Amobi Akoye to return this week?

[BlindFaith]

Was he any good before his illness?

He was above average, and started some games. Really the most accomplished guy we'd have playing on the DL aside from Melton.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

It'll be an interesting call. Both Okoye and Brent are young enough that you could see them on the roster for the next 3 years, provided they can play up to the level they were playing at before. That really makes Bishop and Coleman expendable.

Or would you release a guy like T McClain? Especially since he's been hurt all year and ineffective. Does Hayden fit in the plans for the next 3 years? I'd hope not, but do we gamble with chemistry?

Hayden here for 3 more friggin years? Ugh. Perish the thought.

Like I just posted, out of all the defensive linemen, he's at the bottom.

Chemistry? The defense has exceeded expectations, but it's certainly not at the point where it can no longer be improved. And a better #1 DT would be a great place to start.

 

[BlindFaith]

That's a valid point. Getting past the hoopla of the win, Hayden wasn't good and hasn't been since the first couple games of the season. Even at twenty-some snaps he's more of a liability at DT than he is a benefit.

You put a guy at the #1 spot who contributing more positive plays per game than Hayden and you'll see the entire defensive line get better.

Add in some pressure from our rush end and this defense could be good. Come on down D Lawrence.

I'd have no problem dumping T McClain and activating Okoye today. And I'd have no problem dumping Hayden and activating Brent when the time comes.

 

[Future]

Coleman
Bishop
Vaughan
J. Crawford

These guys are the ones I can think of that won't break up the chemistry. One out if this group

Crawford will essentially be replaced by D Law, but I don't think its a given that Okoye is going to replace anybody. I think we're kind of taking for granted the idea that he's goign to be able to get in the lineup, but I don't see it to be honest. The defense is playing pretty well, and while the run defense leaves some to be desired, I don't think Okoye is the answer, so just roll with the young guys.

 

[Future]

Hayden here for 3 more friggin years? Ugh. Perish the thought.

Like I just posted, out of all the defensive linemen, he's at the bottom.

Chemistry? The defense has exceeded expectations, but it's certainly not at the point where it can no longer be improved. And a better #1 DT would be a great place to start.

I know I'm in the minority, but I actually like Hayden. He leaves a lot to be desired from a talent standpoint - and end of the day I know that matters - but he is emblematic of what this defense is trying to do. He hustles every play, great teammate, plays physical, and has a bit of an edge to his game. He's not really a good starter, but he's certainly a guy I don't mind keeping around as a rotational/depth player.

 

[Plankton]

I'm guessing he won't be activated right away. Probably let him practice for a couple of weeks, then activate him.

I think they need to determine whether he can actually play at a high level. I don't think that's a slam dunk, especially considering his medical condition and lack of activity over the last year.

If he can, it would be a boon to the defense.

 

[Mr Cowboy]

Both Okoye and Brent haven't played in a very long time, why would they come in and automatically be better than what we already have? These guys have been busting their butts since summer, beating out the competition to have someone who hasn't played in a very long time be handed a job......

 

[revospeed]

I know I'm in the minority, but I actually like Hayden. He leaves a lot to be desired from a talent standpoint - and end of the day I know that matters - but he is emblematic of what this defense is trying to do. He hustles every play, great teammate, plays physical, and has a bit of an edge to his game. He's not really a good starter, but he's certainly a guy I don't mind keeping around as a rotational/depth player.

Poppycock. Have you not read here that he's the worst football player not only on the team, but in the league as well? He'd be lucky to start for a high school JV 6-man team, but somehow his Jedi mind tricks have convinced the coaching staff to continue to start him.

 

[remdak]

It's going to be hard to cut someone to bring up a guy who was recently in a coma. Okoye may be better off getting ready for next season. The only way I want him on the roster this year is if they feel he is definitely a cut above what they have.

 

[JoeyBoy718]

I know I'm in the minority, but I actually like Hayden. He leaves a lot to be desired from a talent standpoint - and end of the day I know that matters - but he is emblematic of what this defense is trying to do. He hustles every play, great teammate, plays physical, and has a bit of an edge to his game. He's not really a good starter, but he's certainly a guy I don't mind keeping around as a rotational/depth player.

I'm with you. I didn't like him at first, but he's starting to win me over. Plus, besides Bishop (who the coaching staff doesn't seem to trust yet) Hayden is our only true 1-tech. We're set at 3-tech with the rotation of Crawford and Melton. And they can stay on the field together in the Nickel. We need a true 1-tech for the 25 plays were in the base, and Hayden is the only guy who fits that role. Okoye was a backup 3-tech in Chicago and was never nearly as good as Crawford or Melton before he got injured. I'd rather see what Coleman could do as the third 3-tech. But if Coleman is still injured, then I can see Okoye gets 5 snaps a game at 3-tech. But don't expect much from him.

I think Brent has a much better chance of making an impact since he'd probably immediately be our best 1-tech. But I'd still want to see him earn the job. It wouldn't be fair to Hayden since he came out every week for two years and earned the job.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Add in some pressure from our rush end and this defense could be good. Come on down D Lawrence.

I'd have no problem dumping T McClain and activating Okoye today. And I'd have no problem dumping Hayden and activating Brent when the time comes.

Yep.

By hook or by crook, if the defensive line improves its overall talent level a little... even better things will happen for this defense.

 

[xwalker]

Will we, or should we activate him this week?

They have plenty of time to use that option. They can wait as late as week 14.

They just beat the Super Bowl champs with the guys they have active. I wouldn't want to make too many changes.

Once Lawrence comes back they can always let Mincey play some DT and dominate there like he does at DE.

 

[TwoCentPlain]

I am not giving anything to anyone. This defense just held the Saints and the Texans to zero points in the first half. They also held Seattle at home, who was looking like an offensive juggernaut, to basically 9 points (23 minus 7 for a blocked punt and minus 7 for a fumbled punt at the 10 yd line). Akoye and Brent have to show something in practice first before I would even consider cutting someone for them. Neither has played in a long time. Just because Lawrence is a second round pick does not automatically place him on the roster if he is not healthy and ready to play better than the others. However, Lawrence probably gets the benefit of the doubt since he was a second round pick.

Injuries may make the argument moot. You never know. But, having these three as an option forces the others playing now to know that they are a bad game or two away or several bad practices away from getting cut.

Trading Brent and Akoye would be something I would definitely consider if some team were to offer something. I would be shopping them just to see if any team was interested.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

I know I'm in the minority, but I actually like Hayden. He leaves a lot to be desired from a talent standpoint - and end of the day I know that matters - but he is emblematic of what this defense is trying to do. He hustles every play, great teammate, plays physical, and has a bit of an edge to his game. He's not really a good starter, but he's certainly a guy I don't mind keeping around as a rotational/depth player.

The guys a battler... I get that. But he's not a very talented battler. And for this defense to take the next step an upgrade at least the #1 DT and the WDE spots needs to happen.

 

[ROUSH8692]

I can't imagine this guy out of football for 2 years is better than the guys that are active. People may point to Hayden but he plays a role that I'm not sure Okoye can effectively play at this point. Plus you've got Coleman and Bishop inactive on the bench. Tough call to make....

He was the youngest guy ever drafted and a first rounder... So yeah work on your imagination....

 

[Future]

The guys a battler... I get that. But he's not a very talented battler. And for this defense to take the next step an upgrade at least the #1 DT and the WDE spots needs to happen.

He's a glue guy.

In a perfect world, he'd be the backup one-tech.

 

[JohnsKey19]

It's going to be hard to cut someone to bring up a guy who was recently in a coma. Okoye may be better off getting ready for next season. The only way I want him on the roster this year is if they feel he is definitely a cut above what they have.

Exactly. The guy hasn't had physical contact in 2 years coming off a serious medical situation and people are ready to even consider playing him in an NFL game? Let's see if he can hold up in an actual contact filled practice before anything. I think it's more likely they IR him and look to 2015.

 

[xwalker]

I'm with you. I didn't like him at first, but he's starting to win me over. Plus, besides Bishop (who the coaching staff doesn't seem to trust yet) Hayden is our only true 1-tech. We're set at 3-tech with the rotation of Crawford and Melton. And they can stay on the field together in the Nickel. We need a true 1-tech for the 25 plays were in the base, and Hayden is the only guy who fits that role. Okoye was a backup 3-tech in Chicago and was never nearly as good as Crawford or Melton before he got injured. I'd rather see what Coleman could do as the third 3-tech. But if Coleman is still injured, then I can see Okoye gets 5 snaps a game at 3-tech. But don't expect much from him.

I think Brent has a much better chance of making an impact since he'd probably immediately be our best 1-tech. But I'd still want to see him earn the job. It wouldn't be fair to Hayden since he came out every week for two years and earned the job.

Exactly. The guy hasn't had physical contact in 2 years coming off a serious medical situation and people are ready to even consider playing him in an NFL game? Let's see if he can hold up in an actual contact filled practice before anything. I think it's more likely they IR him and look to 2015.

I see him as insurance. If they have some injuries, then they can activate him. If not, then let him win a job in training camp next year.

 

[JoeyBoy718]

I see him as insurance. If they have some injuries, then they can activate him. If not, then let him win a job in training camp next year.

I agree. People are acting like he'll come in and make an immediate impact. The difference between him and Rolando McClain is 1) he doesn't have near the potential McClain has, and 2) he doesn't play a position with a desperate need (unlike McClain when he came in after the Lee injury). Okoye is a decent 3-tech, but we already have Crawford and Melton at the 3. Okoye is not gonna come in and replace Hayden. If people really want Hayden gone, wait till Brent comes back.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

He's a glue guy.

In a perfect world, he'd be the backup one-tech.

He's a glue-stick kinda guy then. LOL!

I'd prefer a Gorilla Super-glue sort myself.