[BCF4L]

See, to me the decline in Carson's stats can be directly correlated with the decreasing effectiveness of the O-line. In 2005, the playoff year, he played behind a relatively stable line that included a healthy Levi Jones, Eric Steinbach, Rich Braham, and Willie Anderson. That was a GREAT line, one of the best in the league. But since that year, the line was devastated by injuries, defections, and old age.

Start off with the retirement of Rich Braham. He was an underrated center, and since he called it quits Carson has had to deal with such all-stars as Eric Ghuiciac and Alex Stepanovich. Ghuiciac seems to be getting worse every year, as this season it seems he gets blown backward as soon as he snaps the ball on every play.

Then, you had injuries to both Levi Jones and Big Willie. Jones is playing this year but is nowhere near what he used to be and gets routinely beat by speed rushers. Anderson had injuries rob him of his effectiveness as well, to the point where the team felt Stacy Andrews would be an improvement (he hasn't).

Plus, don't forget that the team let Eric Steinbach walk after the 06 season as a free agent. So now, instead of the foursome I mentioned earlier, you have a line consisting of Andrew Whitworth, Eric Ghuiciac, Stacy Andrews, and a lesser version of Levi Jones. The once-great O-line is now only a shell of what it was 3 years ago.

I'm not going to argue with the fact that if Carson had more time, he would be more effective. Anyone would. This is the NFL. But, you look at Matt Cassel from New England. I think he has done a fantastic job and he has been running for his life just as much as Carson was. The difference is, Cassel has the confidence to stand in and take a hit, unlike Carson who feels pressure coming and just throws it away. These knee injuries can wreak havoc on a persons mind and I know that each time he gets hit, his knee injury is in the back of his mind. You can just tell by his accuracy when the blitz is on.