Well at least we did not blow a 24-0 lead like the Texans did against KC. Talk about a wild 1st 1/2! Never seen anything like it, and we likely wont again.
When you don't have an O line that allows you to run the ball against the best teams - you are doomed. Heck the O line could not even get time for Cousins to pass - for the most part it does not matter who the QB is, you are going to get hurried/sacked - exceptions are perhaps Mahomes, Wilson, Jackson, and Rodgers - as those 4 know how to scramble and also run the ball! (Cousins sure as heck can't) But Zim would not hire a free wheeling QB like those 4 with his defensive and offensive strategy.
If you look at this past year for our 3 core receivers of Thielen. Diggs, and Rudy, and then compare it to 2018 - they under performed because of the Offensive strategy imposed by Zim. The stats show it clearly.
If I were HC for 2020, go back to 2018 O strategy of run 40% and pass 60% to let them catch the ball. Need to pick/hire O line players.
D strategy, need to pick/hire D backs (need taller and speedier - perhaps use WRs types as DBs) and be aggressive (blitz more).
But then - I'm not being paid the big bucks by the Wilfs, so what do I know?
As for loosing OC Stefanski - he did what he could within the perimeters of what Zim allowed. He should be a VG HC, it'll be quite interesting to see what he does with the Browns offense.
Also we let go DC Edwards.
So 2 big holes to fill. And then Cousins is on his last yr as QB and will need to relearn yet another OC system.
Prediction for 2020 as it stands right now: 9-7 We still will not be able to beat the top 1/3 tier teams with Zims coaching perimeters on the OC.
I hope I'm wrong.