Offensively, I want to be one of those teams that can win games without our quarterback doing a whole lot. I want to be one of those teams that, even when defenses KNOW we're going to run the ball, we can line up and stuff it down their throats.
I honestly think we're pretty close to that. The running backs are excellent, and compliment each other well. Four out of 5 linemen are in place in my opinion. Preston, being the 5th, has really come along the last few weeks. Really encouraged by the way we've been running the ball, especially against Kris Jenkins and the Jets. We might need an upgrade at center to get a smash mouth running game, but I'm beginning to think perhaps not.
I do wish, though, that Schonert would committ to the run a bit more. I hope his vision eventually lines up with mine. We have no quarterback? So what! Lets pound the rock inside until defenses can't catch their breath, and then run it some more. Again, it seems like we're coming along, and are on the way to being this kind of offense.
Defensively, I want to be a team that can get a pass rush with only its front four. I want the team to perhaps surrender some yardage, but make up for it with strong redzone play, and turnovers in bunches caused by a disruptive, athletic line that allows us to drop 7 back in coverage and still get a rush. Basically, this is what a quality Cover 2 defense is supposed to look like.
I think we have most of the pieces of a secondary that can make plays with a strong pass rush. Unfortunately, I don't think our line is anywhere close to where I'd want it to eventually be. This is where we should focus on improving in the offseason.