Reflections on 2009 season

Going into the 2009 season, we all saw the brutal schedule and knew that a repeat of 2008's 11-5 record was unlikely. I was among those who didn't think I'd see 11-5 and winning the division as likely scenarios. However, I did expect the team to win 8 to 10 games and challenge for a playoff spot, so 7-9 was a bit of a disappointment. Yes, Chad Pennington was injured early in the season, and Ronnie Brown later on. It's hard for a team to win without it's starting QB and RB.

That leads me to one of the bright spots of the season. Both Chad Henne and Ricky Williams admirably stepped in to replace the starters. Both proved that they are starting caliber players. In the case of Henne, that brings hope for the future. Unfortunately, Ricky's age means the majorty of his good days are already behind him.

Disappointingly, the lack of a go to wide receiver, a sore spot we knew of going into last year's draft, continued. No player on the roster stepped up, and if anything, Ted Ginn took a step back. Drafting Pat White continued to be a puzzle. He didn't perform well in the Wildcat offense, and he's proven that he's no dropback passer in the NFL. It seems like, going into next season, the same weaknesses that had to be addressed after 2008 remain unaddressed in 2009. Let's hope the coaching staff does a better job of addressing those needs this time around.