The 2008 "Who needs to step up" thread

[Paintrain]

If by 'step up' you mean take their game to a level significantly above last year or levels they've reached before then I'd go with:

1. Moss-He needs to become a bonafide #1 WR. I'm talking 75 catches, 1200 yds, 10 TD type of receiver. I think he can be that guy when healthy and given the opportunity to get the ball in positions to maximize his strengths. I can't tell you how frustrated I'd get watching him catch 5 yard outs and go out of bounds. The WCO should put him in space more and give him opportunities to make big plays from RAC.

2. Jansen-I know he's coming off of a pretty major injury and is up there age wise, but if he has a Pro Bowl season (although he should have gone a couple times before) left in him, we need to see it this year. He can't be getting run over or blown up in the running game. We know Samuels is going to be a stud, the interior will be solid, Jansen can be the key between a good OL and a great one.

3. Doughty-He's going to get his opportunity at SS, let's see him maximize it. With a pass rush that should be much improved and Landry patrolling the field at FS, Doughty should be able to make an impact with bone crushing hits and making plays on errantly thrown balls. He doesn't have to become the next John Lynch, but he needs to round out a secondary that should be a strength of our defense.

3a. Rogers-I'll temper it a little since he is coming off a major injury, but I want to see 2 things from him. First of all, CATCH THE BALL!! How many game changing plays has Rogers missed over his first 3 years? The difference between a good defense and a great defense is making plays that change field position in your team's favor. Secondly, he's got to stop making game killing mistakes. The awful attempted tackle at GB on the long early completion that led to a TD. Completely misplaying the ball and then the man against Plaxico in week 2. A couple years ago at Tampa getting killed by Joey Galloway on the game winning TD. He doesn't have to become elite THIS YEAR, but he was a top 10 pick, it's time he started playing like one.

[hesscl34]

Originally Posted by Paintrain

3a. Rogers-I'll temper it a little since he is coming off a major injury, but I want to see 2 things from him. First of all, CATCH THE BALL!! How many game changing plays has Rogers missed over his first 3 years? The difference between a good defense and a great defense is making plays that change field position in your team's favor. Secondly, he's got to stop making game killing mistakes. The awful attempted tackle at GB on the long early completion that led to a TD. Completely misplaying the ball and then the man against Plaxico in week 2. A couple years ago at Tampa getting killed by Joey Galloway on the game winning TD. He doesn't have to become elite THIS YEAR, but he was a top 10 pick, it's time he started playing like one.

I coudn't have said it any better!!! I totally agree!!!!!