Priorities

[oldno82]

We have to prioritize things...

1) New coach and coaching staff. Possibly a new GM. The new GM, if hired, to pick the new HC.

2) The Draft/Free Agency/Trade: A DT who can collapse the pocket, an edge rusher, and an offensive lineman (preferably 2). Whoever gets picked/signed has to be able to start right away.

3) A new QB to replace Lamar? His quickness ain't what it used to be, and he's shown himself to be too moody. When he's feeling down, he lets the whole team down and he had more down days than up days this year. Also need an RB to groom as Henry's replacement?  

4) Some indication of urgency on the part of Steve Bisciotti on solving these problems.

 

[tsylvester]

I would not throw the baby out with the bath water. I have joked about trading Lamar for a 1st this year and one next, but in all honesty, no way do you trade  a hall of fame quarterback in his prime.

We, the fans, do not know what went on inside the team, why he and so many other players did not play as well this year as they have the past several.

Injuries, team politics, who knows. This year, his running was slower, no doubt. But a hammy, a knee, a foot, even a back, all slow you down even when you first get healthy. Get him healthy, fix the line, this offense will hum as it did last year, provided Monken is still here.

[papasmurfbell]

He was in his prime.  He is now on the back end of his career.  Trade him.

[oldno82]

I can't see us paying over $70m each year for the next two years and being able to upgrade the roster.

The Ravens should offer him a fair extension and if he hems and haws about it, trade him. 

I would not let the negotiations hang around going nowhere like last time. We don't have the luxury this year of doing that.

So far as Eric is concerned, I'm conflicted. Half of me says can him while the other half says give him a chance with his own coaching hire. I could go either way.

 

[papasmurfbell]

Just remember Lamar would have to wave his no trade clause.

[oldno82]

A potential fly in the ointment for sure but I'm optimistic he'd want out if, a big if, that becomes an option.

With the right coach and coordinator and dammit an offensive line that can pass protect, he can still be a star here or there.

[papasmurfbell]

I disagree there.  I don’t see anyone getting much more from him.

[oldno82]

Well, he was pretty effective in the 4th quarter of the Steeler's game when he was able to buy some time to throw. But that may have had more to do with the Pittsburgh D's blunders in coverage. 

If he has time to throw he can still be effective.

But the most damning thing is will he or won't he radically adjust his $70mil+ cap hit in a timely manner. I don't want to see the team playing the negotiating game into the mini-camp season.

[papasmurfbell]

The Steelers d is not good.  Look at him against top 19 defenses this yr.  He was really poor.  Also you point out the 4th.  These spurts are getting smaller and smaller.