Hamlin signs with the Ravens per Adam Schefter

[Alexander]

Ken Hamlin wasn't a pet player of mine. I only defended him from the idiots that claimed that he was a problem in the secondary, those idiots that look only at one statistic for defensive backs -- interceptions. Statistically he was one of the better safeties in the league. If someone ever actually came up with an argument other than "OMG he suXX0rs cuz he haz no INTs!!!!1111" I would have listened and adjusted my opinion accordingly. I had no attachment to the player other than his performance appeared to help the Cowboys statistically.

You are taking a lot of abuse as a result of the hue and cry over Hamlin and I do not think it is justified.

The fact that he, not Ball, was the free safety on the field to close out the year with several shutouts apparently gets lost on those who saw no difference. Was he what we all wanted (the 2007 version?)? No. But I hardly believe he is the liability that has been painted. That could very well be Ball this upcoming season. As much as people were all over Hamlin over his sloppy tackling, Ball will not be much better. I strongly suggest a few people go back and watch the Chargers and second Giants game in particular to see what truly awful tackling from a free safety looks like.

 

[juck]

Who cares he blows.

 

[CowboyMcCoy]

You are taking a lot of abuse as a result of the hue and cry over Hamlin and I do not think it is justified.

The fact that he, not Ball, was the free safety on the field to close out the year with several shutouts apparently gets lost on those who saw no difference. Was he what we all wanted (the 2007 version?)? No. But I hardly believe he is the liability that has been painted. That could very well be Ball this upcoming season. As much as people were all over Hamlin over his sloppy tackling, Ball will not be much better. I strongly suggest a few people go back and watch the Chargers and second Giants game in particular to see what truly awful tackling from a free safety looks like.

I echo this. I also challenge people to go back and watch the games. See how many times the QB had to look another way because Hamlin was in the right position.

I saw this almost every game, but NFL network did a bit called "the Cowboys' No Fly Zone".

It pointed out what the secondary was doing against the Eagles, including Hamlin, that was giving them success. In a matter of weeks after that, we sent them packing.

Tell me that wasn't a team effort. The Eagles could have exploited a weak spot, had there been one that day. I hate them, but they're not that bad of a team.

I hope Ball is going to shine. I just have a bad feeling he's not the right guy.

Lord I hope I'm wrong though.

 

[Alexander]

I hope Ball is going to shine. I just have a bad feeling he's not the right guy.

I am a little less confident about his ability to "shine". I think at best he's another band-aid type. A step above the Keith Davises of our past. If he's at or above Hamlin's level, I will be mildly surprised.

I don't doubt he will be better in coverage, which I suppose is what the coaches are counting on. But his run support abilities are not good at all and I don't see where he will suddenly be an improvement tackling either.

I do not want an Ed Reed or even Darren Woodson back there. Give me a James Washington or Thomas Everett and I would be extremely happy.

 

[theogt]

Re: Ball, I think we all know by now that he'll have the ability to cover. But there's a difference between having the ability to cover and making the right in game, split second decisions. You can only tell about the latter if they're in the situations day in and day out. With Hamlin, you had the extreme confidence that he wasn't going to make a poor decision and give up a big play. The deep pass was pretty much a non-issue when he was here.

 

[CowboyMcCoy]

I am a little less confident about his ability to "shine". I think at best he's another band-aid type. A step above the Keith Davises of our past. If he's at or above Hamlin's level, I will be mildly surprised.

I don't doubt he will be better in coverage, which I suppose is what the coaches are counting on. But his run support abilities are not good at all and I don't see where he will suddenly be an improvement tackling either.

I do not want an Ed Reed or even Darren Woodson back there. Give me a James Washington or Thomas Everett and I would be extremely happy.

Darren Woodson would complete the puzzle though.

 

[CowboyMcCoy]

Re: Ball, I think we all know by now that he'll have the ability to cover. But there's a difference between having the ability to cover and making the right in game, split second decisions. You can only tell about the latter if they're in the situations day in and day out. With Hamlin, you had the extreme confidence that he wasn't going to make a poor decision and give up a big play. The deep pass was pretty much a non-issue when he was here.

Indeed.

 

[Hoofbite]

Ken Hamlin: A player so unselfish he let the rest of the team rack up the stats.











Is there an antagonizing smilie somewhere?

 

[theogt]

Ken Hamlin: A player so unselfish he let the rest of the team rack up the stats.

Is there an antagonizing smilie somewhere?

It's right next to the strawman smilie.

 

[CowboyMcCoy]

It's right next to the strawman smilie.

And off the horse he goes.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Yeah, Hamlin wasn't that bad. Baltimore was in a rush to get him signed before training camp.

 

[Hoofbite]

It's right next to the strawman smilie.

Can't find that one either.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Can't find that one either.

Look more closelier.

 

[casmith07]

For what it's worth, I think Alan Ball can be elite.

 

[CowboyMcCoy]

For what it's worth, I think Alan Ball can be elite.

Reasons why?

 

[kmp77]

Anyone watch Hell's Kitchen? I could have sworn that was Hamlin on there with other celebrities etc. as the diner guests.

 

[SLATEmosphere]

For what it's worth, I think Alan Ball can be elite.

I remember the last time I did shrooms.

 

[CowboyMcCoy]

I remember the last time I did shrooms.

Now now, Slate. Not in front of the kiddos.

 

[CowboyMcCoy]

Anyone watch Hell's Kitchen? I could have sworn that was Hamlin on there with other celebrities etc. as the diner guests.

Interesting.

 

[Hoofbite]

Reasons why?

Reasons why NOT?

[/homer response]