I don't think the ST has elevated at all.....yes they had a blocked kick but really from game 1 to game 16 they have not moved out of the dump pile. Yes the kicker is more reliable then those before him, but the real thing to look at to me is the return and coverage units....they suck, they suck real bad. Any team at any time (usually the worst time) can make a big play on a return. When we make a return ( rarely) they tend to be followed up by a flag.
I am glad we are playing the hawks 1st off....just for the fact that it gives us more time to work on our mental work, more so than delving into game film simply because we know them so well. We know what makes them go, and vice versa....
I like getting John's feet wet, at least now if Goff plays and starts his act up he can be pulled with knowledge (somewhat) of what the backup has. I don't go with the idea that the Cud Chewer will know how to play against a mobile QB.....you can have a plan well and good, but that is not the end all to covering it.
The D is self explanatory....
