Now that everyone has had some time to digest the game, let’s take a look at it objectively:
Offense: Put up over 300 yards, 24 points- would have been 27 if FG wasn’t blocked. Won the time of possession. Still has issues- IOL has problems with blitzing pressure, ARSB has been dropping balls he usually doesn’t, and Morton is not as creative as Ben. But… they certainly aren’t bad, even with the three-and-outs. The fumble was really a back-breaker, but long term, I think they will continue to improve assuming we can muster enough O-linemen to actually play.
Defense: Still playing with a beat-up secondary. Played with a lot of short fields. Got some questionable calls against them. Still held the Vikings to under 300 yards of total offense, and 4/12 on 3rd down.
Special Teams: Got a FG blocked. Allowed long KO return. Bates has 3 tackles this year, which doesn’t speak well to our KO coverage. Bates is also is sub 70% in FG percentage. Even our PR team this year has looked less consistent than years past. I can’t remember the last time we ran a fake punt… and I can remember punting on 4th and medium from near midfield a bunch already this year. Punt coverage- when Fox doesn’t force a fair catch- has been sketchy. Unlike the offense (IOL play, new coordinator) and defense (MASH-unit secondary, new coordinator), there is no reason Special Teams should have taken a step back this year. ST play very well could have cost the Lions this game, and it certainly isn’t doing the defense any favors. So what happened to our ST play?
Special Teams coaching has been a much bigger issue than our OC, yet there are multiple threads on how Morton should be fired or he is the biggest issue.
Fipp should be on the hot seat right now, the Special teams has been terrible this year
I read last week that Bates is only good kicking to the right on the angled kickoffs in the landing zone. Fipp was talking about it. That seems like an issue cause teams can put their best return man on that side and know where the ball is going for blocking purposes.
I think we are still trying to figure out the best personnel for the new rules. Add to that several key special teams players have been on IR or short term injury. Plus as StephenB said. If you keep kicking exactly the same teams will find ways to exploit it. I actually think Fipp is ok and will get things worked out.
I mean Fipp has been really good for 4 seasons… So perhaps it’s just adjusting to the new rules. It’s become a completely different play the kickoff. And they change the rules every single year now
