plus he's great in pass pro but he didn't show in the regular season as well as he did in preseason. He could be back and I'm sure welcomed but with this being a contract year, it sucks he got hurt.
If Paul and Hankerson don't 'flash' as the season goes on it makes sense that we will be trying harder to get a veteran playmaker via trade or free agency and/or drafting a WR in the top 2 rounds next year. I think an NFL team can get by with a decent WR corp if there is one guy that defenses have to account for. Right now, it appears we don't have that guy on the roster but if one of them becomes that guy then we can allocate early resources elsewhere. They don't have to become stars, one of them needs to just show they can be a threat to defenses on a weekly basis.
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Originally Posted by The Goat
I don't understand this thread. The "Shanaplan" if there was/is one has been derailed because of the QB situation. Hell I just read a long sports article on Yahoo sports discussing this. The plan is "hoping to hell" Beck is a diamond in the rough, or we try and pick a franchise QB next year.
If we're focusing more on the offense (in this thread) I would say the most important dynamic right now is whether this group is developing an identity. Some argue Kyle's scheme will work when we get the right pieces, whenever it happens. I think waiting around to draft the right fit QB and WRs is absurd. Fit the scheme to the roster or get the eff out.
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I disagree. The Shanaplan was to build a TEAM for the long term, not a 2 year fix.. The defense is about 70% built to the way he wants it. I'm sure he wants another strong MLB (McIntosh is playing well but isn't a difference maker), a deeper secondary and a thumper at DE. It's clear the 2011 plan was fix the defense and see what Rex/Beck can do at QB.
Now, the 2012 plan has to focus on the offense in order to truly compete in 2013 (year 4 of his contract). There was one perfect fit QB in the 2011 draft, that was Newton. There was one perfect fit QB in the 2010 draft, that was Bradford. We didn't have a chance for either so rather than try the veteran route again or reach for a QB they didn't like, they rolled with what they had. Low cost, no risk, all potential reward. Now, if Beck turns out to be mediocre, there are no assets invested long term and full focus can be given to the position.
I am firmly in the camp that Kyle's scheme will work with the right pieces. So much so that I'm convinced he will eventually be Mike's successor-but that's another thread. If Hankerson or Paul turns into the playmaking WR they need then that's one big piece. If not, expect a ton of resources to be focused next offseason on the passing game.