The Safeties

[jppaul]

Originally Posted by painekiller

I see us using hybrid safeties. Strong safety types with coverage skills. Our coaches seem to go for the larger body guys.

I think this year Demps and Brown start, with Harrison and Earl pushing.

You know its funny, that is absolutely right. But what the fan base has been begging for for years and never had is a pure centerfielder type of FS.

[KJ3]

Originally Posted by jppaul

You know its funny, that is absolutely right. But what the fan base has been begging for for years and never had is a pure centerfielder type of FS.

the perception of that particular need probably changes if our smaller, quicker LB's can cover. LB's that cover who aren't named demeco, i know, i'm still struggling with the concept as well . i'm really looking for diles to step up and maybe adibi as well. if they can step up the coverage and take up more of the field that would give the safeties more air to breathe.

i look at the hybrid safety setup as an extension of two ideals that kind of go against what i think is more traditional defensive setup. 1 LBs who can cover 2 CBs who can support the run stoppage. we've got bigger than average CBs who aren't afraid to get physical and smaller than average LBs who are supposed to be good cover guys.

so the hybrid safeties fill in where needed, as support to run stopping or coverage. each safety equally free and strong. neat idea but i look and see one thing that may cause problems: safety size. perhaps it won't matter at all but i think the body types necessary for the "hybrid" safety is a little bigger than what our starters are. our 3rd string safeties (the brandons) fill that issue perfectly though.

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by jppaul

You know its funny, that is absolutely right. But what the fan base has been begging for for years and never had is a pure centerfielder type of FS.

Well playmakers are not made they are born, IMO. And we have not had any DBs on our roster since Glenn that was a true playmaker. Until we draft for that trait, we will not have that trait. IMO.

[NBT]

Maybe not......but under father Rhoades, let's hope they can be reborn a little.

[KJ3]

Originally Posted by painekiller

Well playmakers are not made they are born, IMO. And we have not had any DBs on our roster since Glenn that was a true playmaker. Until we draft for that trait, we will not have that trait. IMO.

bennett looks to be a playmaker. or a decent corner. i can't tell which because i'm biased to seeing faggins play uh-oh-cornerback.

we draft playmakers these days, just not so much in the backfield.
demeco has that trait, owen daniels, jacoby jones, fred bennett, slaton has the gene. we get a few every draft. production aside, they have the "vince young and espn's copyrighted term for vince young" factor.

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by KJ3

we draft playmakers these days, just not so much in the backfield.
demeco has that trait, owen daniels, jacoby jones, fred bennett, slaton has the gene. we get a few every draft. production aside, they have the "vince young and espn's copyrighted term for vince young" factor.

I meant draft for playmaking in the defensive backfield. And I agree that Bennett shows signs.

[KJ3]

ah, i see.

OVER/UNDER in the defensive backfield for 2008:

fred bennett interceptions: 6.5
dunta's return (games missed): 5.5
will demps' real arms: 1.5
games c.c. brown starts: 8.5
injuries: 2.5

i say:
over
over
under
under
under

[RunninRaven]

I'm confused. Are yall saying that you don't think Dunta is a playmaker, or just that you think he may not be a playmaker when he returns due to his injury?

[KJ3]

i don't think dunta is a playmaker. he's about as solid of a cover corner as you can ask for but i don't think he's the type of player that routinely changes how offenses play. what's the most interceptions he's ever had?

EDIT: it's 6. with 19 passes deflected, 3 forced fumbles, 3 sacks, 74 tackles with 14 assists. that was 2004, the only year i would've called him a playmaker. 1/4 ain't bad but it's time to do it again you know what i mean?