The title of this thread, “We’re not that far off,” sounds like gallows irony. But I think it’s actually true.
Our defense has a chance to be not only good, but outstanding. We have playmakers, blanket coverage guys, hitters and sure tacklers, relentless pass rushers and a defensive line that fights like hell. By far our best defense in years, with the potential to get better every week. This is a defense that can win us games,
The challenge for the defense last week was to play four good quarters, not three. And it did that, keeping us in the game until the end. And we did it with key guys such as the tremendously talented Steve Linton out with with injuries.
But you can’t win if you can’t score. And no defense can win if it is driven into exhaustion by an offense that can’t stay on the field.
That said, we had plays that make me think the offense can get better, much better, very quickly. One was a chip and flare move by Benson. Inexplicably, the ball was not thrown even though Benson was wide open and likely would have gained 30 yards or more. Luke Benson with the ball and room to run is a nightmare for any defense.
It’s not all on one guy. If we can start making these plays — low risk, high reward — I think our offense will get the spark it needs, like a golfer who finally sinks a clutch putt and starts to think he is going to make the next one instead of the opposite.