2021 Season Report Card

[method man]

Now that playoffs are officially not a possibility anymore, it is time to start discussing this coming offseason. 

 

First, I want to touch on a few observations of the season.

 

Coaching

 

I don't really fault the coaching staff for these 4 straight losses. Look at the roster that played those 4 games against those teams given the rash of injuries to impact players and the COVID absences during that timeframe. The season ending injuries really hurt this season as it was to players in key roles. Yes, every team has injuries and needs to find ways to overcome them. However, compare this team's IR to that of the Cowboys, Giants and Eagles. The Cowboys lost no significant players and the Eagles lost Brooks / Graham but no other significant players. The Giants were comparable and you see the nosedive they took. 

 

My issue with the coaching staff is the 2-6 start - this coaching staff needs to be held accountable for the slow start. That is what put this team in a hole and that is what ultimately came back to bite this team in the ass. The blame for the first half of the season is primarily on Jack in my opinion. To have the number of coverage gaffes this team did with a veteran defensive backfield was disgusting. Furthermore, yes Chase and Sweat were freelancing but it is still on Jack that he couldn't find more ways to use these two talents effectively. We know that this team chooses its FAs and draft picks with heavy input from the coaching staff. I place some blame on Jack for the Davis pick or at least for trying to make him play middle linebacker when he clearly isn't a fit. It's a nit but I also don't know what they saw in a guy like Torry McTyer who was a walking interference penalty in both preseason and when he got snaps during the season. He also likely overrated the depth he had at linebacker, which I will get to later.

 

Finally, Jack has shown his defense is unable to adjust for the modern NFL, specifically his ability to contain mobile QBs. This team was 3-7 against mobile QBs this season and similarly terrible against them in 2020 (2-5). He is a weak link. I would like to see some changes on the staff - Del Rio and Sam Mills are the two guys I want out of here.  Steve Russ is another guy who should be out of here given the lack of development in Davis and the slow development of Holcomb.

 

I believe the position coaches on the offensive side of the ball are legit. Matsko and Hoener are great coaches. I get the OL got crushed the past 4 games but look at who they had available. I think Randy Jordan is solid. I'm willing to give Drew Terrell more time as this was his first year as a full assistant and he is just 30. He is the type of young fast rising assistant this team lacks.

 

Grade: B-

 

Offense

 

Quarterbacks

 

It's a shame Fitz went down in less than a half but it looked like it was going to take him time to adjust to this scheme anyway with his play in preseason and that first half. I know Heinicke has been getting a lot of flack over the past month but he proved this season that, despite his weak arm, he belongs in this league as a backup. Let's take a breath and look at this in context. As a starter, he had a 6-8 record, which is more than what you would expect out of a backup pressed into the role he was pressed into. Compare his play to all the backup QBs this team saw last season and to the backups who were pressed into starting duty this year. Only Huntley and McCoy played at a similar level. I would be happy to see Heinicke stick with this organization as a backup moving forward, at least as long as Scott Turner is here. This is the context I am grading Heinicke under - if we saw play like this out of a first round pick, my grade would be lower

 

Grade: B-

 

Running Backs

 

McKissic proved that he is the most important of all the running backs. Once he was lost, this season went down the tubes. At least up until his injury, the only RB with more catches than him over the past two seasons was Kamara. What makes McKissic special is that not only is he surehanded and finds ways to get open but he is dangerous after the catch - his TD against the Falcons stands out. He is a FA but, if he is healthy, they absolutely need to bring him back, especially if they draft a rookie QB. This guy can be a real security blanket. Gibson is hard to grade as his performance fell off vs his rookie year but he was also playing hurt much of the year. What is clear, however, is that he lacks vision and I don't think he'll ever be great in that department. The most sobering stat was the one from a few weeks ago that showed that, although the OL was winning a ton in the run game, Gibson wasn't doing much with those wins. Patterson didn't do much until this game - I hope he gets a full workload next week to show more. I think what is clear to a lot of posters here is that there needed to be one more proven guy in this equation. Going into next season, I don't think the team should use a high pick on a RB but I do want to see them add a proven veteran in free agency who has shown he can be a feature guy if needed. Peyton Barber wasn't that.

 

Grade: B+

 

Wide Receivers

 

This is a hard group to grade given the scheme they went with in the second half of the season and the injuries to Thomas and McKissic putting more pressure on them as a unit. Not only did Terry have a major statistical dip this year but he also dropped more balls than usual. At the same time, I give him kudos for leading the league in contested catches. The team can offer him an extension this offseason. Getting this done is one of the most important things this team needs to do. Samuel was the biggest disappointment of all the FAs - sure he was hurt much of the year but when he did play, he didn't do much. He needs to show up next year or he is not going to reach the end of his contract. Brown finally showed signs of life these past two weeks but his roster spot shouldn't be safe next year. Humphries had himself a solid year. Cam produced when he got chances to. Milne was a pleasant surprise - he may just take Humphries's spot in 2022. This team can't count on anyone to grow into a no. 2 WR and needs to be aggressive about finding one in free agency or trade.

 

Grade: B

 

Tight Ends

 

Pete Hoener earned his money again this year. Losing Logan Thomas most of the year really hurt - you saw just how much Heinicke needed him when he played. The team was 4-2 in games Logan Thomas was in this year. I think RSJ has been overrated a bit by much of this board - the guy's hands suck and he dropped a lot of balls. I will give him credit that he did contribute way more than expected however. John Bates is the real gem and I will admit I was wrong on him as I disliked the pick at the time. At the very minimum, he is a TE2 in this league and has a shot at being an all around TE1. He's never going to put up huge numbers but perhaps he can be a Health Miller type of well rounded TE. Reyes got his free year this year and needs to show a lot of progress in training camp to prove he belongs. They can bring back RSJ but I don't care whether it's him or some other veteran they get on the minimum like Ian Thomas, Will Dissly, Maxx Williams etc. 

 

Grade: A

 

Offensive Line

 

Yes the offensive line didn't look too hot against the Eagles and Cowboys but look at who they had to play with. I think the biggest challenge in those games was having to use Ismail at center. Ismail is a guy who could potentially be ok in a zone scheme but he clearly does not have the strength to play in this scheme and he was abused by both the Cowboys' DTs and the Eagles' DTs. When we look at the top 7 OLs, all guys graded well on PFF (above 70). At least until the final five games, this unit was also ranked as a top 3 OL statistically. Leno played the best football he has in years, Flowers returned to form, Roullier was having his best season, Scherff was very good when healthy and Cosmi is the only draft pick who looks like a surefire NFL starter. Furthermore, Schweitzer and Lucas were very good again this year. They especially missed Schweitzer's brand of violent football in those final 5 games. What is particularly impressive is that, outside of Scherff, no one in this group is lauded leaguewide. Matsko is a master and this team is lucky to have him.

 

Grade: A

 

Defense

 

Defensive Ends

 

Young and Sweat were the biggest disappointments this season and didn't provide the return you would expect per the investments that were made in them (first round picks). James Smith Williams looks like a solid depth piece and I want to see Shaka Toney put on some more muscle. However, I would seriously think about trading Sweat this offseason if the team can get a 2nd or a 3rd round pick back for him. I think there is going to be a disconnect in terms of what he thinks he is worth and what he really is worth. He is not a guy that is ever going to become a consistent 12+ sack a season guy as he lacks the bend to generate consistent dominating pass rush but some team will pay him like one in FA. Instead of him, I'd rather bring in some value FAs and/or draft pick and have them compete with Smith Williams and Toney for that 2nd DE spot.

 

Grade: B

 

Defensive Tackles

 

Allen finally took that next step this season. Payne had another solid season but he is what he is at this point. It seemed like Ioannidis lost a step this season and I was disappointed Settle got little run. Payne is another guy they should consider moving this offseason as he is not worth paying $13M+ a year to. They likely lose Settle in any scenario and will likely need to add at least one piece to this rotation

 

Grade: A

 

Linebackers

 

This was the weakest performing position group on the team. The one guy who performed at a respectable level was Holcomb and everyone else was trash. I know that Milano and David didn't ultimately become available this offseason but, good god, why not take a shot on Perryman, Campbell, Wright or one of the several other veteran linebackers out there. Heck, KPL would have been an upgrade over Mayo, Kunasczyk, Harris, Eifler and company. I not only want to see this team add a real starter at ILB via free agency, trade or the draft but I need to also see them pick up at least a couple more guys for depth (at least one veteran and one draft pick). I don't want to see a crew of UDFA/practice squad types on the field next year.

 

Grade: D (Would be an F if it weren't for seeing Holcomb's growth the second half of the year)

 

Safeties

 

I am going to count Collins here. Collins and McCain were two of the key culprits for the 2-6 start with blown coverages and assignments early on. Both guys did play better later on in the season. Curl had another good season but we didn't see the impact plays from him this year that we saw in his rookie year. I hope we see him make plays again in year 3. Beyond these guys, the only depth guys that got much run was Reaves. They need to overhaul this group this offseason. McCain should only come back if he is considered depth. I don't care one way or another if Colllins stays or goes. There are things I like about his game but not at his pricetag.

 

Grade: C+

 

Cornerbacks:

 

Similar to the safeties, Fuller and Jackson were terrible during the first half of the year but their performance was night and day in the second half of the season. Fuller played like an All-Pro and Jackson looked like a good NFL CB. This is another knock on Del Rio as Fuller was obviously miscast as a nickelback in the 1st half and played much better in the 2nd half when he was moved back outside. I would grade these two a D in the 1st half and an A in the 2nd half. What does push the grade up is that, outside McTyer, the other guys played better than expected. Danny Johnson looks like the starting nickel CB next year and it is amazing to see his progress since his rookie year. He bailed the coaching staff out on their decision to let Moreland go. He is a UFA so let's hope they keep him. St. Juste looks like a guy who can start at corner one day if he stays healthy but I wouldn't count on him moving forward given he had at least 2 and possibly 3 concussions this season - it wouldn't surprise me if he walks away from the game. I'd also bring Darryl Roberts back as he played solid this year. This team needs another corner who can play nickel and another outside CB for competition. Trapke isn't included here because he got no snaps.

 

Grade: B-

 

Special Teams

 

Kicker

 

Going into training camp, this is the best kicking situation this team has had in a longtime. I like both Slye and Johnson and we are set for a great training camp battle between these two. I do have to ding the position grade due to 1) not bringing in competition for Hopkins in the offseason and 2) going with Chris Blewitt for 2 games. This was arguably one of Ron the GM's three biggest gaffes over this season.

 

Grade: C+ (Slye gets an A)

 

Punter

 

Nothing to be said here

 

Grade: A+

 

Return Specialist

 

Carter is our best return specialist since CFL MVP Brandon Banks. He is a threat with the ball in his hands and they need to bring him back. The two complaints I have is 1) he did bobble the ball a few times and he has had fumble issues in the past (didn't bite us this season) & 2) he fair caught a tad too much.

 

Grade: A

 

Long Snapper

 

Not only did this team use a 6th round pick on a long snapper which was just stupid (the pick after him was the Chiefs' stud rookie guard Trey Smith) but he was a part of the sketchiest operation this team has had vis a vis special teams in at least the past 6+ years. So many blocked kicks/punts. I don't study special teams but it seems like Cheeseman had something to do with it. I don't fault the team for not bringing back Sundberg who apparently is/was dealing with a major injury but couldn't they just have signed a couple guys on minimum deals and had them compete?

 

Grade: C

Edited January 3, 2022 by method man

[mhd24]

Outstanding post!

 

I’d say Slye has the kicker position locked down.  Dude has a booming leg.  Much stronger than Johnson.  No way Hopkins makes the 55 yarder before the first half

[method man]

10 minutes ago, mhd24 said:

Outstanding post!

 

I’d say Slye has the kicker position locked down.  Dude has a booming leg.  Much stronger than Johnson.  No way Hopkins makes the 55 yarder before the first half

 

You are probably right but let's hope this team is savvy enough to at least get value for Johnson. I remember the Ravens once got a 5th round pick for Kaare Vedvik in training camp

 

[mhd24]

Just now, method man said:

 

You are probably right but let's hope this team is savvy enough to at least get value for Johnson. I remember the Ravens once got a 5th round pick for Kaare Vedvik in training camp

 

Yeah, but kickers are always around.  Spielman has been desperate and doesn’t have foresight (they didn’t give Carlson a chance and he’s probably the 2nd best kicker in the league after Tucker).  Johnson doesn’t have a strong leg IMO.  I doubt he’s valued at all.  
 

Carter was a major surprise.  He saves a roster spot as he can return both.  
 

[Voice_of_Reason]

You are what your record says you are. 

6-10. Not so good.  
 

[Ball Security]

Hey, easy on Cheeseman.  He is the 3rd alternate for the pro-bowl!

[method man]

11 minutes ago, mhd24 said:

Yeah, but kickers are always around.  Spielman has been desperate and doesn’t have foresight (they didn’t give Carlson a chance and he’s probably the 2nd best kicker in the league after Tucker).  Johnson doesn’t have a strong leg IMO.  I doubt he’s valued at all.  
 

Carter was a major surprise.  He saves a roster spot as he can return both.  
 

 

Forgot him. Just added him and giving him an A. 

[88Comrade2000]

D is what this team earned. From the front office moves to the coaching staff.   The moves they made didn’t pan out. Other than Tampa; this team couldn’t really play well against the better teams.

 

The Team dug a hole that couldn’t withstand the injuries and covid.  
 

The team is no where near having that franchise qb.  While the QB isn’t the end all; the qb can mask weaknesses.

 

 

[DJD2]

This team is below average. Waaayyy too many A’s and B’s in that post. At best this is a C- team and closer to D+. 

[CobraCommander]

Yeah I don’t know about all this. 
 

Quarterback: F for fail

Offensive Line: B- Good at times, bad when it mattered

 

Running Backs: C+ Too many fumbles, not enough production.

 

Wide Receivers: C- Nothing to speak of outside McLaurin. Carter was a surprise but not a starter IMO.

 

Defensive Line: C- I’m grading these guys on a curve. They should be so much better and it’s hurts their grade.
 

Linebackers: F None of them are starter material. None.

 

Cornerbacks: C+ WJ3 was supposed to make us better and yet we weren’t.

 

Safeties: B+ the weak link is FS. Bobby McCain isn’t good enough. Curl is stud. 

 

Special Teams. A- with Slye. Best Bart of this team. 

The QB position weights this overall grade down to a D. That’s a failing grade.

 

 

 

[sprcr]

Sorry, but while I get where you're coming from it just doesn't make sense to give a team that's going to be multiple games under 500 an average grade of B.  Although maybe that says more about the current state of grade inflation than anything else!  Look Ma!  Everyone is above average.

 

Team doesnt get an F.  They played meaningful games into December, which is more than I expected when Fitz went down in game 1.  But it just cant be more than an overall D if "average" gives you a C.

[Burgold]

Why not? I'll throw my grades in the ring.

 

Offensive Coaching C+ 

A real mixed bag. Do we grade the offense well for making due without all their playmakers and somehow becoming competitive? Do we give bonus points for making a line with a fourth string center, back up guards, and tackles viable? Of juicing the most they could out of Ricky Seals Jones and Bates? Or do we downgrade for play calling, failure to produce a threat that scared teams and misuse of players (such as Gibson) Because I think this offense overachieved very modest expectations, I'm going with a C+.

 

Defensive Coaching D

A D is probably being generous. Yes, the D suffered from their share of injuries, but on paper before the season everyone was expecting a top ten defense if not better. In practice, most of the season they were bottom five. I can't think of a group that played to expectations. I think play calling, teaching, and use of players has been uniformly awful. Still, we won six games so I don't want to give a failing grade. So, I'll round up a 58.2% to a D.  

 

Special Teams Coaching B

The coverage and return teams were actually pretty good this year. We were more of a threat then threatened. I can't give an A because we may have allowed an NFL record in blocked extra points. Not sure if it's fair to hang the blocks on coaching, but can't overlook them either.

 

QBs C-

Well, we now know what it's like to play a full year with a back up QB or low end starter at QB. Hienike produced some great moments. He was at his best when he tried to be Brett Farve and at his worst when he tried to be Alex Smith. The legend looks like it will only last a year, but at times he made it an exciting year. Beating Brady was nice. The C- is actually the kind of QB I think he is. I think after everything he's a starting QB in the NFL, but not a franchise one and not a good one, but he is better than the bottom rung of starters the NFL trots out each year.

 

RB: C

@KDawg has broken this down so well. McKissic was great and the team fell off a cliff when he went down. Gibson had moments, but isn't a premier back. I like Patterson, but as a group and over the season, I think they all average out to... well average.

 

Wide Receiver: C-

McClaurin was very good again and is now recognized across the league. Curtis Samuel was a no show. Dyami Brown had a few flashes, but wasn't ready to shoulder the load. Simms and Humphries also flashed, but game in and game out they were more likely to be no shows. It's possible with a better QB that this grade would be higher, but I only know what I saw.

 

Tight End C

Who knows what tight end could have been. Logan Thomas looked great in the one and a half games he played. Ricky Seals Jones had a career season, but was injured twice. Bates looked solid and right now looks to be our best draft pick. Rejes never made his presence felt.

 

Offensive Line: B

Okay, since the first Dallas game they fell apart, but the fact that they lasted as long as they did deserves a nod of recognition. Yesterday, we started our fourth string center, fourth string guard, back up tackle, but we still made a game of it.

 

D line D+

So much potential wasted. Allen proved he was worth his contract. Payne had a few nice games, but seemed like he regressed. Toohill and Toney were okay and that was light years better than Sweat and Young. Hopefully, they figure it out.

 

Linebackers D

Holcomb was up and down, but I think okay. Bostic was injured early. Jamin Davis flashed occasionally, but looked lost. David Mayo looked like a special teamer.

 

Defensive Backs D

Kurl is a good safety. Jackson was a bust. Johnson filled in and was okay. Collins looked to be on his way out of the league as a safety. As a Buffalo nickel he looked pretty good. Way too many blown assignments. Way too many missed tackles.

 

Kickers: C+

Way too many blocked extra points. Kickoffs have been generally okay. Punting was fine. I think we ended in a solid place for kicking. 

 

 

 

[Monte51Coleman]

I desperately wish that the OP had been passing out grades when I was in school.

 

Overall I evaluate the season as a C- but considering we live in the era of participation trophies… 🤷🏻‍♂️

[stoshuaj]

1 hour ago, Monte51Coleman said:

I desperately wish that the OP had been passing out grades when I was in school.

 

Overall I evaluate the season as a C- but considering we live in the era of participation trophies… 🤷🏻‍♂️

 

No kidding, their sub .500 record alone indicates that they are not average and those grades would be damn near Honor Roll ffs.

 

Qb/WR = B, OL = A?, have you noticed where the offense sits compared to the rest of the league?  That’s a helluva grading curve.

 

Apparently Snyder isn’t the only person who doesn’t care about winning if this season is considered passing 

Edited January 3, 2022 by stoshuaj

[Burgold]

7 minutes ago, stoshuaj said:

 

No kidding, their sub .500 record alone indicates that they are not average and those grades would be damn near Honor Roll ffs.

 

Qb/WR = B, OL = A?, have you noticed where the offense sits compared to the rest of the league?  That’s a helluva grading curve.

 

Apparently Snyder isn’t the only person who doesn’t care about winning if this season is considered passing 

Despite our failing record it is a passing league.

[MrJL]

17 minutes ago, stoshuaj said:

 

No kidding, their sub .500 record alone indicates that they are not average and those grades would be damn near Honor Roll ffs.

 

Qb/WR = B, OL = A?, have you noticed where the offense sits compared to the rest of the league?  That’s a helluva grading curve.

 

Apparently Snyder isn’t the only person who doesn’t care about winning if this season is considered passing 

 

you can only grade people for the games they show up for and we've had to many times where the guys weren't there.  Our first game with Philly we were practically a scab team

[Wildbunny]

Can't find one with Bruce Allen...

 

[stoshuaj]

8 hours ago, MrJL said:

 

you can only grade people for the games they show up for and we've had to many times where the guys weren't there.  Our first game with Philly we were practically a scab team

Sooooo, the grade is for what might have been not the group that was on the field?  That works I guess……

[KDawg]

You are very generous in your grades @method man

[El Mexican]

Can't agree with the OP's assesment.

 

This team is a clear-cut D.

 

Too many blowouts, errors, bone-headed plays and coaching mistakes to even label this squad as "mediocre".

 

One of the saddest seasons I can remember around here. Not a single new silver-lining discovered this season.

[Captain James]

9 hours ago, Burgold said:

Despite our failing record it is a passing league.

[MrJL]

2 hours ago, stoshuaj said:

Sooooo, the grade is for what might have been not the group that was on the field?  That works I guess……

 

it's grading the individual players not the games.  To me that makes sense.  I mean why should Joey Slye get a D when he was only on the roster for a few games, for example

[Playaction2Sanders]

On 1/3/2022 at 7:00 AM, Monte51Coleman said:

I desperately wish that the OP had been passing out grades when I was in school.

 

Overall I evaluate the season as a C- but considering we live in the era of participation trophies… 🤷🏻‍♂️

 

Yea, for a team on the way to 6-11, only 2 grades given out below a B???

 

QB: C - Given the fact Heineke had no weapons consistently besides Terry this year he did what he could, if this was Aaron Rodgers that fact would be pointed out more often.  

RB: C-  Too many fumbles by Gibson. Not enough big games. McKissic did Mckissic things. Need to bring in another guy

Wr: C-  Nothing much behind Terry.

TE: C+ Good blocking TE like Bates will hang around, concerns with Thomas. Seals Jones played better than expected.

Oline: C+ Had some good games n bad. They aren't the hogs but they played better than expected.

Dline: C+ This should have been an A but it seemed the league figured out Sweat and Young pretty quickly as neither did anything amazing this year. Sure someone will post PFF stats that make you say wow but you didn't say wow much during games..

LBs: D  They need improvement

DBs: D+  Got burned by legit QBs all year long. I guess Jackson had a knee issue he played through all year, props for that but its not a group I'm gonna remember years down the road. Curl was fine but we need to add a guy. I don't even know St.Juste is gonna be back. 3 concussions his rookie year? He should be out of the league..

 

Coaching C- I really want to be in those meeting rooms for the defense. Offensively What can Scott Turner do when few of his legit weapons are available..??

 

Overall D+++

Edited January 4, 2022 by Playaction2Sanders

[purbeast]

That is a lot of As and Bs for a team that is going to have 6 or 7 wins lol.

 

For the second year in a row.

[KDawg]

My grades without explanations... quote me if you want some basic ones:

 

QB: D-

RB: D

OL: C

WR: D

TE: B

 

DE: D

DT: B+

LB: C-

CB: D

S: C-

 

Total: C-/D+ , below average

Edited January 4, 2022 by KDawg