From losers in '07 to competitors in '08
12/25/2007
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It took 14 weeks for the Miami Dolphins to win their first game and 14 weeks for the Atlanta Falcons to lose a head coach.
It only took a couple of weeks for the St. Louis Rams and San Francisco 49ers to unravel because of injuries, and for the New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens and Chicago Bears to realize how far a team could fall after reaching the playoffs the previous year.
Throw the Cincinnati Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs into the mix and it’s easy to argue that the aforementioned teams have been the worst of the worst in 2007.
Read what local columnists are writing and listen to what fans are saying and you get the impression that these teams will be awful forever. That’s not the case, however – not in today’s NFL.
In this day of free agency and parity, it’s not impossible for a team to push for a playoff spot a year after finishing among the worst in the league. It’s not an easy transition, however, and that’s why some teams fall into deep ruts that keep them from reaching the postseason.
Below are four keys to turning around a morbid franchise. Along with each key, I’ve also listed examples of teams that have improved in that specific category and have gone from losers in 2006 to competitors in 2007. Of the four teams, two are still in the playoff hunt, one just fell out of the picture this week, and the other has already notched a division title.
Now, not every key will apply to those teams that had woeful 2007 seasons. However, in more cases than not, each team is lacking in at least one of they keys mentioned below. So pay attention, Dolphins, Falcons, Rams, 49ers, Jets, Ravens, Bears and Bengals, because you’ve got some work to do.
1. Defense wins championships.
2007 Example: Washington Redskins
In 2006, the Redskins ranked dead last in quarterback sacks, 27th against the run and 23rd against the pass. So in the offseason, they added linebacker London Fletcher-Baker and drafted impact safety LaRon Landry with the sixth overall pick in the draft. With Fletcher-Baker (team leader in tackles) clogging up running lanes, fellow defenders like Andre Carter and Marcus Washington have been able to apply more pressure on the quarterback. Thus far, the Skins’ rank 11th in sacks, ninth against the run and 10th overall.
Improving an entire defensive unit in one offseason is a tough challenge. The key, however, is not making wholesale changes, but vastly improving on the weakest areas through free agency and the draft. Every team has at least three playmakers to build around, so just adding a couple pieces heading into next year would be beneficial. Everything revolves around stopping the run, however, so teams need to start there and work into the secondary. A good secondary can make up for the lack of a pass rush and vice-versa.
2. Without a good offensive line, there is no offense.
2007 Example: Cleveland Browns
For anyone who has ever worked out in a gym, I like to compare rebuilding a team’s offensive line to training the legs. Everyone knows that working out their legs will be good for their overall strength and it will help build and support other muscle groups, but training them is boring and painful. So what do people (teams) do? They pass on working out their legs (rebuilding the offensive line), rush through some leg extensions (draft linemen in the late rounds or sign cheaper free agents to fill the void) and then spend time on flashier workouts like the bench press (draft or sign a running back or wide receiver).
However, look at how the Browns’ offense has operated this year after adding free agent guard Eric Steinbach and rookie left tackle Joe Thomas (right). Quarterback Derek Anderson has had time to find emerging playmakers Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow in the passing game, plus running back Jamal Lewis has resurrected his career. A year ago Cleveland’s offense was a disaster. Now it’s running like a well-oiled machine.
The Browns didn’t rebuild the O-line in one offseason – they added right tackle Kevin Shaffer and center Hank Fraley in 2006 – but nevertheless, they devoted time and money to it and are now reaping the benefits. Many teams that have struggled this year have enough playmakers, but they haven’t committed to improving the offensive line. What good is it to have excellent backs and receivers if you don’t have a solid line to make everything run?
3. Get a reliable quarterback
2007 Example: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Oh sure, just go out and get a quarterback – like that’s real easy. Well, the Bucs did it this offseason and won the NFC South a year after finishing in last place. Obviously guys like Peyton Manning and Tom Brady don’t grow on trees, but if teams look hard enough, Jeff Garcia-types are available every offseason. Garcia (right) is certainly nothing special, but he doesn’t turn the ball over and he makes plays. The key is to find a quarterback who at least fits the system and isn’t going to kill you by making mistakes. Donovan McNabb might be available next offseason and while he’s aging and injury-prone, he has proven he can still win games. Plus, a new setting might do him some good. Other possibilities are Derek Anderson if Cleveland decides to go with Brady Quinn, and Jim Sorgi from Indianapolis. While a rookie shouldn’t be expected to carry a franchise right away, there will be plenty of prospects in the upcoming draft as well.
4. Solidify a team philosophy.
2007 Example: Detroit Lions
Before the Lions hired Rod Marinelli as head coach in 2006, the team was in complete shambles. Many players were selfish and lazy, and overall, the team just didn’t know how to win. Marinelli steps in and changes the entire mindset of not only the players, but the coaches and organization as well. Players started to think team-first and guys like Jon Kitna (right) were brought in to add leadership in the locker room. Marinelli gave the Lions an identity and, for at least the first half of this season, the Lions were finally competitive. Obviously, Detroit needs more talent (and firing Matt Millen would be beneficial), but at least a direction and philosophy have been instilled thanks to Marinelli.
Two teams in dire need of a new philosophy are the Falcons and Bengals. Both teams have talent, but are marred with selfish players who just want to do their own thing. It’s starting to become cliché, but the saying “don’t let the prisoners run the asylum” fits both of these teams. Whatever it takes, both teams need a new direction. As we’ve seen again this season, sometimes having talented players isn’t enough.
Questions or comments? Send them to astalter@bullz-eye.com.