vincec

I posted this before, but the front 7 that will start next week will be a rookie LDE (Washington), a career backup NT (Bryant), a 33 year old RDE coming off a major injury who hasn't played at all in preseason (K Williams), a career backup LOLB (Alexander), two average ILBs (the Browns) and 1 very good ROLB. That's 1 very good player, 1 unknown, 2 average players, 1 rookie and 2 career backups. That's average at best. In fact, you could argue below average.

Problem with offense = depth. TE, OL, QB, WR. Everywhere but RB really. Problem with defense = starters.

Offense improves slightly, defense takes a slight step backwards. Same overall result.

All pro QBs were excellent college players. However, Brady was not exceptional at all in relation to that group. He was heavily criticized at Michigan for not being able to live up to the legacy of Brian Griese and his national championship. He was recognized for having better skills (better arm, better accuracy, etc.) but none of Griese's charisma or leadership skills. I remember one writer terming Brady's skills as "fools gold" because they would never lead Michigan to a championship. He wrote that Griese won the national championship with his "cajones" not his arm and that Brady didn't have any.

I haven't seen them, but if it's a commercial then that's what they're paying for.

I have to say that I've been very impressed with Rex's demeanor this pre-season and especially during the press conferences. He's more humble and direct, like a guy on a mission to prove everyone wrong and who wants his performance to do the talking for him. I think that attitude, if he can maintain it during the regular season, will help the team immensely to stay focused. I give him a lot of credit for this because I don't think it's in his nature to be that way.

Depth? I'm worried about the starters on defense. Forget depth. Take a look at the projected starting front seven against Baltimore: DL: Rookie LDE (Washington), Career backup NT (Bryant) and 33 year old RDE coming off major knee injury that hasn't played in preseason (K Williams). LB: a career backup LOLB (Alexander), two average NFL starters at ILB (the Browns), and one solid championship caliber player at ROLB (Hughes) So one proven top player and a bunch of backups and question marks out of 7.

If he's a gem, then he needs a lot of finishing. He's got to get a lot stronger for starters.

I missed Walker. I had assumed that he had made the team. I thought he had a very strong preseason and there was a definite need without Dareus. It's another head scratcher for sure.

Take your pick regarding Shaq. I think they can dump anyone besides Hughes, but my money is on McCray. It's going to be tougher for Dareus. Walker is the obvious candidate but he has played great, IMO. I'd probably dump Douzable right now. I don't get Colt Anderson AT ALL. He's the 6th safety and hasn't really shown anything that I've seen. Why?

I think they hope to use the savings on someone else down the road.

I think both those guys have made it, but I wouldn't get too comfortable if I was Ryan Groy right now.

No question, but what's strange is that he's not the #2. Usually the #2 gets a lot more reps with your offense than the #3 so it's a big help for development. The #3 is running the scout team so that's not as good.

He's got a long way to go to be a strong NFL starter but at least his "arrow is pointing up". Felton is done.

Exactly. I'd take anything over a 5th for the guy honestly.

Also, I can't believe that they kept 6 safeties. wtf? I guess A Williams and Graham can play CB in a pinch but that's a lot of safeties.

So saying that you should keep good backups in case your starters get hurt is "dumb"? I think you need to re-examine how the roster works and learn something. My experience is that it's more likely that your disagreement is evidence of a good post.

Lawson, Boykin and Felton for me. Not that I'm complaining about Felton because I wanted him gone last year for that matter, but they seemed so in love with him. Like they are with Powell now. He never seems to do jack but Rex loves him. Meanwhile, Boykin was one of the best cover guys they had on special teams but got no love. Manny is better than McCray and Albright and can play ILB too so this is just a $ move. I think they decided that they're paying him too much not to start. We'll see how they use the cash though...

Biermann is gone.

So Lawson wasn't one of the top 9 LBs on the team? Right. He played ILB some last season when Preston Brown was sucking so he can play inside and out. He's better than Albright, McCray, Lattimore and Humber.

Don't like the Manny cut. As has been pointed out, even if he isn't the starter he's a damn strong backup. What are they going to use the money for? We'll see but they're going to be sad if Alexander or Hughes get hurt.

EJ would be gone so fast that he's head would spin. Probably develop vertigo and windburn.

I don't how good Lewis is but he HAS to be better than Velasco, so it's bound to be an improvement.

Velasco for sure, and Groy had better play well tomorrow. I think Henderson will end up on PUP to start the season. Just my hunch.

Do you think he even made it into town to start with? I'm not so sure. He probably got a call on his cell while his flight was in the air and then checked it when he landed.