The original question is a loaded question!! We have been close but also the flipped calls upon review were correct if my memory serves me correctly? The glaring issue to me, is the play calling and coaching. Defense was great this year, offense not so much. Offense has seemingly continued to struggle this year again which indicates to me that something needs to be corrected, not at a major level, but just some minor things, like maybe adjustments blocking schemes/assignments(stop having the TE try to block a down lineman or using combo block up thru the LBer-sometimes it doesn't seem like we block the 2nd level players), route running of receivers to get open or find openings in coverage, tweaks to running out of certain formations to confuse defenses, QB steps after snap, QB progressions, RB and/or WR steps off the snap, OL steps off the snap,(defender fundamentals are to read the offenses player movements as well to figure out where point of attack may be) - there could a lot of tiny tweaks that could be made to make the offense timing and plays improve. Also, decisions in games, why would you play an injured LBer who is maybe 1/3 of himself instead of the back up? Maybe because you realize that you are not preparing your backups adequately? Yes, maybe that is not fair because the opposing coach exploited the fact that your starters opted out. However, if we continue to have these great recruiting classes then there shouldn't really be that much of a talent drop off and the 2nd stringer should be prepared to go in. That is a football player and coaching fundamental that the 2nd string/backup is only 1 play away, at all times, from being the starter!! The reason I am harping on this because these things seem to be a consistent issue under Franklin and after 10 years seem to remain the same. I understand each kid/player may be different and not listen, but, you need to prepare the players consistently. We didn't seem prepared when Clifford went down, we didn't seem prepared when the DBs opted out and Carter got injured. I thought I saw something from Franklin where there was a clip of him say we have loads of competition in practice but I am beginning to think his definition of competition in practice is different then the competition players should be going through each practice competing for playing time or a starting position. That kind of competition makes players better. I don't think we are far away but the little things need to be cleaned up. Someone has asked this in the past, has any player improved under Franklin? I am hoping Drew improves at the QB position or the offense is going to struggle again(in tougher competition) next year as well.
