NFC South Stock Watch

[michael89156]

NFC South Stock Watch

 September, 20, 2011

 
Source:    ESPN   By Pat Yasinskas
 
 




 FALLING

1. Matt Bosher, punter/kickoff specialist, Falcons. The rookie has struggled mightily. But at least for the moment, it appears as if the Falcons will stick with him. They invested a draft pick in Bosher, so they may be willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. But this team can’t afford too many more 18-yard punts like the one Bosher had Sunday night. If things don’t straighten out quickly, he could be gone.
 
2. Thomas Davis, linebacker, Panthers. This one’s tragic. Davis tore his ACL for the third time in less than two years. He’s a great player and an outstanding locker room guy. But Davis’ contract is structured so that the Panthers have the right to exercise an option for the remainder of the deal on the first two days of the 2012 league year. There’s an $8 million bonus tied to that option. I can’t see any way the Panthers pick up that option now.
 
3. Thomas DeCoud, safety, Falcons. Atlanta started veteran James Sanders in DeCoud’s place Sunday night. That came after DeCoud had struggled throughout the preseason and in the season opener. He still got some playing time against the Eagles, but didn’t do anything outstanding. Sometimes benching a young player can serve as a wakeup call. But if Sanders is a steady influence in the secondary, DeCoud might just fade away.
 


RISING

1. Peria Jerry, defensive tackle, Falcons. During the preseason, the Falcons talked a lot about how they had seen bursts of explosiveness from their first-round pick in 2009. Jerry’s career had been stalled by a knee injury in his rookie season. But we all got to see one of those bursts Sunday night. He blew past a blocker and hit Michael Vick before he could hand off. Jerry’s hit forced a fumble that defensive end Ray Edwards picked up and returned a long way to help set up an Atlanta touchdown.
 
2. Jimmy Graham, tight end, Saints. He had six catches for 79 yards against the Bears. With top receiver Marques Colston out with an injury, Graham is giving the Saints a presence in the middle of the field. He also is showing incredible raw athletic ability and should only get better as his first season as a starter goes on.
 
3. LeGarrette Blount, running back, Buccaneers. After barely using Blount in the opener, the Bucs kept him involved against the Vikings. He carried 13 times for 71 yards and two touchdowns. Just imagine what this guy could do with 20 or 25 carries.

[The Anti-Java]

Falcons kicker sucks, and the Bucs O-line is going to have their hands full with Jerry.

[DanishBucFan]

Seeing the Falcon's punter/kickoff specialist suck just makes the signing of Koenen even sweater He has been golden so far...

[tatmanfish]

Peria Jerry was unblocked that play......I guess you could spin it to the point of presenting it as if he made some spectacular play. Jerry was unblocked and hit a QB i the back before the hand off causing a fumble. Wow, amazing.

[sunrisejeff]

Totally agree with you on this one Tat.  That play was a result of bad blocking a hell of a lot more than an explosive play.  How you don't even get one guy picking up a DT was kinda amazing to me.

[BucNY]

Falcons kicker sucks, and the Bucs O-line is going to have their hands full with Jerry.

Suh is the best DT in the league, no one will give more of an issue than him. Jerry is good but not even close to Suh

[yungry bucs]

Jerry is gonna get smacked. He doesnt have a high motor and at times seems confused about rushing the passer or playing the run. I'm looking foward to seeing some pancakes come Sunday.