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Showing posts with label Gambino. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gambino. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
What is the Broncos Next Move?
The big news in the NFL is the monster trade between the Denver Broncos and the Chicago Bears for QB Jay Cutler. To complete the trade the bears sent a 2009 first round draft choice (18th overall) a third round choice (84th overall) and a 2010 first round draft choice (the bears are hoping 32nd overall) along with QB Kyle Orton for QB Jay Cutler and a fifth round draft choice (149th overall).
The trade left the Bears solidified at the quarterback position, but lacking draft picks. It has also left the Broncos without that coveted “Franchise” quarterback and a ton of questions, but it has also left Denver with a plethora of choices that they can use to rebuild their team in head coach Josh McDaniels’ mould.
Of the questions Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen needs to answer, the first few should be: “What have I done? Was it a wise choice to give McDaniel all this power? Do I still have Mike Shanahan on speed dial?” Once those questions have been answered The Broncos front office will have to formulate a plan for the upcoming NFL Draft.
First off the Broncos need to decide if there is a franchise quarterback available in their draft range, or is one worth moving up for. USC quarterback Mark Sanchez might fit that bill, but will not be available when the Broncos select first at 12 overall. Denver may have to consider moving up in the draft to secure Mark Sanchez’ rights.
According to the draft value chart, the Denver Broncos have enough ammunition to pull off whatever trade is necessary. With the 12th (1200 pts.) and 18th (900 pts.) overall choices the Broncos can trade up with the Kansas City Chiefs to the 3rd overall choice (2200 pts.).
Why does this trade make sense? Denver suddenly finds themselves with Kyle Orton as their only viable option at QB, an upgrade is needed and if McDaniels doesn’t find one quickly he may find himself booed out of the Mile High City by season’s end. Pat Bowlen has spent years trying to find a replacement for John Elway, he found that in Cutler and in less than three months the new head coach ran him out of town.
Why will a trade with Kansas City work? Josh McDaniels has spent the last few years working with Kansas City’s new general manager Scott Pioli, both of whom left New England this offseason. The familiarity there will be helpful when striking the draft day deal.
From a draft perspective, this trade does a lot for the Broncos and severely limits what the Chicago Bears can do. The Bears obviously needed a quarterback, but they also needed cornerback, defensive end, safety and a wide receiver to go along with that and with no first or third round selection and a lone number two, they better hope Cutler can gel quickly with Devin Hester and former college teammate Earl Bennett.
As for the Broncos, like was said, they now have the ammunition to move up early in the draft to take Mark Sanchez or Matt Stafford depending on who falls. Or they could sit pretty at picks #12 and #18 and select some solid defensive players as something tells me that this deal was struck with Kyle Orton in mind so that Josh McDaniels can run the spread offense similar to how he did in New England with Matt Cassel and that he doesn't need a QB with a huge arm to get things done for him and the offense moving down the field.
I think that Denver will likely target guys to fit the 3-4 defence that they are trying to implement. I think B.J. Raji, Tyson Jackson and Aaron Maybin are some players that the Broncos will be looking at as they need a big body inside to keep blockers off of Andra Davis and D.J. Williams, and at the same time they need that tall, rangy five technique to occupy tackles and they also need the quintessential stand up outside pass rusher as well and these three guys should all be available when they are making their selections.
Though the trade with Kansas City is possible if Denver isn't satisfied with Orton, I just can't see it happening considering they chose to get a quarterback in this deal, not to mention a quarterback who is a starter with a winning record in the league. Though he isn't Jay Cutler by any stance, McDaniels may be able to turn him into what he wants and if so, the Broncos won't look totally stupid for making this move. Just pretty stupid.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Trench Talk January 29, 2009
Hey Everyone,
In this weeks Trench Talk we will be discussing the Detroit Lions and what we think they need to do this off-season to turn the franchise around. This week you will get part one of our two-part discussion on the topic.
Enjoy and don't forget we would love to answer any of your football related questions in a Trench Talk discussion. E-mail them to eric@alldayfootball.com
Eric Dunn says:
Alright Matt I think we need to talk about the Lions, they were completely helpless last season and ended up not winning a single game. What do you think needs to be done to turn this franchise around?
Matt Gambino says:
They need to make some serious cuts, starting with Jon Kitna
ED says:
Ya, he definitely won't be around, I feel a lot of guys will get cut
MG says:
I think Dwight Smith, Edwin Mulitalo, Jon Kitna, Ryan Nece, Travis Fisher and Dan Campbell need to be cut
ED says:
They need to gut the roster, get some good character and talent on both sides of the ball. I think it would be a good idea to go after some key Free Agents like a TJ Houshmanzadeh (if they can afford him), bring some reliability to the offense take pressure of Calvin Johnson.
MG says:
I think they can go after him but I doubt they have the money or the prestige to get a guy like that, who I know wants to be a #1 and wont get that in Detroit. I think they should go after a guy like Devery Henderson or Michael Clayton who are more realistic targets, Henderson is great with the deep plays and Clayton probably could use a change of scenery, not to mention he blocks well in the run game
ED says:
Before we get into Free agents let's quickly discuss who needs to be kept.I say
re-sign: Jason Hanson, Culpepper and McDonald
cut: Dwight Smith, Edwin Mulitalo, Jon Kitna, Ryan Nece, Travis Fisher, Mike Furrey and Dan Campbell.
and I think keeping Hanson would be the priority, he is a solid kicker.
MG says:
I would agree with that, I also think Paris Lenon should be resigned and tender Robinson and Cannon.
ED says:
Alright, that works. Now free agents to target, I could see Jim Schwartz going after Haynesworth since he is familiar with the defense and has thrived in it. But the only problem is I hear that Haynesworth is in talks to return to Tennessee, and it is progressing nicely.
MG says:
He would make a lot of sense, but Haynesworth would probably make any defense better. I think the Lions should focus mainly on defense in free agency since their offense has the potential to be fairly explosive as is, their problem last season was that they got down too big too quickly. So DL, MLB and DB's all could use an upgrade.
ED says:
Let's start with defensive line. Bertrand Berry will be a free agent
MG says:
Exactly who I was gonna say
ED says:
But chances are he will be expensive ... especially now that he playing in the super bowl Super bowl player free agents always try and get huge contracts
MG says:
It's true, same with Antonio Smith
ED says:
Ya, I actually wrote a piece about it in my news blitz recently.
MG says:
Nice, I think Demetric Evans from the Skins may be a good pick up
ED says:
Also Tank Johnson is gonna be available or Chauncey Davis from the Falcons
ED says:
Ok, we are kinda just tossing out names ... lets get specific on players
let’s start with Bertrand Berry
MG. says:
has great experience, still knows how to get to the QB and plays well against the run, he can be a solid LE or RE depending on what they wanna do with Dewayne White
ED says:
solid player, good motor, playoff experienced. DO you feel like he would be a good fit for Schwartz's system?
MG says:
Absolutely, he'd be the equivalent of Kyle Vanden Bosch
ED says:
Ok, good. Lets move on. Tank Johnson
MG says:
High motor, experienced and talented DE who can play the run and move in space
ED says:
I think he would be a good fit... was productive in Chicago before his arrest, struggled in the 3-4 in Dallas might be good to get him back into a 4 man line
MG says:
I agree, I think off the field issues are over exaggerated and due to his performance in Dallas he could be had for cheap and would be a good NT to play inside with Corey Redding
ED says:
Definitely could get back to his old form ... willing to sign to a smaller 1-year trial contract
MG says:
Which will give Andre Fluellen more time to mature
ED says:
Jovan Haye is out because he is more of an UT not a NT
MG says:
Mhm, and they have enough there
ED says:
Peppers would be too expensive and wants to try out the 3-4 so he is out too
MG says:
Absolutely
ED says:
Babineaux from the falcons?
MG says:
He reupped for 5 years
ED says:
Ok, so definitely out. You mentioned Demetric Evans
MG says:
Ya, 29 year old DE from the Skins. He plays the run really well and knows how to get to the QB
ED says:
He is somewhere in the middle of his career, but a nice possibility
MG says:
Chauncey Davis is the same type of player but he's younger and has a higher ceiling but I think Falcons resign him
ED says:
No way the Falcons are letting their young players go .. they want to keep building So D-line possibilities are Bertrand Berry, Tank Johnson and Demetric Evans?
MG says:
and Haynesworth long shot but you never know
ED says:
Well he is such a long shot I left him out .. and he has already started talks with Titans to return, lets try to keep our focus on guys who will actually hit the market. Ok, so if they can only sign one DL who would you say? I says Tank Johnson
MG says:
yup
ED says:
you agree?
MG says:
I do agree
ED says:
Well that makes it easy, lets move on to MLB. I think Channing Crowder would be available .. he told the Dolphins he wants to test the market
MG says:
Ya, I think he would fit well into Schwartz's system, a stout guy who plays the run and is decent playing middle zones and underneath routes, but he's definitely not a down and distance guy
ED says:
I think he would be the best fit unless the Lions could miraculously pry Ray Lewis away from the Ravens, his leadership would be epic in the locker room
MG. says:
he would, but I don't think Ray gets anywhere near the Lions, if he's not a Raven, he'll be a Cowboy
ED says:
I don't think Ray Lewis gets anywhere but Baltimore, it just wouldn't feel right
MG says:
I agree but apparently Dallas is trying its hardest to pry him loose, but regardless Lions need an interior force I also think they could go after Mike Peterson he's a little undersized but he is vocal, he is talented and he's on the outs with the Jags
ED says:
I would still have to say Crowder is the better choice from an age factor, they have an opportunity to get better long term instead of a one two year fix
MG. says:
Absolutely, but i doubt they put all their eggs in one basket i think if they can't land Crowder, Peterson is a viable option.
ED says:
Another guy who might be a good LB is Vilma, he has come back nicely from his injury, quick to the ball, good hands for a LB
MG says:
Productive when healthy but might only get a 2 year deal
ED says:
I'd say incentive filled contract to protect the Lions.
MG says:
Make him earn his pay
MG says:
That's true and the Saints will probably cut him because if they re-sign him, they'll have to give up a first and a second.
ED says:
They hope to cut him and re-sign him after the draft, save the pick and keep the guy, Lions just swoop in for the kill. Ok, those are some solid choices for MLB
anyone else, you mention Peterson earlier.. I think he is on the downside of his career, I wouldn't take the risk and from what I have heard he is a locker room cancer in Jacksonville this season, they don't need that in Detroit
MG says:
I don't think he was a cancer, I think he had a serious feud with Del Rio
ED says:
Maybe, but it would be a red flag regardless
MG says:
Ya, he might not be an ideal fit.
ED says:
Anyone else you think would fit? Bart Scott, Michael Boley, Carlos Dansby, Monty Beisel?
MG says:
Dansby would fit, but he'll be expensive and highly sought after Boley will probably be tendered by the Falcons, Bart Scott could potentially be a pick up and Monty Beisel, meh
ED says:
There is no way the Ravens will be able to resign all of their LB's so I think if anything Scott would be the odd man out, just like they did with Adalius Thomas 2 seasons ago. They let him go and Bart Scott took his place, I feel like the Ravens would be able to do it again with another unknown especially if Lewis and Suggs are retained
MG says:
Actually, I agree they have 2, wait 3 potential replacements in Tavares Gooden, Prescott Burgess and Antwan Barnes
ED says:
Exactly, the Ravens and linebackers they always have a plan B, this may also affect Suggs status. Ok, so if you could only have 1 LB prospect which would it be?
ED says:
I still really like Crowder
MG says:
I think Crowder fits their need best
ED says:
we agree again, 2 for 2 .. lets move on to DB's I can't see Nnamdi Asomugha being a financially viable option
MG. says:
No way Oakland lets him go they cut Hall to lock him up
ED says:
Dunta Robinson would be a great choice, but chances are he would want to go to a winning franchise... all the losing in Houston is gotta start to wear a player down
MG says:
Very true. The one guy I think they should go after who made himself some money this season was Jabari Greer from Buffalo he showed a real knack in getting to the ball, he has great ball skills and great speed, not to mention, he's dangerous once the ball is in his hands, he was good in man and probably could play zone as well the other guy would be Jarrad Page from Kansas City, I think he's the odd man out in their system as they have a great young SS in Pollard and a young up and comer in DeJaun Morgan, so I think his skills at interchanging between FS and SS would be of great help, he has good ball skills and he sticks his nose in on the run, putting him at SS next to Gerald Alexander could only help their secondary
ED says:
Well said Matt. How about Jermaine Phillips he is a hitter
MG says:
Potentially he'd be a solid pick
ED says:
I think he now has a plate in his arm... so that will help the arm breaking issues, and would hurt everyone else more
MG. says:
Eh, i wouldn't think that was a positive, but he'd still be an upgrade
ED says:
Its only a positive from a pain perspective and, he'll bring it. Aside from all that ... same question pick one. I'll say Jarrad Page because of his versatility
MG says:
I’ll pick Greer, corner is a bigger need, Greer is a solid corner back who can play in man coverage, he has great ball skills, good recovery speed and is young enough to warrant a long term deal
ED says:
Ok, perfect then.... now Big question to end the session... if you could have just one defensive free agent who would it be and why
MG says:
Jabari Greer considering their depth at cornerback, they need as much help as can be, he can step in day 1 and be a starter alongside Bodden
ED says:
Ok, and I would say they get a guy like Tank Johnson, still relatively young, solid NT and would make the D-line and then the entire defense better. Harassing a QB instantly makes mediocre DB's better.
Ok everyone there you have it. Stay tuned for part 2 next week.
In this weeks Trench Talk we will be discussing the Detroit Lions and what we think they need to do this off-season to turn the franchise around. This week you will get part one of our two-part discussion on the topic.
Enjoy and don't forget we would love to answer any of your football related questions in a Trench Talk discussion. E-mail them to eric@alldayfootball.com
Eric Dunn says:
Alright Matt I think we need to talk about the Lions, they were completely helpless last season and ended up not winning a single game. What do you think needs to be done to turn this franchise around?
Matt Gambino says:
They need to make some serious cuts, starting with Jon Kitna
ED says:
Ya, he definitely won't be around, I feel a lot of guys will get cut
MG says:
I think Dwight Smith, Edwin Mulitalo, Jon Kitna, Ryan Nece, Travis Fisher and Dan Campbell need to be cut
ED says:
They need to gut the roster, get some good character and talent on both sides of the ball. I think it would be a good idea to go after some key Free Agents like a TJ Houshmanzadeh (if they can afford him), bring some reliability to the offense take pressure of Calvin Johnson.
MG says:
I think they can go after him but I doubt they have the money or the prestige to get a guy like that, who I know wants to be a #1 and wont get that in Detroit. I think they should go after a guy like Devery Henderson or Michael Clayton who are more realistic targets, Henderson is great with the deep plays and Clayton probably could use a change of scenery, not to mention he blocks well in the run game
ED says:
Before we get into Free agents let's quickly discuss who needs to be kept.I say
re-sign: Jason Hanson, Culpepper and McDonald
cut: Dwight Smith, Edwin Mulitalo, Jon Kitna, Ryan Nece, Travis Fisher, Mike Furrey and Dan Campbell.
and I think keeping Hanson would be the priority, he is a solid kicker.
MG says:
I would agree with that, I also think Paris Lenon should be resigned and tender Robinson and Cannon.
ED says:
Alright, that works. Now free agents to target, I could see Jim Schwartz going after Haynesworth since he is familiar with the defense and has thrived in it. But the only problem is I hear that Haynesworth is in talks to return to Tennessee, and it is progressing nicely.
MG says:
He would make a lot of sense, but Haynesworth would probably make any defense better. I think the Lions should focus mainly on defense in free agency since their offense has the potential to be fairly explosive as is, their problem last season was that they got down too big too quickly. So DL, MLB and DB's all could use an upgrade.
ED says:
Let's start with defensive line. Bertrand Berry will be a free agent
MG says:
Exactly who I was gonna say
ED says:
But chances are he will be expensive ... especially now that he playing in the super bowl Super bowl player free agents always try and get huge contracts
MG says:
It's true, same with Antonio Smith
ED says:
Ya, I actually wrote a piece about it in my news blitz recently.
MG says:
Nice, I think Demetric Evans from the Skins may be a good pick up
ED says:
Also Tank Johnson is gonna be available or Chauncey Davis from the Falcons
ED says:
Ok, we are kinda just tossing out names ... lets get specific on players
let’s start with Bertrand Berry
MG. says:
has great experience, still knows how to get to the QB and plays well against the run, he can be a solid LE or RE depending on what they wanna do with Dewayne White
ED says:
solid player, good motor, playoff experienced. DO you feel like he would be a good fit for Schwartz's system?
MG says:
Absolutely, he'd be the equivalent of Kyle Vanden Bosch
ED says:
Ok, good. Lets move on. Tank Johnson
MG says:
High motor, experienced and talented DE who can play the run and move in space
ED says:
I think he would be a good fit... was productive in Chicago before his arrest, struggled in the 3-4 in Dallas might be good to get him back into a 4 man line
MG says:
I agree, I think off the field issues are over exaggerated and due to his performance in Dallas he could be had for cheap and would be a good NT to play inside with Corey Redding
ED says:
Definitely could get back to his old form ... willing to sign to a smaller 1-year trial contract
MG says:
Which will give Andre Fluellen more time to mature
ED says:
Jovan Haye is out because he is more of an UT not a NT
MG says:
Mhm, and they have enough there
ED says:
Peppers would be too expensive and wants to try out the 3-4 so he is out too
MG says:
Absolutely
ED says:
Babineaux from the falcons?
MG says:
He reupped for 5 years
ED says:
Ok, so definitely out. You mentioned Demetric Evans
MG says:
Ya, 29 year old DE from the Skins. He plays the run really well and knows how to get to the QB
ED says:
He is somewhere in the middle of his career, but a nice possibility
MG says:
Chauncey Davis is the same type of player but he's younger and has a higher ceiling but I think Falcons resign him
ED says:
No way the Falcons are letting their young players go .. they want to keep building So D-line possibilities are Bertrand Berry, Tank Johnson and Demetric Evans?
MG says:
and Haynesworth long shot but you never know
ED says:
Well he is such a long shot I left him out .. and he has already started talks with Titans to return, lets try to keep our focus on guys who will actually hit the market. Ok, so if they can only sign one DL who would you say? I says Tank Johnson
MG says:
yup
ED says:
you agree?
MG says:
I do agree
ED says:
Well that makes it easy, lets move on to MLB. I think Channing Crowder would be available .. he told the Dolphins he wants to test the market
MG says:
Ya, I think he would fit well into Schwartz's system, a stout guy who plays the run and is decent playing middle zones and underneath routes, but he's definitely not a down and distance guy
ED says:
I think he would be the best fit unless the Lions could miraculously pry Ray Lewis away from the Ravens, his leadership would be epic in the locker room
MG. says:
he would, but I don't think Ray gets anywhere near the Lions, if he's not a Raven, he'll be a Cowboy
ED says:
I don't think Ray Lewis gets anywhere but Baltimore, it just wouldn't feel right
MG says:
I agree but apparently Dallas is trying its hardest to pry him loose, but regardless Lions need an interior force I also think they could go after Mike Peterson he's a little undersized but he is vocal, he is talented and he's on the outs with the Jags
ED says:
I would still have to say Crowder is the better choice from an age factor, they have an opportunity to get better long term instead of a one two year fix
MG. says:
Absolutely, but i doubt they put all their eggs in one basket i think if they can't land Crowder, Peterson is a viable option.
ED says:
Another guy who might be a good LB is Vilma, he has come back nicely from his injury, quick to the ball, good hands for a LB
MG says:
Productive when healthy but might only get a 2 year deal
ED says:
I'd say incentive filled contract to protect the Lions.
MG says:
Make him earn his pay
MG says:
That's true and the Saints will probably cut him because if they re-sign him, they'll have to give up a first and a second.
ED says:
They hope to cut him and re-sign him after the draft, save the pick and keep the guy, Lions just swoop in for the kill. Ok, those are some solid choices for MLB
anyone else, you mention Peterson earlier.. I think he is on the downside of his career, I wouldn't take the risk and from what I have heard he is a locker room cancer in Jacksonville this season, they don't need that in Detroit
MG says:
I don't think he was a cancer, I think he had a serious feud with Del Rio
ED says:
Maybe, but it would be a red flag regardless
MG says:
Ya, he might not be an ideal fit.
ED says:
Anyone else you think would fit? Bart Scott, Michael Boley, Carlos Dansby, Monty Beisel?
MG says:
Dansby would fit, but he'll be expensive and highly sought after Boley will probably be tendered by the Falcons, Bart Scott could potentially be a pick up and Monty Beisel, meh
ED says:
There is no way the Ravens will be able to resign all of their LB's so I think if anything Scott would be the odd man out, just like they did with Adalius Thomas 2 seasons ago. They let him go and Bart Scott took his place, I feel like the Ravens would be able to do it again with another unknown especially if Lewis and Suggs are retained
MG says:
Actually, I agree they have 2, wait 3 potential replacements in Tavares Gooden, Prescott Burgess and Antwan Barnes
ED says:
Exactly, the Ravens and linebackers they always have a plan B, this may also affect Suggs status. Ok, so if you could only have 1 LB prospect which would it be?
ED says:
I still really like Crowder
MG says:
I think Crowder fits their need best
ED says:
we agree again, 2 for 2 .. lets move on to DB's I can't see Nnamdi Asomugha being a financially viable option
MG. says:
No way Oakland lets him go they cut Hall to lock him up
ED says:
Dunta Robinson would be a great choice, but chances are he would want to go to a winning franchise... all the losing in Houston is gotta start to wear a player down
MG says:
Very true. The one guy I think they should go after who made himself some money this season was Jabari Greer from Buffalo he showed a real knack in getting to the ball, he has great ball skills and great speed, not to mention, he's dangerous once the ball is in his hands, he was good in man and probably could play zone as well the other guy would be Jarrad Page from Kansas City, I think he's the odd man out in their system as they have a great young SS in Pollard and a young up and comer in DeJaun Morgan, so I think his skills at interchanging between FS and SS would be of great help, he has good ball skills and he sticks his nose in on the run, putting him at SS next to Gerald Alexander could only help their secondary
ED says:
Well said Matt. How about Jermaine Phillips he is a hitter
MG says:
Potentially he'd be a solid pick
ED says:
I think he now has a plate in his arm... so that will help the arm breaking issues, and would hurt everyone else more
MG. says:
Eh, i wouldn't think that was a positive, but he'd still be an upgrade
ED says:
Its only a positive from a pain perspective and, he'll bring it. Aside from all that ... same question pick one. I'll say Jarrad Page because of his versatility
MG says:
I’ll pick Greer, corner is a bigger need, Greer is a solid corner back who can play in man coverage, he has great ball skills, good recovery speed and is young enough to warrant a long term deal
ED says:
Ok, perfect then.... now Big question to end the session... if you could have just one defensive free agent who would it be and why
MG says:
Jabari Greer considering their depth at cornerback, they need as much help as can be, he can step in day 1 and be a starter alongside Bodden
ED says:
Ok, and I would say they get a guy like Tank Johnson, still relatively young, solid NT and would make the D-line and then the entire defense better. Harassing a QB instantly makes mediocre DB's better.
Ok everyone there you have it. Stay tuned for part 2 next week.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Trench Talk January 21, 2009
Hey everybody, Matt and I are unveiling a new feature for all the Alldayfootball.com fans. Trench Talk, where Matt and I discuss football and the NFL. Feel free to email us questions or topics you want us to discuss as this will be a new weekly feature. Enjoy!
Alright, for our innaugural edition of Trench Talk we will be discussing the idea of Julius Peppers wanting to leave the Panthers and possibly join a 3-4 defensive team.
Eric Dunn: Peppers says he wants to play for a 3-4 team
Eric Dunn (ED): I think he is an idiot, I do not think he would be a good 3-4 OLB
Matthew Gambino (MG): I disagree, i think he would be a nasty 3-4 OLB for a big guy at 6'6" 280, he has exceptional speed and spatial awareness
ED: I think he is too big... yes he is athletic , but enough to play in coverage?
MG:Absolutely
ED: I don't know ... I think he is a pure rush end
MG: He has very fluid hips from playing basketball with UNC, he has great closing speed and his awareness in space in fantastic
plus, the sheer thought of getting him one on one with a TE or RB
ED: Ya, I think in theory it would be nice ... but he takes off far too many plays to play coverage, it would be a huge liability for a team.
MG: I think it's more a question of motivation, I don't think the Carolina coaches are bringing out the best in him.
ED: That’s what he thinks as well ... but what’s to say anyone can bring the best out of him. If he doesn't want it, it won't happen
MG: A fiery coach who he is willing to call him out, Carolina seems far too relaxed with their coaching if he gets someone on him to make him better, he'll be an animal, be it in 4-3 or 3-4 but I think he has all the skills required to be an OLB in a 3-4 he may need to drop some poundage but I'm positive he can do it
ED: He is definitely too big to be a 3-4 OLB right now.. He is 6'7" 283lbs
MG: I don't think there's "too big" if you have the skill set I mean, look at Kiwanuka
ED: I don't believe he has this Skill set you speak of .... and Kiwanuka isn't really elite at either position. Peppers is an Elite RE.
MG: Kiwanuka is only 3 years in and had an injury that killed most of last year, and I think you're just biased because he's a Panther. I've seen him in coverage for a big guy, he has amazing fluidity in his hips
ED: I'd have to see it ... but I think on an occasional play it would be fine ... but for a full game switching it up ... more reads would be a tough transition.
MG: I think he'd be perfect for the Ravens. Especially if they lose Suggs but when a defensive end can pick off a pass in the red zone and take it 97 yards to the house, that's huge
ED: Yes, but he probably picked it in the flat and had no one in front of him I doubt he took the pick across the field and broke tackles and juked people he probably picked off a ball going into the flat and was gone he has speed no doubt
MG: I just saw the pick for a TD he was playing coverage in the middle of the field.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yprtuIx_F9o @ 1:35
oh yeah, I don’t what you're talking about, he could so play OLB the way he breaks on the ball against Tampa at 2:15 is huge.
ED: I’m watching the pick.... He was in the flat and nobody around him and then had escorts into the end zone.
MG: Still a solid break on the ball doesn't matter that there's no one in front of him but the pick against the Broncos is mid field in coverage on a TE this highlight clip gives me a new appreciation for how nasty Peppers is
ED: It was also a poorly thrown ball; the TE was wide open if he put the ball up easy TD. I’m not disagreeing he is nasty ... I just think he should stay as a RE and work on his work ethic, not take plays off
MG: I think he would definitely benefit at staying as a RE, but I think he can be an OLB in a 3-4 and I also disagree with the laziness
ED: How can you disagree its a known fact that he takes plays off.. Occasionally the whole series. So if you agree he should remain a RE and be an Elite player why would you want him to be a decent 3-4 OLB?
MG: I think he could benefit at staying at RE, but if the dude wants to play OLB, I think he also has the skills to be an elite talent there as well I'm just making the argument that he can where you're saying he can't
ED: I won't disagree that he can play OLB, but I do disagree that he would be an elite player at that spot. Basically, I am trying to say that it is not that he can't but shouldn't.
MG: That makes sense, and my argument is that if he can, do it, he's already proven he's an elite DE so he always has that to bank on if making the transition from DE to OLB doesn't pan out
ED: All the while potentially stunting his development and losing money on an unnecessary experiment
MG: He won’t lose any money
ED: He will after his OLB experiment fails
MG: If it fails and even if it does, he'll get a big contract regardless his talent is far too great for him not to find work for big money.
ED: Well there is always Jerry Jones for that
MG: And as for stunting development, if anything he's growing as a player because he now has a new appreciation for learning the nuances of coverage, pursuit and what have you, not just pass rush or run stuff
ED: So he becomes a jack of all trades, expert of none?
MG: No, not at all
ED: That is the description of stunting development
MG: He remains a pass rush specialist that now has awareness of the entire field not just opposing back fields
ED: But that would take away from his specialty.... great that he has the awareness of the entire field but he needs to focus on the quarterback and the back field
MG: No, it doesn't, it makes him more dangerous
ED: That would be like you and I focusing on how WR run their routes
MG: No, it's more like us focusing on the blocking assignments of the backs and TE’s it's not essential knowledge but knowing it can make a helluva difference. He remains a pass rush weapon, but when he's not rushing he can make plays as well, he has a sense of what's going on in the play, he has a better understanding of what the offense is doing for instead of the "see ball, get ball" or "get QB" mentality. He becomes a fuller and smarter player which may lead him to be less "lazy" as he'll always be in a position to make a play.
Not to mention he has the given ability to make plays based on sheer athletic prowess and skill
ED: I think that peppers sees all these OLB out there getting all kinds of freedom, and thinks that a position change will be the difference ... where he should be focusing on being a better worker
MG: I disagree; you don't get to where he is by not knowing how to work
ED: Fine, you can have all the athletic prowess and skill you want but if you don't have the desire, it means nothing
MG: Right, desire, one of the best DEs in the nation has no desire?
You don’t become elite by being apathetic
ED: I think this is exactly where you get ... he has gotten by on his pure athletic ability and now is inconsistent as hell because he is not working
MG: Inconsistent? bull shit he had 1 down year last year aside from that, he has averaged over 10 sacks a year for the entirety of his career including a career high 14.5 this past season inconsistent? What a crock.
ED: Not for a season, inconsistent for games on a play to play basis.
MG: That's because he does everything for the Panthers they don’t have anyone else he needs to take series off to rest probably the same thing was said about Haloti Ngata coming out of Oregon, he took plays off because he was a behemoth DT who didn't leave the field, he goes to Ravens and gets into a rotation and he's on his way to elite.
ED: He is a pro athlete.... they should not be taking plays off on the field .. if he needs to rest get on the bench
MG: The coaches should be aware of this it shouldn't be his responsibility that's why they get paid
ED: He can't be man enough to raise a hand and say I need a breather?
MG: Has nothing to do with being a man and you know that. They're football players, most would stay out there regardless
ED: If it is hurting the team around you because you need to loaf it for a bit
MG: If it's hurting the team, then the coach should do something, they're not stupid people
ED: Well don't me started on John Fox
MG: If he's out there, he's out there for a reason
ED: This is a discussion on Peppers and I think he would be wasting his talent changing positions
MG: And I think if he has the talent and become better, do so, he'd be stunting his development by not doing it and being complacent with what he is.
ED: I mean the guy is like a monster sized Deacon Jones. He should be averaging 17-18 sacks a season ... he is not because he needs to take plays off... why add to his work load? Keep him at RE, develop his talent and watch him destroy QB's. It seems simple to me
MG: Or, make him work, become a better, more mature player and get him to the QB but use his abilities to make plays in more than just the backfield seems logical to me.
ED: I think adding more work for him adds to his loafing problem
MG: I disagree find him the right coach and right system who will control him and his talent and he'll blow up opposing offenses even more.
ED: I agree he needs the right coach and the system should remain 4-3.... Get him to a team like the Rams and have Steve Spagnuolo kick his ass
He has gotten results from Tuck, Kiwanuka, Strahan, he would be great.
MG: If that were the case I’d be psyched, but if Peppers wants to be a 3-4 OLB, that's what he's going to look for, and some team is going to give him that opportunity because he's too talented not to have on the field
ED: Teams will take the gamble ... no doubting that .... I think it would be a shame
MG: And I think it could be huge
ED And you disagree I know....
MG: mhm
ED: It remains to be seen, we will revisit this topic again when he either remains or finds a new team I guess.
Alright, for our innaugural edition of Trench Talk we will be discussing the idea of Julius Peppers wanting to leave the Panthers and possibly join a 3-4 defensive team.
Eric Dunn: Peppers says he wants to play for a 3-4 team
Eric Dunn (ED): I think he is an idiot, I do not think he would be a good 3-4 OLB
Matthew Gambino (MG): I disagree, i think he would be a nasty 3-4 OLB for a big guy at 6'6" 280, he has exceptional speed and spatial awareness
ED: I think he is too big... yes he is athletic , but enough to play in coverage?
MG:Absolutely
ED: I don't know ... I think he is a pure rush end
MG: He has very fluid hips from playing basketball with UNC, he has great closing speed and his awareness in space in fantastic
plus, the sheer thought of getting him one on one with a TE or RB
ED: Ya, I think in theory it would be nice ... but he takes off far too many plays to play coverage, it would be a huge liability for a team.
MG: I think it's more a question of motivation, I don't think the Carolina coaches are bringing out the best in him.
ED: That’s what he thinks as well ... but what’s to say anyone can bring the best out of him. If he doesn't want it, it won't happen
MG: A fiery coach who he is willing to call him out, Carolina seems far too relaxed with their coaching if he gets someone on him to make him better, he'll be an animal, be it in 4-3 or 3-4 but I think he has all the skills required to be an OLB in a 3-4 he may need to drop some poundage but I'm positive he can do it
ED: He is definitely too big to be a 3-4 OLB right now.. He is 6'7" 283lbs
MG: I don't think there's "too big" if you have the skill set I mean, look at Kiwanuka
ED: I don't believe he has this Skill set you speak of .... and Kiwanuka isn't really elite at either position. Peppers is an Elite RE.
MG: Kiwanuka is only 3 years in and had an injury that killed most of last year, and I think you're just biased because he's a Panther. I've seen him in coverage for a big guy, he has amazing fluidity in his hips
ED: I'd have to see it ... but I think on an occasional play it would be fine ... but for a full game switching it up ... more reads would be a tough transition.
MG: I think he'd be perfect for the Ravens. Especially if they lose Suggs but when a defensive end can pick off a pass in the red zone and take it 97 yards to the house, that's huge
ED: Yes, but he probably picked it in the flat and had no one in front of him I doubt he took the pick across the field and broke tackles and juked people he probably picked off a ball going into the flat and was gone he has speed no doubt
MG: I just saw the pick for a TD he was playing coverage in the middle of the field.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yprtuIx_F9o @ 1:35
oh yeah, I don’t what you're talking about, he could so play OLB the way he breaks on the ball against Tampa at 2:15 is huge.
ED: I’m watching the pick.... He was in the flat and nobody around him and then had escorts into the end zone.
MG: Still a solid break on the ball doesn't matter that there's no one in front of him but the pick against the Broncos is mid field in coverage on a TE this highlight clip gives me a new appreciation for how nasty Peppers is
ED: It was also a poorly thrown ball; the TE was wide open if he put the ball up easy TD. I’m not disagreeing he is nasty ... I just think he should stay as a RE and work on his work ethic, not take plays off
MG: I think he would definitely benefit at staying as a RE, but I think he can be an OLB in a 3-4 and I also disagree with the laziness
ED: How can you disagree its a known fact that he takes plays off.. Occasionally the whole series. So if you agree he should remain a RE and be an Elite player why would you want him to be a decent 3-4 OLB?
MG: I think he could benefit at staying at RE, but if the dude wants to play OLB, I think he also has the skills to be an elite talent there as well I'm just making the argument that he can where you're saying he can't
ED: I won't disagree that he can play OLB, but I do disagree that he would be an elite player at that spot. Basically, I am trying to say that it is not that he can't but shouldn't.
MG: That makes sense, and my argument is that if he can, do it, he's already proven he's an elite DE so he always has that to bank on if making the transition from DE to OLB doesn't pan out
ED: All the while potentially stunting his development and losing money on an unnecessary experiment
MG: He won’t lose any money
ED: He will after his OLB experiment fails
MG: If it fails and even if it does, he'll get a big contract regardless his talent is far too great for him not to find work for big money.
ED: Well there is always Jerry Jones for that
MG: And as for stunting development, if anything he's growing as a player because he now has a new appreciation for learning the nuances of coverage, pursuit and what have you, not just pass rush or run stuff
ED: So he becomes a jack of all trades, expert of none?
MG: No, not at all
ED: That is the description of stunting development
MG: He remains a pass rush specialist that now has awareness of the entire field not just opposing back fields
ED: But that would take away from his specialty.... great that he has the awareness of the entire field but he needs to focus on the quarterback and the back field
MG: No, it doesn't, it makes him more dangerous
ED: That would be like you and I focusing on how WR run their routes
MG: No, it's more like us focusing on the blocking assignments of the backs and TE’s it's not essential knowledge but knowing it can make a helluva difference. He remains a pass rush weapon, but when he's not rushing he can make plays as well, he has a sense of what's going on in the play, he has a better understanding of what the offense is doing for instead of the "see ball, get ball" or "get QB" mentality. He becomes a fuller and smarter player which may lead him to be less "lazy" as he'll always be in a position to make a play.
Not to mention he has the given ability to make plays based on sheer athletic prowess and skill
ED: I think that peppers sees all these OLB out there getting all kinds of freedom, and thinks that a position change will be the difference ... where he should be focusing on being a better worker
MG: I disagree; you don't get to where he is by not knowing how to work
ED: Fine, you can have all the athletic prowess and skill you want but if you don't have the desire, it means nothing
MG: Right, desire, one of the best DEs in the nation has no desire?
You don’t become elite by being apathetic
ED: I think this is exactly where you get ... he has gotten by on his pure athletic ability and now is inconsistent as hell because he is not working
MG: Inconsistent? bull shit he had 1 down year last year aside from that, he has averaged over 10 sacks a year for the entirety of his career including a career high 14.5 this past season inconsistent? What a crock.
ED: Not for a season, inconsistent for games on a play to play basis.
MG: That's because he does everything for the Panthers they don’t have anyone else he needs to take series off to rest probably the same thing was said about Haloti Ngata coming out of Oregon, he took plays off because he was a behemoth DT who didn't leave the field, he goes to Ravens and gets into a rotation and he's on his way to elite.
ED: He is a pro athlete.... they should not be taking plays off on the field .. if he needs to rest get on the bench
MG: The coaches should be aware of this it shouldn't be his responsibility that's why they get paid
ED: He can't be man enough to raise a hand and say I need a breather?
MG: Has nothing to do with being a man and you know that. They're football players, most would stay out there regardless
ED: If it is hurting the team around you because you need to loaf it for a bit
MG: If it's hurting the team, then the coach should do something, they're not stupid people
ED: Well don't me started on John Fox
MG: If he's out there, he's out there for a reason
ED: This is a discussion on Peppers and I think he would be wasting his talent changing positions
MG: And I think if he has the talent and become better, do so, he'd be stunting his development by not doing it and being complacent with what he is.
ED: I mean the guy is like a monster sized Deacon Jones. He should be averaging 17-18 sacks a season ... he is not because he needs to take plays off... why add to his work load? Keep him at RE, develop his talent and watch him destroy QB's. It seems simple to me
MG: Or, make him work, become a better, more mature player and get him to the QB but use his abilities to make plays in more than just the backfield seems logical to me.
ED: I think adding more work for him adds to his loafing problem
MG: I disagree find him the right coach and right system who will control him and his talent and he'll blow up opposing offenses even more.
ED: I agree he needs the right coach and the system should remain 4-3.... Get him to a team like the Rams and have Steve Spagnuolo kick his ass
He has gotten results from Tuck, Kiwanuka, Strahan, he would be great.
MG: If that were the case I’d be psyched, but if Peppers wants to be a 3-4 OLB, that's what he's going to look for, and some team is going to give him that opportunity because he's too talented not to have on the field
ED: Teams will take the gamble ... no doubting that .... I think it would be a shame
MG: And I think it could be huge
ED And you disagree I know....
MG: mhm
ED: It remains to be seen, we will revisit this topic again when he either remains or finds a new team I guess.
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