i think the reason why we have mixed perceptions about Russ’ play and our offense this year is because we see improvement compared to past years but it doesn’t seem that we are fully functional yet and instead have to rely on a “chunk play”, penalty or an improvised play to get a first down. We’re not able to sustain drives and dictate the game as the elite teams do.

To be fair, Russ is much improved over last year and he’s better than any QB we’ve had since Manning. Putting the contract and value question/argument aside for the moment, I think the question to answer is do you believe we will score when the offense takes the field? I don’t, no matter the field position. I expect more often than not that we will either go 3 and out or see a drive stalled due to consecutive penalties.

Rarely are they able to string together a series of plays that methodically moves the chains and ends with a score. And certainly i don’t think they can do it any time they want. Dont’ get me wrong I’m pleased they have won the games they have, we just have a long way to go before our offense is fully functional.

Teams in the top 3rd of the league typically have offenses that can sustain drives and score when they want, at will, practically. We haven’t had an offense of this caliber since Manning and it starts with elite QB play. What we have right now is average QB play and an offense that relies as much on a chunk play, lucky bounce or a penalty for the first down as they do a the play itself…