Blokestradamus

They don't call him Touchdown Mike for nothing.

That assumes that I'm trying. I'm very comfortable in my assessment of Gilmore. I've watched every snap he's taken as a Bill and I'm absolutely certain he's worthy of being paid. Bandit has provided the kind of links I would've if I was inclined to bother. I'm pretty sure that I'll trust his football IQ.

I've said for a while now that I want my HC to be a guy that can take a backward step and let his coordinators work. Essentially be the CEO of the coaching staff, just ensuring that his guys have what they need to be successful. If Rex is taking a permanent step toward that, one of my biggest issues with Rex disappears. I can't help but think that this team really could get on a roll, I think Rex is a big part of that.

Because PFF isn't to be believed. Apart from in 2012.

I'm just having fun watching you unravel, my friend. You have your definition of elite and I'll have mine, pretty clear that you're completely set to attempt to disprove anything I'll provide so I'm not really inclined to waste my time. If you want to find something more recent than four years ago, I'll listen

I've known Rob in some capacity for years now (he's my editor now so I'm naturally going to defend him ). He's not a knee-jerk kind of guy with his writing. Just a case here that it's giving credit where it's due. Things have changed in Year 2 under Rex. Some of those are off the field, where he's starting to sit back and take a better overview of the team. Whether it lasts, we'll see. For now, it's worth pointing out that Rex is at least trying to change his approach for the benefit of the team. It's working.

You provided one article that proved he's at least the 11th best corner in the NFL. I fail to see where that's not worth paying him. Contracts are about market forces and someone will pay him that. For trying to prove that he's not great, you did a better job of proving myself and Bandit correct.

And Gilmore was an honourable mention at No. 11. So, he's the 11th best (and Revis has since fallen off a cliff) at the very worst. Including slot corners, that's 96 starters. That's upper tier. Try harder.

Bummer for Hollins. Great time to be a Bug Howard fanboy. @McMurphyESPN UNC senior WR Mack Hollins had season-ending surgery on right clavicle Sunday

Here's a thought. How about you back up your assertion that he wasn't?

I'll vote for yesterday. A game they should win, typically Billsy to fall into those traps. Put their foot on the 49ers neck and didn't let up. That's how you close games out.

Alford isn't a bad shout as an under the radar guy. The only other guy I would've been willing to pay $10m+ to was Darius Slay but he's obviously off the market. I really don't think the FA market is all that good for 2017. I've written about some of the corners available in the draft. I'd happily take Tankersley or Humphrey in the 1st, maybe Des Lawrence on Day 2. With Eli Apple going 10th while being kinda meh, I doubt my top 2 guys are around when they pick. When I think about the options available, I'm really not sure we can get similar production from most. It's a really tough spot because corner is crucial to Rex.

It's just frustrating that most will only focus on the bad with him, but not with others. He's a damn good corner, it's just that most don't give a **** about the 300 routes a year he takes away. In the interest of playing devil's advocate, I want to know where people plan on securing a replacement. Not "sign a free agent" or "draft someone", actual names for actual money or an actual round. In theory, not paying him is great but, unless you have a plan for replacing him, I don't want to hear it from anyone.

We need a thread starting on what exactly "shutdown" means. Everyone puts together a stat line that's allowable and I'll calculate the average.

*Deletes those DM's from Kupp's mother as part of unclaiming him* Edit - Get your minds out of the gutter, nothing like that.

I claimed him in December Warning - curse word in the tweet and one badass little munchkin - https://twitter.com/StephenCulley/status/675816350217076737

I adore that little midget. The "Patriots type" short white guy thing is real and he's the prototype. Insane return man as well. If you want the skill set but don't want to pay for the brand name; Trent Taylor from LA Tech. Averaging 141 yards per game, 8 TD's. Listed as 5'8", 178, feisty little bastard.

They might. Howard's production isn't quite there so it's not a fight I'm willing to die for but, on sheer talent alone, I think he's right up there with anyone in the FBS. If he finds his stride with Trubisky, watch out.

I have no problem in being critical of Gilmore. His tackling has gone from reckless to completely passive. Yesterday, I believe he was at fault for the blown coverage. He's absolutely had his bad moments in coverage, especially in Week 2. That being said, he's still been our best corner this year. We just don't focus on Darby's errors because it'll ruin the idea that we'll be alright without Stephon.

The best receiver in the ACC. Johnathan Howard of UNC. 6'5", 210 monster.

Anyone mentioning Darby getting toasted by Torrey Smith? Thought not. I look forward to 2018 when you talk yourself out of re-signing him as well

Yolo's secret identity rumbled!!!! ‏@TyDunne #Take: Can Tony Romo play QB for the Packers when he's healthy?

He's gone rogue. That INT was appaling, just !@#$ing lazy.

His run blocking has been fun to watch. Felton has got a lot of the attention but Nick's flattened a couple of dudes this year in limited action.

For what we run, he fits. Prior to today, 64 snaps - 30 run block, 25 routes run, 9 pass block. He'll be reliable on the 20-25 targets a season he'll get. Hard worker. He's firmly penned in as my TE3 for 2017, worth a roster spot.