Backup safeties and LBs today.

[Baileyneverfailey]

I don't see a thread about it, so I figured I'd make one to say props to McCray and Church today. Obviously it was in garbage time, but that was still a good INT by McCray, and Church was the first guy in on the play on one of the goal line stands.

I just don't see Alan Ball as a difference maker at safety, so it is my sincere hope that a playmaker steps up and takes his spot from him. Ball was a terrific #4 corner anyway, and I'd like to see him there again. He obviously hasn't been responsible for giving up big pass plays, but he doesn't make big plays either.

On the other hand, when we went nickel D and I saw the Williams brothers in there, I was afraid, and my terror was confirmed when they both badly overpursued and Foster cut back and gashed us hard. Here's hoping Sean Lee can get some PT in the next few weeks and stay healthy.

 

[Eskimo]

Safety and CB are very different positions and it is a hard transition to make. Ball has the coverage ability but not the instincts and nose for the football that is required at safety.

He can be one of these hybrid types for the nickel but I don't think he is a quality starter at safety in this league.

 

[casmith07]

So far through 3 weeks, I've been wrong about Alan Ball. I thought he would turn out to be a nice player and he's been fodder at best out there.

Hoping Church or McCray can improve and get some time out there. If nothing else, it would allow Ball to return to his 3rd/4th CB role where he does very well.

I like what we've got for the future, though. Lots of potential there.

 

[TheRat]

Church and McCray are SS. Ball is a FS. I'd rather see AOA back there.

 

[Baileyneverfailey]

There is no distinction between FS and SS in our defense. Any of the guys you named can play either spot. Just like when we had Sensabaugh and Ken Hamlin both out there, even though they're both usually playing SS.

I don't care if it's AOA or Church, but I want a safety back there with some ball skills. Most of the time other than decent run support our safeties are never around wide receivers, so they don't get to jack people or get the picks.

 

[7footer]

I haven't been happy with Ball...I am also one who thought he was going to be a great safety for us, but he just doesn't seem to be around the plays. When he is, I usually see him missing tackles or getting beat...He just hasn't been very productive.

It's only been three games and I haven't given up all hope yet. However, I think we should let some of the young guys compete with him and see who actually earns it.

 

[BAT]

There is no distinction between FS and SS in our defense. Any of the guys you named can play either spot. Just like when we had Sensabaugh and Ken Hamlin both out there, even though they're both usually playing SS.

I don't care if it's AOA or Church, but I want a safety back there with some ball skills. Most of the time other than decent run support our safeties are never around wide receivers, so they don't get to jack people or get the picks.

Maybe in Zimmer's scheme, but in Wade's scheme there is a definite difference in responsibilities between FS and SS. The SS is actually better in man to man coverage as well as being more physical. Wade rarely has the FS covering one on one, usually keeping him deep in centerfield.

 

[dbair1967]

Ball's been the worst player on the defense so far IMO.

Its just like Ken Hamlin all over again. 11 on 10 advantage for the other teams offense. And he sux just as bad vs the run as he does vs the pass.

Unless he steps it up pretty quick, I suspect his time as the starter is gonna end soon.

 

[kmd24]

I thought the entire secondary did a great job. Schaub had 72 yards in the last four minutes of the game, meaning that the Cowboys held the Texans to just 169 receiving yards, and a fair amount of that was to backs and tight ends. Kevin Walter, after an 11-catch performance against Washington, had no catches before the last four minutes of the game.

Of course, I take credit for Walter because I picked him up off waivers and started him in fantasy, thereby putting some bad juju on him.

 

[Baileyneverfailey]

Maybe in Zimmer's scheme, but in Wade's scheme there is a definite difference in responsibilities between FS and SS. The SS is actually better in man to man coverage as well as being more physical. Wade rarely has the FS covering one on one, usually keeping him deep in centerfield.

My point is I don't think we have any safeties on the roster that are pure SS or pure FS. I guarantee you Church will play FS alongside Sensabaugh, if he shows the kind of skills they think he has. Mike Hamlin surely hasn't shown anything.

 

[Picksix]

And Mike Hamlin was deactivated today, so apparently they're not crazy about him either. Really interested to see if AOA doesn't eventually find his way into the lineup by the end of the season. I know it's a long shot, and probably won't happen. Also interested to see if Church ends up getting some time at Nickel LB. He was in on the goal line stand, and did a nice job getting penetration on the first two plays.

 

[big dog cowboy]

I don't care if it's AOA or Church, but I want a safety back there with some ball skills.

We don't see upgraded safety play after the bye week, that might happen earlier than expected.