The Recipe

Here's what can bolster success for us in the upcoming games:

We have to be less predictable on play calling. Pass on first down sometimes, and I don't mean going for a bomb. Try the intermediate routes from time to time, or better yet, take what they're giving. Let me ask you this: If we try a run on first down and get 6 yards, then what do you think we might call for 2nd and 4? Point is, let's get them to backpeddle, unsure of whether we will pass it or run it in that situation. We can use the short-medium passes to back the defense up a bit, and then run. Or we can run, run, and run more, and then pass when everyone's playing too closely. Either way, we can't be predictable with this chess match. If we can do these things, our offense should be able to sustain long drives, thus giving the defense time to rest and prepare for their next series.

We have to win the turnover battle. The bottom line here is, we can't afford a turnover PERIOD. This will require Eli to make the best decision, as far as pass distribution. It will also require Eli to put the gun back into the holster and back down from the gunslinger mentality. Running backs must protect the ball at all times. If we win this battle, we have a great chance of getting the win.

We have to catch the passes we're supposed to catch, whether we are challenged or not. Wide receivers, you'll have to get open often and early. You'll have to catch passes that hit your hands; you may have to dive for a catch every now and then. You may have to extend for a catch with the knowledge that you may get your block knocked off.  And you surely have to catch them if you're wide open. Fight to get open and stay on your routes. Look at some Kevin Boss footage if you're still unsure about what I'm saying.

Special Teams have to tighten up. We absolutely cannot punt bricks, let returners run freely,  or be timid about returning kicks or punts. Get out there and make the play, and get off of the field. Quit giving the opposing team so much of a field advantage.

Stupid penalties are unacceptable. When it's 3rd and 4, could we please have at least one series where we DON'T get a false start? Quit letting other teams get into your heads, and move when the ball is snapped. Watch the holding and pass interference, but don't be afraid to coldcock someone if you have to.

The defense has to have a stop once in a while.  I know the offense has been sucking lately, and I know the've put you in some tough positions recently, and I know your backfield has sucked worse than a child on a lolipop, and I know that the offense has been putting you back on the field repeatedly, but you have to keep your heads up and do whatever it takes to make Rivers antsy. Hit him often and hit him hard. Force him to make mistakes. Speaking of mistakes, we absolutely have to catch passes that hit our hands. Those are called interceptions, and we need as many of them as we can get. Do what you have to do to get into Rivers' face and cause him pain. Because you have "Can't Cover" out there, it makes it that much more important that you be in their backfield before Rivers can take his 3rd step. AP, this might also cause you to tighten your coverage at times. You will have to lead by example, and the others will follow you; however, that doesn't mean that hanging all on a running back before the ball gets there is acceptable.  If we win the battle on the defensive line, we have a great chance of securing a victory. Just get mean, get pumped up, and run them over.

Focus. Put the newspapers down. Whatever your responsibility, play your "A Game" and let everything else go. Play as if your future depended on it. You never know, it just might.