ESPN: The Best: Player I'd start a franchise with

[WoodysGirl]

But Ware is actually decent against the run and Ware can ocassionally step back in coverage, aspects of Merrimans' game I would not consider him good at.

How do you know that if he's asked almost exclusively to rush the passer? Maybe he's not asked to play the run or drop back in coverage much. Remember, SD's scheme was different than what was run here the past two years.

I don't watch enough SD games to know what he's deficient at any particular thing. I just find it interesting that people are willing to bash what Merriman was told to do in SD when Ware will probably be asked to do virtually the same thing.

I don't really like the comparisons between Merriman and Ware; can't we just enjoy that Dware is playing well for us and stop all the hatorade, regardless of Merrimans' supposed steroid abuse?

I think the people that really wanted Merriman are the ones who are always on his case; but I don't blame Merriman because he wasn't the GM who decided to pass on him Jerrah was.

I'm sure those that indulge in Ware/Merriman comparisons will somehow find something to debate next year now that SD's old DC is the 'boys HC, especially if Ware doesn't get 17 sacks next year.

 

[Roughneck]

Start with the best young LT in the league. 25-26 years old, so you could count on him for 7-8 years at least for top performances.

I was about to post something similar.

If you're starting a Franchise today, I wouldn't take LT, Brady, or Manning because they're already getting up their in age and NFL mileage.

I would however take a young QB who has shown some promise in his short career (ex: Young, Leinart, etc.).

 

[cstanton1987]

My pick would be Vince Young. Yes Vince Young

 

[MapleLeaf]

...to start a franchise with a 2007 Brady or Manning then you will be forced to pursue the very best experienced talent to take advantage of the few years left on these two players.

A QB like Young, Leinart, Palmer or Romo you could afford to build a team around them to make a run in two or three years.

L.T. is the same choice. You pick him, you build the team to win right now. Pick a 23 year old back and you can build.

 

[BouncingCheese]

How do you know that if he's asked almost exclusively to rush the passer? Maybe he's not asked to play the run or drop back in coverage much. Remember, SD's scheme was different than what was run here the past two years.

I don't watch enough SD games to know what he's deficient at any particular thing. I just find it interesting that people are willing to bash what Merriman was told to do in SD when Ware will probably be asked to do virtually the same thing.

I'm sure those that indulge in Ware/Merriman comparisons will somehow find something to debate next year now that SD's old DC is the 'boys HC, especially if Ware doesn't get 17 sacks next year.

Point taken, but from what I saw watching Merriman I think he is just a one-dimensional pass-rusher, resembling a player like Dwight Freeney or KGB who is amazing at getting to the qb but is severly lacking against the run; Ware seems to me a better all-around better player than Merriman.

I know that last paragraph in itself was a comparison of the two guys, but regardless both are great players, and you are 100% right about them playing in different systems and therefore difficult to evaluate. We'll see.

By the way does anybody know what SD is going to run defensively next year? The same scheme?

 

[WoodysGirl]

Point taken, but from what I saw watching Merriman I think he is just a one-dimensional pass-rusher, resembling a player like Dwight Freeney or KGB who is amazing at getting to the qb but is severly lacking against the run; Ware seems to me a better all-around better player than Merriman.

I know that last paragraph in itself was a comparison of the two guys, but regardless both are great players, and you are 100% right about them playing in different systems and therefore difficult to evaluate. We'll see.

By the way does anybody know what SD is going to run defensively next year? The same scheme?

I'm actually one of those that don't compare the two. I was making the point that that will be the ongoing debate next year. Trust me on that. Expectations for Ware are at their highest point. Folks are suggesting he should get 20 sacks due to the new scheme. Anything less will be unacceptable to some folks.

SD will be running the same 3-4 by Wade's old DC Ted Cottrell.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

i would have to say Cutler myself. The guy is going to be very very good. When a rookie comes in and plays well that first year it bodes very very well for his future.

Young wins games there is no doubt but he needs to develop more to be a completel player and truly master the position.

 

[dogunwo]

She looks terrible there and about 90% of the other photos, but she looks decent at other times...Hawk is definitely lucky to have her though with his mug.

She looks like a man. Prolly why the Quinn lover loves her so much. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

no Tom Brady is a little wierd

 

[Hypnotoad]

Len should have just stuck with his first choice and said Michael Vick.

 

[dallasfan]

Len is probably right to take Merriman assuming the rest of your roster is filled by FA and draft picks.

Manning, Brady, and Palmer will all be towards the twilight of their careers when you surround them with enough quality players. As far as young QBs go, Young and Lienhart haven't proven enough, and would get killed.

Same goes for LT, and WRs are too dependant on QBs.

My choices would be:

1.) Shawne Merriman- He's killed for 2 years and has failed 1[/] drug test, so there's more evidence that it was a mistake than it was intentional, at this point. As far as why Merriman, he's the best young pass rusher in the league.
2.) Levi Jones- He's probably the best young LT in the game, only knock is age, which may make we lean towards D'Brickashaw Ferguson.

 

[Tobal]

First off while I can see her look is a little unique, I think she's an attractive girl. I'm not sure why the bashing is taking place, just seems mean sprited and a mob mentality.

I'd probably go with Carson Palmer also, I mean he's young and has as much potential as anyone.

 

[Royal Laegotti]

Can't believe nobody chose Tom Brady, the best winner at the most important position on the field, this decade. Brady still doesn't get the respect he deserves.


Merriman over Brady??

 

[dogunwo]

Marcus McNeill would be a good person to have on that list

 

[Royal Laegotti]

no Tom Brady is a little wierd

elaborate, please.

 

[Q_the_man]

Merriman is essentially a glorified Defensive End; I don't really consider him a linebacker because he almost exculsively rushes the passer.

Merriman shouldn't be compared to Ware because of that reason IMO.

Besides that, Merriman is an amazing athlete and player who is legitimately an every-down threat and requires double-teams constantly.

If I were looking at Merriman as a defensive end, I wouldn't think that having him would be such a bad idea; However, I wouldn't want him as an lb in a 3-4 if I were starting up because of his limitations.

So his 16 or so sacks in 12 games, u tell me u can not use that in your 3-4 alignment..... I know I could......

 

[Cowboys&Caps]

It was that bowl game (I forgot which name) where Notre Dame got trounced.

ohhh yeeaa you must be talking about all of them..............

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

Merriman is essentially a glorified Defensive End; I don't really consider him a linebacker because he almost exculsively rushes the passer.

Merriman shouldn't be compared to Ware because of that reason IMO.

Besides that, Merriman is an amazing athlete and player who is legitimately an every-down threat and requires double-teams constantly.

If I were looking at Merriman as a defensive end, I wouldn't think that having him would be such a bad idea; However, I wouldn't want him as an lb in a 3-4 if I were starting up because of his limitations.

OLBs in a 3-4 play the role of DE really so your argument is weak to me...

 

[CrazyCowboy]

My Choice to start a team....or at least her kids..

:laugh2: :laugh2:

 

[BouncingCheese]

OLBs in a 3-4 play the role of DE really so your argument is weak to me...

:damn:

It's okay friend, I don't really care what you think.

Thanks!