Thread: 10 thoughts

Originally Posted by soulman

I admit that the decision regarding McCown is a tough one. He does take up a roster spot we could use elsewhere. Maybe the key here is to get Blanchard to the PS where he could be activated in an emergency. If they can do that then maybe they release McCown later in favor of another player. There's always some chess matches going on for a week or so after the final cuts are made.

Until I see better coverage and blocking on STeams I'm actually in favor of keeping Davis instead of a 5th CB like Frey. Neither will see the field anywhere but STeams and Davis is by far the better choice in that role. He's not taking the place of a WR. He's taking the place of a CB. We can live with 4 on the roster just as long as we have Frey or whoever on the PS to activate if there's an injury.

As it relates to STeams I do fret over who's punting and so should you. Field position can make or break you in a tight game. Look what the Packers punter did to keep our asses pinned deep last year. There's also the fact that he's the guy holding for Robbie on XP and FG tries and those mean points. A bad hold could cost us a tight game and you know there will be at least one this year decided by a last minute FG.

I'd keep Clutts over Kyle Adams right now just for his blocking in short yardage and on STeams. Adams still has PS eligibility so we can always make a swap later provided we can get Adams to STeams. Rodriguez is more valuable than Adams as a HBack/TE. Cut Clutts and his ass is gone. Someone will sign him quick just like we did.

From top to bottom and on both sides of the ball this team needs to start executing a whole lot better than they have been. Everybody says that you don't scheme and game plan much in preseason. You play vanilla football and watch the players technique. That should be making for some interesting first run videos. How do you watch for something that almost completely missing. Or is that the point?

Soul & Ric,

Good thread and good discussion.

A) Ric, I see your point about McCown. On one hand, we have gone 3 deep at QB the last 2 years. In fact we actually went 4 deep last year since Enderle was so completely un-NFL-worthy that we signed someone off the street when Hanie flopped. And both our 1st 2 QBs missed 6+ games last year with fractures. I'm certainly not predicting anything like that again, but it did happen and our OL ain't exactly bulletproof. But your point about JM taking up a roster spot better used elsewhile is valid. It isn't like ole' Josh is gonna get snapped up by some other team if cut, is he? No, he's gonna go back to NC to coach and basically wait by the phone if either JC gets hurt. Since he's medically cleared and knows the system, he could be re-signed fairly quickly I would think in an emergency. So, yeah, please sign Blanchard to the PS as soon as he clears waivers and cut JM if you need the roster spot for someone else, Phil.

B) Soul, I'm not sure why you have all the man-love for RDavis but I would only keep him if doing so does not bump someone else more valueable or versatile. I don't care about Frey or even KAdams (maybe a little more so about him since he actually catches the ball in addition to STs) because I'm confident they'll both see the PS and can be brought up as needed. I just don't want RD if it means losing Clutts or Sanz (who'll be goners for sure) or precludes us picking up a vet OT for depth or maybe even bumps JBrown. If we cut McCown above, RD would be a safe extra 53rd man.

C) I like AAllen's change-of-pace and youth qualities but I'm torn since LoBooker has been a beast on returns. I am guessing that the former still has PS eligibility and the latter does not.

D) If Peppers is suffering and playing thru pain (which I don't doubt) than I want all of our players to catch plantar fasciitis and play like that. He's a beast and still explosive despite it and his age. Few players in the NFL can single-handedly turn a whole game like he can on just one monster play. If Urlacher can "play thru pain" this season anywhere near like Pep has been doing we will be all right.

E) Correct me if I'm wrong here, but if Podlesh is going to be out for another month or so can't they put him on PUP and bring him back after week 6 (which is a bye for us anyway)??? Quigs kicked really well vs NY but I can understand why Toub might be nervous about a rookie. Tough call.

Great thread

This one was hard for me. Biggs really pushed my ability to absorb this to the limit. I had just exactly enough fingers.

Soul, quality Punters are a dime a dozen, very few get a shot in the NFL b/c there are only 32 at any given time on all the teams. It's not a position of "depth" that means the top punters in college every year are likely NOT going to make a team b/c teams already have the one they want. Hell Gould was in construction before we called him; and now look he's one of the best kickers in the game. That's why I'm not going to worry. We can get another one..and it looks like we did w/Quiqley down under.

I agree w/MP, what team is going to jump at the chance to snatch up Joshy no talent McClown? none. Cut his ass and that is the spot that Davis takes up.

I haven't seen or heard from Davis, so I don't know that he is making the ST SO much better that he deserves a spot over youth that can develop into a potential starter on the O or D, AND ST's. Right now Davis is only a ST guy; and as of now he was last played(agasint NY) as a WR which means(IMO) he would eat up a WR spot.

I would also Soul. I think Clutts is invaluable to the team; but do Lovie/Tice see it that way?

MP I hope we find a way to keep both Allen and Booker; but again if what Biggs says is true and Booker has a history of fubmles, you can kiss his arse buhbye. It's essentially what got Bell a ultamtium or pay cut or byebye.

I think you're right about Podlesh, might as well pop him on the pup.