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When you stop and think about it, Haley and Pioli may have an interesting offensive personnel strategy playing out here.
Surely, we can assume that both Pioli and Haley realize that our o-line is sub-par and unable to consistently provide sufficient run-blocking to establish a significant rushing threat or (God forbid) pass protection. I have to believe they recognize this problem and would, in an ideal world, prefer to build the offense inside-out.
However, they've been unfortunately unable to either identify, recruit, or acquire (for whatever reason) meaningful upgrades to the line - at least, up to now.
So, instead, they're attempting to dramatically improve the receiver corp. This might make sense. If the line can't be depended upon to allow the QB to consistently take 7 step drops and/or go through all his possible reads, sure-handed receivers who can run quick 5 to 15 yard routes might be a back-handed solution to the problem.
We might be looking at an offense that features more 3 to 5 step drops, rollouts, and boots combined with quick outs, slants, as well as short curls and hooks. Reminiscent of the West Coast offense. To do that, you need guys who aren't afraid to catch the ball in traffic, have sure hands, and can take a hit. You also need guys who will block for the other guys, if you want YAC, that is. That may be why we're going through so many receivers ... trying to find players who can dependably fill that role. Possible?
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