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So you are a fan of a certain franchise in the NFL. In my opinion here's what you need the most in order to win a superbowl. As post like this is not easy, I reserve the right to change the list after feedback.
Tier one needs:
1. Franchise QB. If you don't have one, you'd better draft one, and if you miss draft another who might be it. No part of the puzzle is as valuable. Sure you can win without one if you have an all time type of defense and a top running game, but these days who does?
2. A really good GM, ( Never heard of the term franchise GM ) after all he has the say in the cap, the off -season free agency moves and the draft. Probably the most underrated piece of the puzzle.
3. Owner, you can't fire him so he or she better know what's going on. He hires the GM and the Head coach which is why I place the owner here. I think Dan was a really good one, Art II, the jury is out.
4. Head coach. The best ones run the offense or the defense, and don't delegate responsibility too much, know how to handle their high maintenance players , understand how to manage the clock, Understand how to put their players in position to succeed. and win more than not in the playoffs. The Head coach also hired the OC and DC, and picks the staff of positional coaches. For some reason a coach's first 10 years are usually his best with the franchise.
5. Star Pass rusher. Ether 4-3 or 4-3. The really good ones can change the game.
6. Star WR. You can find a pro bowl level WR on almost every team that wins the Super Bowl. Hopefully he's not a diva, because diva's seldom win super bowls.
7. Star CB. A player who can limit the best WR, and produce turnovers that can win games.
Tier two needs:
8. Left Tackle. The blindside defender is a valuable asset. I can not recall the last team to win a championship without a good one.
9. Middle linebacker. These days a linebacker that can stuff the run, tackle the ball carrier, and cover people well in pass coverage are in demand. A 3 down player.
10. Running back. My how this position has fallen. A back who can run, catch, and block is still the best chain mover in football.
11. Tight End. Match up weapons, these days TE's are very tall and can move. Few block well. The best are hard to limit.
12. Coverage safety. Either spot, the man who produces forced fumbles or turnovers can key the defense.
13. Other starting cornerback. You just can't have an average one. That will cost you.
12. Defensive line ( non pass rusher ) starter. A player who can stuff the run and put some heat on the pass rusher is a need for the defense.
13. Right tackle. These players are usually extra strong blocking for the run, and better at pass blocking than the interior layers.
14. Other starting WR. Ideally he complements the #1 WR.
15. #2 starting DL ( Non pass rusher ) the big guy up front are a needed more than the other poisons below:
Tier 3 needs:
Outside Linebacker ( non pass rushing star ) , Center, Other starting Safety, nickel slot corner, Kicker, #1 Guard, Back up QB, Dime defender, #2 Guard, Slot WR. back up OL player, A bum kicker can sink you, he'd better be at least average. These days there are few bum kickers.
Tier #4 needs:
Punter, Long Snapper, Back up players at all other spots, Kick coverage players on special teams, kick returner. It really doesn't matter much who you punter is, but a really good one can save you 15+ yards a game or make a key punt to get a team out of trouble.
So what do you think? I think you should match value with need, and IMO our biggest needs using a chart like this are:
#1 QB. Ben is old and very expensive
#2. Starting Running back. Next season!
#3 OL, just because it's a huge need and age and free agency are going to cripple this unit.If the value is right, start with Tackle. Next up Center, and last Guard.
#4 Head Coach. Tomlin's disappointing seasons, collapses, and not winning a playoff game since 2016 suggests a change is needed. Since that did not happen in 2021, and Tomlin has a year left, it can happen in 2022 when Tomlin's contract is up. His choices for OC and DC were not good ones either.
#5 Cornerback. While ours are decent, they are expensive and one of very old. Free agency will take a bite out of this unit too.
Hopefully Colbert sticks as a the GM, but if he goes, adjust the list accordingly.
Tier one needs:
1. Franchise QB. If you don't have one, you'd better draft one, and if you miss draft another who might be it. No part of the puzzle is as valuable. Sure you can win without one if you have an all time type of defense and a top running game, but these days who does?
2. A really good GM, ( Never heard of the term franchise GM ) after all he has the say in the cap, the off -season free agency moves and the draft. Probably the most underrated piece of the puzzle.
3. Owner, you can't fire him so he or she better know what's going on. He hires the GM and the Head coach which is why I place the owner here. I think Dan was a really good one, Art II, the jury is out.
4. Head coach. The best ones run the offense or the defense, and don't delegate responsibility too much, know how to handle their high maintenance players , understand how to manage the clock, Understand how to put their players in position to succeed. and win more than not in the playoffs. The Head coach also hired the OC and DC, and picks the staff of positional coaches. For some reason a coach's first 10 years are usually his best with the franchise.
5. Star Pass rusher. Ether 4-3 or 4-3. The really good ones can change the game.
6. Star WR. You can find a pro bowl level WR on almost every team that wins the Super Bowl. Hopefully he's not a diva, because diva's seldom win super bowls.
7. Star CB. A player who can limit the best WR, and produce turnovers that can win games.
Tier two needs:
8. Left Tackle. The blindside defender is a valuable asset. I can not recall the last team to win a championship without a good one.
9. Middle linebacker. These days a linebacker that can stuff the run, tackle the ball carrier, and cover people well in pass coverage are in demand. A 3 down player.
10. Running back. My how this position has fallen. A back who can run, catch, and block is still the best chain mover in football.
11. Tight End. Match up weapons, these days TE's are very tall and can move. Few block well. The best are hard to limit.
12. Coverage safety. Either spot, the man who produces forced fumbles or turnovers can key the defense.
13. Other starting cornerback. You just can't have an average one. That will cost you.
12. Defensive line ( non pass rusher ) starter. A player who can stuff the run and put some heat on the pass rusher is a need for the defense.
13. Right tackle. These players are usually extra strong blocking for the run, and better at pass blocking than the interior layers.
14. Other starting WR. Ideally he complements the #1 WR.
15. #2 starting DL ( Non pass rusher ) the big guy up front are a needed more than the other poisons below:
Tier 3 needs:
Outside Linebacker ( non pass rushing star ) , Center, Other starting Safety, nickel slot corner, Kicker, #1 Guard, Back up QB, Dime defender, #2 Guard, Slot WR. back up OL player, A bum kicker can sink you, he'd better be at least average. These days there are few bum kickers.
Tier #4 needs:
Punter, Long Snapper, Back up players at all other spots, Kick coverage players on special teams, kick returner. It really doesn't matter much who you punter is, but a really good one can save you 15+ yards a game or make a key punt to get a team out of trouble.
So what do you think? I think you should match value with need, and IMO our biggest needs using a chart like this are:
#1 QB. Ben is old and very expensive
#2. Starting Running back. Next season!
#3 OL, just because it's a huge need and age and free agency are going to cripple this unit.If the value is right, start with Tackle. Next up Center, and last Guard.
#4 Head Coach. Tomlin's disappointing seasons, collapses, and not winning a playoff game since 2016 suggests a change is needed. Since that did not happen in 2021, and Tomlin has a year left, it can happen in 2022 when Tomlin's contract is up. His choices for OC and DC were not good ones either.
#5 Cornerback. While ours are decent, they are expensive and one of very old. Free agency will take a bite out of this unit too.
Hopefully Colbert sticks as a the GM, but if he goes, adjust the list accordingly.
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