Amobi Akoye to return this week?

[gdogg24]

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.

Well if Okoye can play even a little, The rotation at the3 between Melton, Crawford and Okoye sounds good to me.

 

[TheCount]

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.

Interesting take on Hyaden. I'm not sure myself, but Broaddus said he'd been dead wrong on Hayden - he wasn't a fan at all going into the season.

 

[JoeyBoy718]

Well if Okoye can play even a little, The rotation at the3 between Melton, Crawford and Okoye sounds good to me.

But would he better than Coleman? Coleman was a surprise UDFA this year and played well when Melton was hurt and Crawford was still playing DE. I know he had some freak weight room injury, but if he can come back healthy, would you risk his development by bringing in an unknown like Okoye? Now, if Coleman isn't healthy this season, I'm all for seeing what Okoye can do. But, reality is, Okoye was never really great when he was healthy. I love the guy. He's a unique character and has overcome a lot. But that doesn't mean he's a great football player.

 

[Aven8]

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've always been right there with you. What I like about him is he's healthy and has played a ton of snaps the past two seasons.

 

[gdogg24]

But would he better than Coleman? Coleman was a surprise UDFA this year and played well when Melton was hurt and Crawford was still playing DE. I know he had some freak weight room injury, but if he can come back healthy, would you risk his development by bringing in an unknown like Okoye? Now, if Coleman isn't healthy this season, I'm all for seeing what Okoye can do. But, reality is, Okoye was never really great when he was healthy. I love the guy. He's a unique character and has overcome a lot. But that doesn't mean he's a great football player.

I don't remember him being a below average player but my thing is he was brought in for a reason the coaching staff should see what they have with him maybe he is an upgrade maybe not but there's only one way to find out.

 

[JoeyBoy718]

I don't remember him being a below average player but my thing is he was brought in for a reason the coaching staff should see what they have with him maybe he is an upgrade maybe not but there's only one way to find out.

I never said he was below average. I think he was average, maybe slightly above, but nothing amazing. He was highly regarded coming out of college. I don't remember exactly why. I know he was very intelligent and had high character, and I assume he had good athletic ability too. I believe he was the youngest player to ever be drafted (or was the youngest in the league at the time). Anyway, he didn't really live up to the hype in Houston. I think they were still running a 4-3, but I'm not positive. I believe he then backed up Melton in Chicago and looked pretty good, but not spectacular.

My issue with giving him a shot without him earning it is 1) we already have two 3-techs who are better than he is, 2) the third 3-tech will probably only get 5-10 snaps a game, and 3) is it worth interfering with Coleman's production to give Okoye those 5-10 snaps?