I know it's early, but would appreciate insight on the developmental guys. Haven't heard much on Means lately and he brings a different potential skill set... I'm really curious what the current thoughts are on him. Gholston getting some love... why isn't he on the field more? Is there still legitimate hope for bowers or has that train come and gone? Is Claiborne considered the long-term answer as a #2 DE? I don't see him being our answer to the pass rush "specialist" but he seems to play the run decently... has his injury hindered him at all this year? Is he considered any better than "average". I know there's been articles here and there, but basically I think we all agree that DE is the biggest weakness on this team and wondered if there was any legitimate long-term reason for optimism as it relates to the internal guys as a whole. Quantitatively, we stink at DE. I imagine you'll put extensive time towards the DE topic leading up to draft, but I'm not that patient :-)Thanks in advance!
Gholston had a great game today. Really good. That guy has a ton of potential. Means had a key contribution today on a third down stop, crashing the edge and crowding the hole.Boy Bowers is still such a mystery. I talked to him last week, told me he lost weight recently and he thinks that will help. I think he still needs to mature more. As far as his work ethic. Remember he came into camp out of shape. Or at least not in full-time starter shape. Gholston is one of the best guys in the locker room. Had a really really rough upbringing but has an amazing outlook on life. Hard not to root for a kid like that.And yes we will wrap up the season with player reviews in January. And of course write plenty on the DE position also.
PewterReportMC; I agree with you. The priority right now is a WR and OL in next years draft assuming that Glennon plays about the way he is playing which is decent for a rookie. Dominik has done a good job the last two years; I give him cudo's on the job he has done. There's no need to say anything else about Schiano; he has to win one of the next two games. I hope he cpmes out fighting for his job and opens up the offense and put more pass pressure on the QB. How's that 3rd conversion on offense and defense working? We are being out coached in most games and I see nothing that he is doing that will improve it.
thanks for the response. the more I see, the more strongly I believe we need a high draft pick and/or FA at DE next year. I'm hoping Gholston becomes the guy, but we need to be at least 3 deep at DE in this league anyway. I see flashes from our line, but not consistent pass rush without blitzes. I still don't know how much confidence I have in Claiborne from a consistent pressure perspective.I must have my "homer" glasses on, because when I look at our defensive personnel, I think we're really close to having a very good defense. I'm comfortable with our interior line and safeties. I think our linebackers are "good enough" though we could probably benefit for a guy who could better shadow the running QBs. I've been pleased with how little I've seen of Revis' receivers the last few weeks and think Banks can develop into a good CB2/3. With improved DE play and another corner, I think we have the ability to be dominant on defense.
Boy Bowers is still such a mystery. I talked to him last week, told me he lost weight recently and he thinks that will help. I think he still needs to mature more. As far as his work ethic. Remember he came into camp out of shape. Or at least not in full-time starter shape.
The whole weight thing among athletes gets way overblown. Unless you just flat out aren't in shape (in which the cause is being out of shape, weight is but an effect a la Bryant McKinnie) it's going to have very little effect. And Bowers should have been in shape for a couple months now. Definitely some psychological issues when you're hoping shedding lbs will help you.
Gholston better be starting next week. He is so much better than DTN.
Boy Bowers is still such a mystery. I talked to him last week, told me he lost weight recently and he thinks that will help. I think he still needs to mature more. As far as his work ethic. Remember he came into camp out of shape. Or at least not in full-time starter shape.
The whole weight thing among athletes gets way overblown. Unless you just flat out aren't in shape (in which the cause is being out of shape, weight is but an effect a la Bryant McKinnie) it's going to have very little effect. And Bowers should have been in shape for a couple months now. Definitely some psychological issues when you're hoping shedding lbs will help you.
I'm sure some of it is mental. I'm betting he was usually the best player on the field for a long, long time. Hes' never faced adversity like this so he's looking for some reason why something that has been so easy for him is now so flippin' hard.
Boy Bowers is still such a mystery. I talked to him last week, told me he lost weight recently and he thinks that will help. I think he still needs to mature more. As far as his work ethic. Remember he came into camp out of shape. Or at least not in full-time starter shape.
The whole weight thing among athletes gets way overblown. Unless you just flat out aren't in shape (in which the cause is being out of shape, weight is but an effect a la Bryant McKinnie) it's going to have very little effect. And Bowers should have been in shape for a couple months now. Definitely some psychological issues when you're hoping shedding lbs will help you.
I'm sure some of it is mental. I'm betting he was usually the best player on the field for a long, long time. Hes' never faced adversity like this so he's looking for some reason why something that has been so easy for him is now so flippin' hard.
+1Not that uncommon, particularly when you have a kid who probably got by in college a lot on pure athletic ability
thanks for the response. the more I see, the more strongly I believe we need a high draft pick and/or FA at DE next year. I'm hoping Gholston becomes the guy, but we need to be at least 3 deep at DE in this league anyway. I see flashes from our line, but not consistent pass rush without blitzes. I still don't know how much confidence I have in Claiborne from a consistent pressure perspective.I must have my "homer" glasses on, because when I look at our defensive personnel, I think we're really close to having a very good defense. I'm comfortable with our interior line and safeties. I think our linebackers are "good enough" though we could probably benefit for a guy who could better shadow the running QBs. I've been pleased with how little I've seen of Revis' receivers the last few weeks and think Banks can develop into a good CB2/3. With improved DE play and another corner, I think we have the ability to be dominant on defense.
Good post.
Fix the offensive line, bring in Jared Allen, slot receiver and a blocking TE and lots of depth and we should be good to go.