What I took away from this season... A Phinphinatic perspective..

I took many things from this season that motivate me for next year and left wondering what if... I was very happy with the way the team finished out and disappointed with the way it began. After a 0-7 start, this team finished pretty strong finishing 6-3. We didnt really have any signature wins against playoff teams, but did manage to beat the Jets. The win vs the Jets was a big win for us and may have provided a little momentum for next year along with jamming a middle finger in the face of the Jets organization. It felt great putting them in turmoil and forcing them to consider major changes for next year.

Offensive Line: Grade D

The Offensive line played overwhelmed and under-conditioned. For the first time in years, the O Line pretty much stayed the same all year outside of a few injuries, but failed to protect the QB. The O line improved in run blocking throughout the season and led the way to Reggie Bush having a breakout year as an every down back. The Line would have received and F if not for thier run blocking. Upgrading the RT position should provide a much needed lift to this under average line. I think that this Line is great example of how bad one player can affect an entire line. Marc Columbo should have been benched very early and replaced with Jerry to develop him more.

QBs: Grade B minus

Chad Henne started our season off strong by throwing for over 400 yards in his first start. Henne could have had improved numbers prior to goin down with injury had Brandon Marshall held on to a few TD grabs. Henne's numbers looked average with respect to his TD vs INT, but above average in his ESPN Total QB rating. Henne has lost the majority of this fan base and will likely have an opportunity to show what he is made of for another team next season.

Matt Moore played great as a back up QB for this team. He showed promise, poise, and the ability to come back in Jets game. He also played like a rookie consistently in his inability to get the ball out quick, avoid sacks, too many fumbles (14), and in his accuracy on the short throws. He showed nice touch on many of his deep balls, but failed to hit his receivers in stride which could have improved his yards and TD connections. Matt Moore should return as our starter next year while we either groom a young QB from the draft, or while we wait to make a move on Barkley or Jones in next years draft.

We should also consider bringing in a veteran to compete with Moore in FA if we choose to not make a draft day trade to land RG3 or Luck. If Manning where to come on, then I would look to Moore to go back to his back up role. Matt Moore could be the best back up QB in all of football right now.

Running Backs: Grade A minus

Reggie Bush started slow but finished strong. He impressed me and outplayed my expectations of him. I am very happy with how he competed, showed leadership, and stayed healthy. Feels like we may have a strong RB for years to come.

Daniel Thomas played very well in the beginning but trailed off at the end while losing many carries to Bush as the season went on. Thomas would greatly benefit from a full offseason to work on conditioning, learning the offense, improving his blocking, and in avoiding injury. He is a very promising young man and I for feel like we got a really good back up running back and future stud running back in development.

WR / TE: Grade B minus

Not too shabby considering the inconsistency of the Offensive Line and QB play. Marshall started the season poorly and had a large case of the dropsies. He improved as the year went on and had solid numbers and a Pro Bowl birth to show for it. He did leave too many points on the field with his early season drops and may have cost us a few wins.

Bess had a down year for us. He dropped more passes than I want to remember. He still shows us that he is a very capable 3rd receiver in the slot, but needs to improve on his catching and fumbles.

Hartline is awesome. He made some amazing catches and made Matt Moore look good alot this season. I know Hartline isnt what most expect in a number 2 receiver, but i will take a guy with hands like that all day to run opposite Brandon Marshall. Had Moore been able to hit Hartline in stride more often, Hartline and Moore's numbers would have looked alot better.

Defensive Line: Grade B plus

Alot of QB pressure, check. Forcing turnovers, check. Dominating the running backs, check. QB sacks...ehh. This line played pretty well this year and should be left alone IMO. Many are calling for a switch to the 4-3 and the addition of another pass rusher, but i feel like that is not a major need right now. A full offseason of workouts and some better conditioning and this Line will dominate more next year.

LBs: Grade B

Would have beena higher grade had they played better in the beginning of the season. Burnett made us all proud as the season went on and had a solid year. Dansby started slow, but came on strong at the end as well. I thought Misi had another solid season and i would love to see him continue to get playing time and develop.

Secondary: Grade C

CB play started slow due to injury and lack of conditioning. Vontae improved as the year went on a brought in 4 ints to go along with some real solid coverage. Smith played well this year and brought in a few picks of his own. This CB tandem is above average and should only get better in time.

The safeties are what hurt this team. Too often we saw safeties and CBs get burned on missed assignments. Bell is a dominating tacking machine on the run, but a liability in coverage. He is too good a tackler to get rid of, but he needs to improve his coverage.

Special Teams: Grade A plus

DC$ totally redeemed himself as the year went on and made us proud on that long ass kick against the Jets. He had another solid season despite a slow start.

Fields is the man! 3rd in the league in punt yards and should have been a Pro Bowl alternate. He is one of our best weapons and can flip a field like few in the past.

Kick/ punt returning hurt us alot this season. Gates, to me, was a huge disappointment. Too often he elected to take the ball out of the endzone only to fail to get to the 15 yard line. He showed a few flashes of promise but failed to put us in better field position. Punt returning was average at best.

Coaching: Grade D

It is not easy to motivate a team that starts out 0-7, but Sparano got us rolling with some wins and silenced the Suck for Luck campaign that was aggravating the players and some of the fan base. Sparano had to go after another losing season and Bowles showed some promise as the interum head coach. If we are unable to land a clear upgrade, we should consider bringing him back for next year.

Front Office: Grade C

Ireland had a very good draft in my opinion by landing some players that can contribute for years to come. Pouncey had solid rookie campaign, but still made mistakes. Jimmy Wilson looks to be very promising along with Clay. Thomas will produce much more in future if he can avoid injury.

Ross has consistently left us fans scratching our heads wondering how this guy got rich with the decisions he has made since buying the team a few years back. His coaching search is something right out of a how not to attract talent book and he could use some good advice from someone that is not named Peterson.

Fans: Grade C

This fanbase gave up on this team very early and has consistently expressed their disappointment in this team throughout the year. I am not saying that the fan base is out of line for the way we cheered, but alot can be said about staying positive and rooting in the face of adversity.

Over-all Team Grade: C plus

This team has shown some promise throughout the season losing very close games but blowing too many late leads. This team has a few glaring needs to be filled in the offseason, but will be competitive next season. As a fan base, I feel that we need to back this team whole-heartedly and pray that Ross will eventually provide the players and staff that we need to be put in the right position to win. Whether you believe that Ross and Ireland are good at what they do, it is clear that they both want to put this team in position to win.

Please continue to root, analyize, pick a part, and love this team in any way you choose. But remember that there is a big difference between constructive criticism and criticism. Whether you believe your voice is heard or not, being positive in life seldom back fires and can really lead to more enjoyment from the things you love. A superbowl or bust philosophy is a dangerous perspective for 31 teams every year. There is plenty to root for if you look closely.