Even more, there wasn't even a moment of decision. As soon as 3rd down was over, we went right back to the huddle. There was no looking around and waiting on a decision. Everyone came back to the huddle and called the play like it was a routine play.
This decision was made before the drive started. Philbin told the offense to go win the game.
I don't know if most have been noticing, but I think Mike Wallace has finally bought into this team and the coaches. The last few weeks he's been workman-like. I don't hear the crying baby anymore. I see a guy buying into the system and the team. It seems like since Gibson went down, the WR unit has come together and molded into a cohesive group. They are operating as one now. And not as a collection of individuals.
Another thing I've noticed, the current OLine still yields almost as many sacks but its the timing of their sacks that has transformed the rhythm of the offense. The sacks are happening on plays that have no real impact on the game. The numbers are still there but the sacks are not defining our offensive performance. They are non-consequential. Which to me means when the protection is needed, the protection is there. Looks to me like McKinnie is starting to round into form just like he did last year. Answering the bell when its ringing the loudest.
We need to be careful how we "improve" this line. We can't start over. We need strategic upgrades that can be inserted without messing with what is working. I'd like to see McKinnie come back and mentor a couple of tackles while anchoring our line and providing continuity for the short term.
Pieces are falling together right now. And I think it's because we've fixed a few core problems that were tearing this team apart.
And one would be foolish not to underestimate the coincidence of a free agent loaded team finally rounding into shape after the halfway point of the season. We've gotten rid of some problems, but we've also finally had time for the new pieces to find their place with their new teammates.
