I beleive the major problem with the offense is the offensive line. To some of you that statement might be obvious, but I think it needs explaining.
A lot of people have complained about AC and Bellefeuille and the new offensive system after the first 2 games (a few have also complained about the O line). I have been hard on AC in the past, and it really is easy to fall into the trap of blaming him for everything. AC is the guy people love to hate. I am not saying it is right, but it is the case. I myself thought of blaming him after the first loss, but a closer examination of the Als first 2 games, leads me to beleive it is not AC's fault. These are the reasons why:
I saw 2 Als practices in person during training camp. AC was throwing the ball with authority and lots of zip. No wobbly lame duck passes. Of course, in training camp he knows he will not be hit or tackled. So, this proves that PHYSICALLY, he can still throw the ball with strength and precision. He did not lose his strength in the space of one week!
If you watch the first 2 regular season games, it is clear that the O line has failed miserably. I hate to say it, but it is the truth. Most QBs cannot be succesful without protection. Only running QBs can survive (not thrive) without an O line. AC especially needs a good O line. He is a pure pocket passer. If he has the time, he will find the receiver and perform. A Saskatchewan DB said after their win over the Als "our game plan was to attack AC. Not give him any time. If he has time, he will destroy you". He is correct.
My point is that AC (he wont say it) has lost confidence in his O line. He is rushing his throws because he knows he will be hit. That is why we are seeing bad passes and lame duck wobbly passes.
This is what I think should be done. FRitz cannot cut it. Replace him with Perrett. Perrett could not be any worse. Mudge is not the player he once was. Replace him with Seagraves. Seagraves has apparently worked really hard this winter. He showed up at training camp much stronger and quicker; he impressed Popp. This would mean losing a non import somewhere else. I think we should lose an American RB, and let Seagraves play. Then if possible, try and trade for a guard to replace Lambert.
I know what you are thinking; if we change 2 veterans (Mudge and Fritz) for 2 rookies, they will make mistakes. True, but we already know that with these veterans we cannot win. Put in the young guys. Let them make mistakes at first, let them learn, let the O line "gel" and come together (there are 16 games left!). But the change has to be done quickly!
Until the Als have a solid O line, it will be impossible to judge AC and the new system. IT all starts with the O line.
I would appreciate your opinions.