Who needs to step up in 2015?
 

We have a big opportunity to do something big next year and I truly believe that. At least 1 playoff game should be won if some things fall into place and we need a few guys to step up their game for us to have success next year.

Here's the idea...pick a player and tell us why and how he is gonna step up next year and what kind of an impact that can make on the team.

I'll take the low hanging fruit to kick it off.

1) Alex Smith. No question, this is the time to put up or shut up. He was comfortable throwing to Avant and Wilson towards the end of last year (and that's pretty much it) and they both return and we added a guy that will be open all over the field in Jeremy Maclin. We are sure to add another receiver in the draft, too. With our running game and upgrades to the OL, there are NO EXCUSES for him to not have a big year that gets us into the playoffs. It's his third year in the system and that's when the jump usually happens for quarterbacks. He should be comfortable getting more and more aggressive with the ball as the year goes on and everybody gets on the same page.

It all starts and ends with him and I think the team has the horsepower to win a playoff game or more if he steps it up this year.

2) ????

Fisher/thread

Alex.

Fisher.

Parker.

Kush.

Gaines.

Mauga.

The defense.

Alex Smith, with an elite defense, is incredibly underrated.

With a lead, he's a very efficient, smart NFL QB. With a lead, Andy Reid is a very good playcaller as well.

If the defense is a top 3 NFL defense, we'd be legit Super Bowl contenders and our offense would be a strength as well.

I like the idea of drafting another pass rusher at 18. Hali / Houston / Ford / 1st round pick would be fearsome.

I'm okay with Smith.

Who needs to step up is the entire offensive line. Fisher better be ****ing balls this year with a full, injury free off-season to train to go along with a year at LT last season. The guy better be able to hold it off on an island.

Stephenson is an athletic freak of nature (his combine numbers were the best I've ever seen from a guy his size - other than his bench) who better play to his potential.

Kush better live up to the CP circle jerk that's been going on since he showed up to training camp last season totally yoked up.

Grubbs better be Grubbs.

And either Allen, Fulton or Fanaika better have their epiphany at RG.

If that happens, this is a pretty solid team.

Oh, and Dorsey better step up and draft a legit starter at ILB and a solid #2 TE.

Phillip Gaines.

Albert Wilson.

Offense has to get more explosive. If the can be better there, they can get a lead and turn it over to the defense.

The Kush love is completely blind btw. Nobody knows anything about him yet.

We get that with Maclin, a year under his belt Wilson and upgrades on the OL.

Reid needs to step up to an extent.

1) stop giving up on the run so often.

2) his clock management needs to be much better.

3) he needs to stop being so predictable with, and calling so many, screens... get those guys downfield a little bit once in a while.

It's not blind.

He showed that he can move extremely well, can make line calls and has a good work ethic because of the work he put into his body since being drafted.

I totally agree about sticking with the run.

I think he will be more apt to do that with upgrades to the OL.

Reid.

So he's good like everyone says. Ok.

Aside from the obvious Fisher/Alex answer, the undoubted guy who has to step up is Stephenson.

Last year was a catastrophe for him and not only is it a contract year for him, but it's a second chance, which isn't common in the NFL

Stephenson and Allen. 2nd and 3rd round picks that should be making up a solid offensive line now.