I was at the game tonight where I witnessed multiple rookies flash. Imagine if we could hit on like 2-3 of these guys. Throw in Raquan, Harris and Tank, Taylor, Godchaux, Howard,, we could have a very solid young foundation on D
There was some individual performances that were good but on the whole i was pretty disappointed by the defense.
It's not just this rookie class. I think we've been drafting better the last few years with multiple starters coming out of each draft (and I expect the same out of this year's draft). That stink of a draft in 2013 is slowly starting to fade in memory (you know.. the one where Dion Jordan, Jamar Taylor and Dallas Thomas were our first 3 picks OUCH!)
Jordan got on the field for 5 games last year and registered 4 sacks, 8 assists and a forced fumble. I think we gave up on him at the wrong time- we should have either given him one more season or cut him years earlier. http://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/15800/dion-jordan
The guy certainly has talent (not as sure about motivation.. which is crucial), but our coaches just didn't know what to do with him, so given the coaches we had we should have cut him years earlier. Good for him that he now has a better environment to develop.
I don't know of any coach that could have made it work. Jordan needed a change of scenery and I hope for his sake he can turn it around. In Sept 13 I moved to Miami and got season tix. I even got an official DJ jersey from the store at the stadium.
Harris by all accounts at camp is coming around fine. 1/3 of a preseason game won't change my mind just yet. Raekwon on the other hand is starting to get worrisome. You state that he is not having a good camp. Is it worse than last year? Did he lose a step? Is it mental mistakes secondary to rust?
I can give an excuse to Raekwon, it was his first game as a pro..Charles needs to produce as a first round pick should..
Raekwon was pretty bad, Tank was very bad, Harris was a no show, Godchaux and Taylor got pushed around. Fitz was ok, The rookie LB was ok.
I got the impression Raekwon's knee is acting up. They said it has been swelling. I wonder if that is hindering his mobility and confidence with his surgery?
He did. However his physical limitations before the injury were concerning. Now?? I’m very concerned.
Howard got picked on as well. Its 1/4 of the first preseason. I think overall we have a lot of young interesting pieces on D and this years rookies flashed