Mosley: I was a lot more impressed with the Eagles going into camp

[AsthmaField]

We've heard great reviews on Hamlin and Butler specifically, but I'm not counting on either to really shine on anything besides special teams.

I'm not looking for much this year (beyond special teams) from Hamlin, Ogletree, Smith, Jason Williams, Hodge, and McGee.

The two OLB's though... at least one of them are going to get some regular season snaps at OLB. Maybe both will. Heck, they'll have to because they are going to be all we have behind the starters. I see one or both of them getting relatively significant snaps in reserve roles behind Ware and Spencer. Frankly, I expect a decent showing from them too. Both of those guys have a knack for getting to the passer and more than one camp observer has noted that Williams and Butler have that certain "it" that all good pass rushers have. They just know how to get to the QB and they walked in day 1 of camp with that natural understanding of pass rushing.

I mean, I really don't expect that much from them... but I do think they'll get to the QB more than a lot of people expect.

Beuhler is going to play his part and I expect a whole lot of touchbacks because of him. Great pick if you ask me.

Mickens, if he shows enough catch-up speed, might play some as the 4th/Dime CB. He certainly has a knack for the ball and seems to always be in the right spot at the right time. If he makes the 53 man roster, I expect him to play a little more than just special teams. That might be too big of an if though, because he has shown a lack of pure CB speed.

Phillips, as our 3rd TE will see *some* playing time outside of special teams. I don't expect much, obviously... but we will occasionally use a 3rd TE, and that should be Phillips.

WR Johnson, I just can't see making the team. He just hasn't done enough and even if he could overcome Stanback in the coaches eye's... he can't overcome what Ogletree has done.

And I'll say the one guy who I really liked pre-camp and who I think still might surprise us some is Hodge. The time he missed hurt him a little, but he is simply a solid football player. He has a real knack for shooting through gaps and attacking the ball behind the line of scrimmage. He's quick, stocky, aggressive, loves the game and just has something that all good football players have. I think he'll only play special teams this year, but he might get in on some special scheme's that Wade Phillips dreams up. Phillips usually finds a way to get good football players on the field and that is exactly what I think Hodge is. I really like this guy and I think he will eventually be a very good player for us.


Finally, notice how many times I mentioned a player having a "knack" for this or that. Those kind of players are very good to have and most of the really good ones have a knack for playing their position. That isn't to say that all those guys are going to be great players or even end up as starters - but if you can start from scratch with a guy who has the "it" factor for something - then you have a chance of having a really good player.

I've seen a lot of rookie classes in my time watching the NFL, and while I might be wrong... I think this group has some really good players in it.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

I think we are going to see alot of Phillips when the O is near the goalline

I'm thinking we'll use him like the Cowboys did with Dale Hellestrae, or the TE a couple of years ago who caught 3 passes one year, each for TDs, line up 3 TEs and have Phillips sneak into the flat, plus with his blocking skills, combined to the line and Witten and Bennett's skills, it will make us pretty, formidable goalline rushing team

 

[FLcowboy]

Jackson might be the best WR in the NFC East. That isn't saying a whole lot at this point though.

I will tell you this, and it is 100% true: I wouldn't trade Bennett for Jackson, straight up. No way.

So, no I don't have any rueage that we didn't draft D Jackson.

"rueage" I never saw this word before, but, I like it! Good job of expressing exactly how you feel.

 

[AsthmaField]

"rueage" I never saw this word before, but, I like it! Good job of expressing exactly how you feel.

How can you have been on this site for very long and not seen the word "Rueage"?

 

[DeaconMoss]

I think the Giants finish last in the division. I'm crazy I know.

But Eli isn't that good, they are HEAVILY depending on young and unproven WR's, and dont have TE's that are as good as ours. They do have a good Oline and defense though, but I think the Commanders are going to surprise some people.

Have you been reading my mind. That has been my prediction ever since they slung Eli a 100 million. He is not that good and the Giants best offensive players are gone. Plax, Ward and Toomer. Al u guys wanted Nicks on this board so we'll see how good he is. He'll get his chances.

My Predictions:

1. Dallas top scoring O in East, Philly close 2nd. Giants and Skins similar O stats but either could be last.
2. Skins, Giants and Dal Defense stats will be very similar. Philly will be last in D by a long shot.
3. Giants finish last in division.

 

[FLcowboy]

You mean that a team that went 9-6-1, benched it's starting QB mid-season, tied the Bengals and lost 10-3 to the Commanders late in the season, both while relatively healthy, isn't an all-world #1 overall team?

Shocking.

My sentiments exactly!

 

[burmafrd]

I would never regret passing on a midget WR.

 

[DeaconMoss]

Who was the original Ruester? Is he still around? I was lmao that day when that Rue posting was going around.

I forgot it all but it went something like "we will rue the day when dallas".....

 

[NextGenBoys]

The two OLB's though... at least one of them are going to get some regular season snaps at OLB. Maybe both will. Heck, they'll have to because they are going to be all we have behind the starters. I see one or both of them getting relatively significant snaps in reserve roles behind Ware and Spencer. Frankly, I expect a decent showing from them too. Both of those guys have a knack for getting to the passer and more than one camp observer has noted that Williams and Butler have that certain "it" that all good pass rushers have. They just know how to get to the QB and they walked in day 1 of camp with that natural understanding of pass rushing.

I mean, I really don't expect that much from them... but I do think they'll get to the QB more than a lot of people expect.


Mickens, if he shows enough catch-up speed, might play some as the 4th/Dime CB. He certainly has a knack for the ball and seems to always be in the right spot at the right time. If he makes the 53 man roster, I expect him to play a little more than just special teams. That might be too big of an if though, because he has shown a lack of pure CB speed.


And I'll say the one guy who I really liked pre-camp and who I think still might surprise us some is Hodge. The time he missed hurt him a little, but he is simply a solid football player. He has a real knack for shooting through gaps and attacking the ball behind the line of scrimmage. He's quick, stocky, aggressive, loves the game and just has something that all good football players have. I think he'll only play special teams this year, but he might get in on some special scheme's that Wade Phillips dreams up. Phillips usually finds a way to get good football players on the field and that is exactly what I think Hodge is. I really like this guy and I think he will eventually be a very good player for us.


Finally, notice how many times I mentioned a player having a "knack" for this or that. Those kind of players are very good to have and most of the really good ones have a knack for playing their position. That isn't to say that all those guys are going to be great players or even end up as starters - but if you can start from scratch with a guy who has the "it" factor for something - then you have a chance of having a really good player.

I've seen a lot of rookie classes in my time watching the NFL, and while I might be wrong... I think this group has some really good players in it.

I think Butler will see his share of snaps behind Spencer, but I'm not expecting more than a sack or two. I think they will be decent for us, but I dont think Williams or Butler are going to do anything special. All Butler needs to do is spell Spencer on a few passing downs and do his thing. I'd be happy with 2-3 sacks, but if given a larger role I would no doubt expect more with what I'm hearing (and what I saw in limited action of him at OSU)

With Mickens, I havent heard good reports on the guy, but that doesnt mean anything. He was a player in college, and maybe the knee is still bothering him. I just keep hearing about his lack of speed and closing speed, which a knee is definately going to effect.

As for Hodge I agree 100% This guy could be a player in a few years, especially if Wade is still running the defense, when we roll out our 4-6.

With some time to grow, this class has a chance to be pretty solid. Better than 06 thats for sure and we had a 1st and 2nd round pick that year.

 

[FLcowboy]

I think the Giants finish last in the division. I'm crazy I know.

But Eli isn't that good, they are HEAVILY depending on young and unproven WR's, and dont have TE's that are as good as ours. They do have a good Oline and defense though, but I think the Commanders are going to surprise some people.

I think the Commanders are going to suffer on offense. Haynesworth may inspire their defense, but he also takes some plays off, and may even take the whole game off. I don't expect him to relax against the Cowboys, but I can also see Gurode getting into his face and drawing a few penalties.

 

[DeaconMoss]

One thing is for sure when you draft a bunch(12) of players chances are at least one or two of them will be good.

If you get 12 players and they all suck, then your draft room needs to be exterminated.

 

[NextGenBoys]

I think the Commanders are going to suffer on offense. Haynesworth may inspire their defense, but he also takes some plays off, and may even take the whole game off. I don't expect him to relax against the Cowboys, but I can also see Gurode getting into his face and drawing a few penalties.

I think the Skins will surprise simply because I am a Jason Campbell fan. The dude finally has an offseason to learn the offense and if Moss and Portis stay healthy, they can make some plays.

The Giants do not scare me at all though. Not their offense at least, and you have to score points to win. Eli better not hope he's asked to do what Romo has been asked to do, because he cannot handle it.

 

[FLcowboy]

Sounds like none of the WR's are stepping up either.

Bardens got potential, but its a huge adjustment from Cal-Poly to the NFC east

Jerry Rice made a similar jump.

The Giants are going to be in the mix with the Cowboys and the Eagles, although I see the Eagles faltering down the stretch.

If the Giants are as weak as you present, then the Cowboys can take the Division.

 

[NextGenBoys]

btw not to toot my own horn (ok yes I am tooting) but here's a post I made back in 07 on Felix and Desean.

http://cowboyszone.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1854864&postcount=1

http://cowboyszone.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1854891&postcount=6

I dont know what's better, Felix and Desean, or Felix and Jenkins. Of course this is assuming we have MartyB.

 

[FLcowboy]

still

NFL coaching >>>> college coaching

hell, WR coaches in the NFL would be offensive coordinators in the NCAA

And All=American receivers in college are average in the NFL. No one heard of Jerry Rice when he was in college.

 

[MarionBarberThe4th]

Since we are tooting I never liked Nicks.

 

[DeaconMoss]

Since we are tooting I never liked Nicks.

me either. I was a Tate fan until the charges.

 

[bayeslife]

btw not to toot my own horn (ok yes I am tooting) but here's a post I made back in 07 on Felix and Desean.

http://cowboyszone.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1854864&postcount=1

http://cowboyszone.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1854891&postcount=6

I dont know what's better, Felix and Desean, or Felix and Jenkins. Of course this is assuming we have MartyB.

Idk, Newman won't be around for much longer, I think I'd rather have 2 starting CBs come out of that draft.

 

[EPL0c0]

I think Jackson could be the top WR in the NFC East. Face it, w/ Plax and TO gone, it's a huge drop off to Jackson...then maybe Santana Moss.

Didn't we have a poll/survey asking this a while back?

 

[BourbonBalz]

You mean that a team that went 9-6-1, benched it's starting QB mid-season, tied the Bengals and lost 10-3 to the Commanders late in the season, both while relatively healthy, isn't an all-world #1 overall team?

Shocking.

True. They got hot at the right time and many fans are carrying that (and the 44-6 asswhipping they gave us) over to this season. They seem to be forgetting they were a whopping 1/2 game better than us, even considering all the injuries and distractions we had last year. Why does everyone think they're some type of juggernaut?