Droctopus
06/13/08
8:54 pm ET |
Michael Oher is a left tackle out of Ole Miss who is projected to be drafted very high next year. A few frequent posters here have been discussing him and I figured I'd throw in my two-cents as I have actually read the Michael Lewis (not THAT Michael Lewis) book.
|
petemoats07@...
06/13/08
4:16 pm ET |
Wow!! hunt Hunt hunt hunt hunt.....blah blah blah....Did you guys ever actually watch these guys run? Ryan Moats is by far a better back than Hunt!! That guy is an animal and even AR said Moats was hands down his best in between the tackles runner so why does he get no respect around here? Somebody give that kid a solid chance! I wonder if they just havnt been sayin something about him because its was just poof he got benched one day never to return.
|
bigefly69@...
06/13/08
4:16 pm ET |
I love this defensive line. Love it. Can't wait to see what the group looks like this season.
I'm still not sure the Eagles have a fourth defensive tackle...
Seems a bit of a contradiction.
|
rdbanky@...
06/13/08
3:12 pm ET |
True, I wish he layed down blocks like the one Maurice Jones-Drew put on Merriman. Get it together, Hunt!
|
RMGreen
06/13/08
1:01 pm ET |
rdbanky, you're probably right. As much as I love Buck and admire what he's gone through to be able to still be able to play, for the good of the team I'd really like to see Hunt take his place on the depth chart. But if he doesn't, I'd bet that the blocking is the reason why. Coaching is a big part of it, but that's not all of it. Hunt needs to learn to read the blitz in order to pick it up (doesn't help to block left if the blitz is coming from the right, after all). Also, I'm willing to bet that there's a 'blocking mentality' that some guys just can't get into. It's obviously not just about size and strength. Westbrook is one of the best blocking RBs in the league because he sees the blitz, gets into position, and throws everything he's got into the block. Until Hunt can do that better than Buckhalter though, he's just not going to climb the depth chart.
|
rdbanky@...
06/13/08
12:47 pm ET |
RM, I haven't seen him miss enough blocks in real games to persnally say that he can't block. Maybe the coaches have seen that he can't block, and if so, then he should be used sparingly. But by this year, he should be able to block. I mean, if he can't block, then the coaches aren't doing their jobs with teaching him. Hunt is our best chance out of all our running backs for a conversion on fourth and 1 or fourth and goal from the 2. Yes, buck has a decent stat line, but he cannot convert short yardage plays when we need it. Too many times I have seen him run straight up into a pile to be stopped at the line of scrimmage. Hunt can rumble through D lines to get us the short yardage we need. I believe that he can be groomed into a versatile all-around power back, and I wish they would give him a chance, because Buck is NOT the future of this franchise, but Hunt could be.
|
birdcrazy
06/13/08
12:11 pm ET |
Good stuuf spuds....and what did we expect AR to say. Nothing really matters until the pads go on. Hell, he doesn't say much when the pads go on!!! Releasing Ramsey was inevitable. Too much talent at that position to carry dead weight. And JB...did ya believe that comeback by the Celtics...after second period I headed to the gaming TV...came back and they had just taken the lead..damn..I gotta pay more attention..gave up om em eay too soon..so now...bring on training camp and the hitting...can't wait!!!
|
b4realplz@...
06/13/08
11:46 am ET |
RM, your reasoning is the exact reason why I think Hunt should be used only for short yardage and goaline. Otherwise he is taking snaps away from Buck or Westy, and could potentially be telegraphing plays. 3rd and 1, 3rd and inches and a super bowl caliber team needs to be able to convert that on the ground.
|
RMGreen
06/13/08
11:41 am ET |
rdbanky: "RM, that was one block in the dallas game, and it was about the only play they put him in there for. Sure, he missed a block, but don't bench him for the rest of the season for it."
We saw one missed block in a game, but I'm betting the coaches see a lot more of them in practice. You have to be able to pass block as an RB in the NFL. Otherwise you're telegraphing plays by having that player in the formation. The opposing defense will be able to crowd the line expecting the run, and if it does happen to be a pass, they'll know one of their rushers will get home because the HB probably won't make the block.
Hunt will make the roster. You don't just jettison a first day pick after one year. But Hunt's not that much of a better runner than Buck to take playing time away from Buck if Hunt can't be counted on to block and pick up the blitz.
|
b4realplz@...
06/13/08
11:30 am ET |
My main concern with all the talent at depth for running back is that none of this speculation matters if they don't use them. Buckhalter had 62 carries for the famous 5 yards per and 4TDs. Hunt had 10 carries @ 1.6 per and 1TD I don't even remember. If it is a well known fact that Hunt can't pass block, why ask him to pass block? Showcase what he can do for trade value and simply draft a RB until you find one who can. RB's are falling out of the draft every year now. The bottom line is that I trust the talent at depth here, over the bench of WR. A subtle change in philosophy has potential to be the big difference in the offense besides the health issues. Won't see if it is going to happen until the season starts. But the Booker & Lawton moves should be signs that it is a likely possibility. Do I think this group on paper can win the Super Bowl, with certain key players healthy and balance yes. Getting down early and often and too pass heavy, or with too many key injuries, no.
|
rdbanky@...
06/13/08
11:25 am ET |
RM, that was one block in the dallas game, and it was about the only play they put him in there for. Sure, he missed a block, but don't bench him for the rest of the season for it. Kolter, I agree with you that it is not necessarily likely that LJ will be good again this year. I hope he does, but I, too, am very skeptical about him. I was pretty angry when they franchise tagged him, but I have since calmed down, realizing that there are not too many options with TE's available in the NFL.
|
jmkolter@...
06/13/08
11:18 am ET |
Wasn't last year a contract year for LJ too? How well did that work out for us? Sure he was hurt, but he didn't bring any productivity. The point isn't to bash LJ, I just think we know what we are going to get from him and what he provides isn't enough in my opinion to feel great about this season. What I am getting at is that if your answer to how our O has gotten better is the health of LJ and the addition of a back up running back, then I am going to say, thanks but that's not enough.
|
RMGreen
06/13/08
11:12 am ET |
Buck has played very well as a backup the last few years. As much as we'd all like youth to be served, Hunt won't be any significant part of this offense until he gets better at blocking and picking up the blitz. Great running ability doesn't matter nearly as much when you're letting your QB get nailed on passing plays.
|
rdbanky@...
06/13/08
11:07 am ET |
I knew it was LJ's contract year, which is why I mentioned it. However, I was not aware that it was Buck's. As much as I'd like him to kick a** to increase his trade value, I still feel it is more important to bring up Hunt.
Oh, and who is Oher, DrOctopus?
|
brizer9@...
06/13/08
11:00 am ET |
I disagree cynics on our "O" but welcome the banter,.a few tidbits...LJ is franchised,..remember?,.so every yr is his "contract" year,...my opinion on Buck,..contract comes up next year I believe, so igs will be showcasing him a bit and then if he's still here and played ok,.will low ball him to stay,..in the mean time they have some options either Hunt and Moats and even Booker to play with,..all along they have their ears open for possible deals. and BTW,..if G-D forbid #36 goes down,..Buck is a suitable replacement for the short term, until Hunt/Booker are ready.
|
rdbanky@...
06/13/08
10:27 am ET |
I tend to agree with some of the posters who are saying that the offense is pretty much the same as last year. However, if L.J. does play like it is his contract year, then the offense will be helped tremendously. Booker will help some too. I still feel the same about Buck/Hunt. Buck is 6 feet tall, 217 lbs, Hunt is 6'1, 227. To give a comparision, Deuce McAllister is 6'1 232lbs. From what I saw of Tony Hunt in last year's preseason against the Steelers (with their starting D in), Tony Hunt has the potential to be a great power back. I think he could do as good a job as Buckhalter, if not better, by mid season, if given the chance. Also, Hunt is 22, Buck is 30. We should be developing Hunt, not watching Buck decline.
|
Droctopus
06/13/08
10:22 am ET |
Quick things about Oher... Had practically no education until a do-gooder from his neiborhood dropped him off at a private school and he was "adopted" by a rich influential family. Also never played or had any interest in football to that point. He had himself pegged as the next Michael Jordan, and spent many hours playing basketball (more than likely where he developed his remarkably quick feet). Extremely intelligent, but initially had great difficulty learning (red flag?). In an early practice before he could participate, he took a bag of footballs stood on the 50 yard line and one after another threw them through the goalposts (very impressive considering he likely had never been taught how to throw one).
|
jmkolter@...
06/13/08
10:19 am ET |
Angel- I totally agree with you. I think at this point there is nothing really to be psyched about with this team. I mean what have they done to make themselves anything better than an 8-8 team? McNabb's leg ins't bothering him, but now his shoulder is. Reid was too worried about selling the idea of "momentum" in the off-season to see what Kolb could do against buffalo, so we don't have any idea what our key back back-up look like. The problem with the eagles is that they are so dishonest and political that if ou get excited about what they are telling you, you are probably wasting your own time.
|
angel2591@...
06/13/08
9:56 am ET |
I'm glad to hear that Truth Starts in Training Camp, because we certainly haven't gotten any truth from the Eagles this off season - no truth about Lito and all the fantastic offers that were on the table for him; no truth about McNabb's shoulder in the first camp; etc. My opinion about this team is that I have no opinion yet. I'm afraid we are the same team as last year, hoping improved health from #5 and LJ is enough to put us over the top. A lot of the supposed improvements we brought in are no-shows (Wilson; Klecko; don't know about Clemmons). Booker is a nice pick-up. Jackson may help in punt returns, if his hammy gets better. I can't see Laws making an impact. Is that enough to go from 8 - 8 to Super Bowl? I don't think so. The 'Boys have done a lot more with their prison release program. I hope I'll be more impressed in training camp.
|
brizer9@...
06/13/08
9:23 am ET |
cheez,.forgot about my TE comment that I slept on O/N!!!!..my conclusion....is this,..nothing!..let's just let this thing play out..i refuse to jump to conclusions at this point re TE, esp. with a new guy....Ramsay (DT),..that's a different story,.he's had 3 years. He makes this team if there's 2 injuries there...and mark my words...mcdougle will prob get cut,..but if he puts the time in,.he's gonna surprise people ( barring yet another setback) next year. good luck jerome,..truly a bad luck kid.
|
88wazoo@...
06/13/08
9:03 am ET |
SPADARO, if you're out there...you say "Matt Schobel is ahead of Kris Wilson on the depth chart at tight end, and he is right there with Brent Celek." But where is the depth chart you used to post? If you're going to refer to it, please show it. Thanks.
|
brizer9@...
06/13/08
9:00 am ET |
Great stuff fellas,.and some good questions,..and your typical debatable comments,..cupla words,.would love the condensed version from OCTOpae about Oher,..please?....relax about stude..he'll prob make the team via taxi squad!..re Spuds opinion of Curtis low ball catching...hey,..why make an issue of that?..can you really dispute it?..just for your own gratification,..watch what Spuds has seen and make up yur own mind..he's had alot of practice with that,.playin' wid #5,.eh?..and finally some words on Buck/Hunt..I consider Buck better than average, perhaps not yur traditional power back but somebody not easy to bring down,..who yea runs kinda upright,.ah so did Dickerson!..as long as he's tuff about it,..and guess what?..Hunt is another upright runner,.. the "problem" with Hunt is he needs many touches to be at his best...he aint gonna get it here,..not this year...so what do you do?...the 64 million dollar question,..sports fans!and finally,..it's not what Ramsay is doing badly,..it's what he's not doing (Playin' with some desperation) and doing (eating too much-no discipline)..we saw it coming last year,..and with Laws, Reagor, and 35 sack Howard steppin' it up,..Fatboy will be ridin' his harley outahere soon!
|
oldguard04@...
06/13/08
8:52 am ET |
Banky I'm with you- Buck has done all right but I've never been crazy about him and his play. I really think Booker will give us a chance to open up the offense- he's a good receiver and has speed. Which is a great option, seeing as the TE situation seems so muddy. We were all lead to believe that Wilson would be an answer- I guess not so. Celek showed flashes, but he's not an elite TE prospect. Without consistency at that position, another good pass catching RB, maybe a Westbrook Light, is a good weapon.
|
jmkolter@...
06/13/08
8:48 am ET |
How many times over the past couple of months have I read posts from readers implying that Klecko and Wilson were going to add instant impact and change the dynamic of the offense. Now we aren't even at Lehigh yet and Klecko lost his Fullback spot and Wilson is looking like the odd man out for TE. Basically, the way I see it is that Booker is our only chance at improving our offensive roster from last year. Call me crazy, but I just don't know if a number 2 rb can really be considered adequet progress.
|
rdbanky@...
06/13/08
8:27 am ET |
I am optimistic about this team, especially the defense. However, I feel like I'm the only one who isn't crazy about Buckhalter. He's supposed to be a "power" back, the alternative to Westbrook's style. However, when he runs, he is practically standing straight up. He is not a true power back, and has never been anything amazing since his first knee injury. He is an average running back and this is as good as he is going to get. I think Tony Hunt has some real potential to be great. If they utilized him more, and allowed him to actually carry the ball as a power back, I think we could actually pull off a smashmouth offense if we wanted to.
|
vs 
