Blank Stare

All fair points. You’re absolutely right, some of these guys got QB opportunities and did well with them. Some REALLY well. Also fair to point out that others on the list were successful at other positions. It’s also ok to mention there are white players that were also asked to make similar position switches, albeit maybe not at the rate as some of the black QBs (Tebow, Taysom Hill, Eric Crouch, Trace McSorley, Edelman, etc.). Or even the ever elusive white corner back <gasp>! I think the point of my previous post, which may not have been articulated all that well, is that the players on that list were asked to switch. Some said no (or yes) and it didn’t hurt them, but they were asked. Whether it was fair or a legitimate reason to ask is subjective, but at least fair to wonder why. It has been historically suggested at a pretty high rate that black QBs at the high school or collegiate level should consider a position switch at the next level. My contention is that I believe in many cases (not all) that it had a lot to do with institutional racism or an implicit racial bias with people who have run the league (historically) that foolishly think these players aren’t as smart as or have the ability to lead like their white counterpart. Or even in some way that it’s not ok to have a black QB with that much power and in a leadership position. Again, fortunately, I think the league has made strides in this area. Lamar Jackson being the most recent case. I can only hope it continues to get better. I know I may have shifted a degree or two off the point of the thread, but I believe that in some way we all get better through open conversations like these. Whether we agree or disagree that’s ok. While it may be painful or annoying to some on this board, I appreciate you reading/listening and indulging me with this discussion. I’ll zip it and let people get back to their regularly scheduled programming.

It’s a fair request. However, and I mean no disrespect when I say this, but it is also part of the problem - these types of discussions typically have to be held on someone else’s terms. Sometimes we (as in all people) just have to listen to one another. None of us can tell someone else how to feel (not that you are). Be it real or perceived, we just have to accept it and maybe have some healthy discussion about it. Now, with that said, since you asked nicely, the low hanging fruit is to say Lamar. But we all know that one. A few others I would use as examples in the modern game (excluding historical examples such as Marlin Briscoe or James Harris) would be: Doug Williams Tony Dungy (QB and Coach) Warren Moon Hines Ward Braxton Miller Michael Robinson Armanti Edwards Terrelle Pryor Ronald Curry Brad Smith Josh Cribbs Antwan Randel El Denard Robinson Kordell Stewart (to some degree) Troy Smith JT Barrett Steve McNair Brian Mitchell The list goes on and on. And there are only so many that we even know about. Now, the argument might be that many of these guys got a chance to play QB or wouldn’t have been any good if they did, but that’s not the point. These guys along with many others were still asked to consider a position switch (some successfully), when maybe they would’ve preferred to give it a go at QB. Fortunately, I think guys like Lamar, Mahomes, Wilson, etc. (much like their predecessors who’ve had success) will hopefully continue to further the cause. I’d really love to get to the point where football is the ultimate meritocracy like so many have suggested. In many ways it is, but there is still a ways to go.

The Rooney Rule is mostly a joke. Yes, it forces teams to interview a minority candidate that maybe the good old boys club may not have considered. However, most of the time it rarely results in a hire and actually patronizes qualified (and some not) minority candidates just to check the box. There are a bunch of qualified minority candidates that deserved an opportunity to at least interview this year that seemingly didn’t get a shot (based on what we’ve seen reported anyway). This is all coming from a league that has routinely failed to give black QBs a chance to be a QB, instead encouraging them to switch positions. If they aren’t willing to consistently give black QBs a chance, what makes you think they are comfortable letting them be CEO of their team as a coach? I know this won’t be a popular take among many, and those people will just point to the few examples sprinkled throughout history as black QBs and coaches, but if they really think about it, that’s kinda the point. Those few black QBs and coaches got to where they are in many cases despite a system, much like that of the real world, that just isn’t fair.

F that.

I agree. Should’ve been a penalty. Clear helmet to helmet. However, I’m more mad at the execution of a well designed play. If Knox or Morse put that LB on his a** like they were supposed to, Josh puts us in FG range on that play alone. That means no dumb call on Ford, 3rd and 18 fiasco, or Watson escaping the sandwich sack.

I think Star gets another year. After a slow start he really picked it up the last half of the season.

Classic case of teams overthinking it. I was a DK fan and was hoping he’d be the pick in rd 2. When he wasn’t, I was praying he’d drop to our third rd selection, but alas it wasn’t meant to be. Glad we got Singletary though. And Knox, although I wish we’d stop trading up.

Carroll chewing his cud.

I think he projects to a dominant guard. Guy is a mauler. Let him maul.

No tag necessary. He’s still under contract. Regarding drafting, they’ve got Jaquan Johnsonthis year in the draft. Word is they are pretty pleased with him. Not sure if he’s starting material yet.

Poyer had a brutal game yesterday tackling and blitzing. Watson bulled him, carrying him into the end zone after making contact at the 10. However, one game does not make a career. He and Hyde have absolutely been lights out in pass coverage. Wouldn’t be against an extension if the $ is right.

Agree with them completely. A refs job is to enforce the rules. Not intent. At worst, they should have let the play stand as called and let NY review it as they do all scoring plays. Let it play out Much like they did on Josh’s first fumble call where his knee was down. I also wonder why McD didn’t challenge it after they wiped the score. I’m not going to roast him for it because everyone (including the officials) was confused. Also, not sure they would’ve given us the points anyway.

Admittedly, I was super hard on Hauschka this year. Especially after big misses in the Browns game. I’ll eat my crow and say that he really bounced back this season and was huge for us yesterday. Hoping he can keep it going next year.

A track suit maybe. Isn’t that how Pettine got the job?

The fact that we didn’t have anyone better is kinda the point isn’t it? As one example, We neglected receiver in the draft for two years now because we were waiting on Zay Jones to develop.

Yes, all true. But my point was we stuck with them too long. How is it that most people in the media and on this board see it. McD stubbornly sticks with it a little too long. Then he ends up cutting, or benching a guy we’ve been calling for them to move on from anyway. None of us are smarter than him when it comes to NFL roster management. And we can’t see the future. I say it’s loyalty with a dash of stubbornness. Honestly, how else would you explain it?

Fair enough. I’m also in agreement with you that you’ve got to give guys an some opportunity to develop. But it’s a fine line/delicate balance. You have to be bold and make a call the second you realize maybe it’s not working out. Maybe he did that with all the guys I referenced, but I think it was clear earlier than he made the call that many of those guys may not make it. Ford split starter reps or got starter reps all year at RT. He was still struggling with the same things yesterday as he was at the start of the year. He had some bright moments this year certainly, but I’m not considering that RT position solved as I go into the off season.

Please. Loyalty doesn’t require 5-10 years to be proven. It’s not stubborn or a stretch for me to suggest McD has been too loyal to certain people on the team when it was clear that it wasn’t working out. They were his guys. And like many coaches and talent evaluators in this league, they have a hard time accepting their failures and defeat.

You’re right...it doesn’t fully apply. Yet. The first part of my post said by year 3. Of course I don’t know the future. I’m projecting based on track record. With that said, in my opinion, Ford is a guard (and could be a damn good one). Seems obvious to me when you watch his feet. But my opinion, much like everyone else’s on this board means nothing to the decision makers.

Seriously? Zay Jones, Peterman, kelvin benjamin, Ducasse are a few I can think of off the top of my head.

Shoulda played Spain on D yesterday. Made a textbook tackle after Allen’s fumble. ?

McDermott will stubbornly jam Ford down our throats until his third year when he finally moves him to guard like he “knew all along”. Aside from being conservative with a lead, one of his biggest flaws is sticking with people too long out of loyalty, when it’s obviously not working to anyone with an objective eye.

100% disagree, and completely discounts the big third down catches he had to pick up first downs. Duke was active as he should’ve been all year. Made some big catches and Josh clearly trusted him to make a play. Yes, unacceptably dropped the TD, but name a receiver that hasn’t dropped a TD. It happens sometimes. Doesn’t mean he shouldn't be active. With that said, we definitely need to upgrade the weapons Josh has at his disposal next year. If Beane doesn’t neglect offensive weapons this offseason, guys like Bob Foster, McKenzie, and Duke will have a tough time making the team next year. Only receiver guarantees should be Brown and Beasley. Everyone else could be upgraded.

Overall, I thought they called a great game on D today. Tackling was the defenses biggest problem and was an issue that snuck up on us late in the season. Don’t get me started on the offensive coaching. That was also consistent with the rest of the season for all the wrong reasons.

Could’ve been a perfect day.