what 5 players are you most impressed by so far?

[percyhoward]

Bledsoe
Henry
Ware
Crayton
Newman

Glenn just picked up where he left off.

 

[Hostile]

Oh boy.

You are just asking for the beat-down.

And me sitting here with no popcorn.

 

[LaTunaNostra]

Oh boy.

You are just asking for the beat-down.

LOL

I save the 'beat-down' for posters who are worth it, if you catch my drift. For those whose shining hour came via the LCD version of Carter bashing, let the relative posting histories speak for themselves. Plus you may know what Booze's grand-dad once said about final words, and who should always get them.

My final word on being 'impressed' tho, which of course is about the most subjective of all discussions on a sports board, and cannot be quantified with so much data and 'stats':

I am not overly impressed when a first overall pick like Keyshawn Johnson plays like one. When a QB drafted where Bledsoe was plays like one. When a receiver drafted #8 overall plays like one, nor when a defensive back taken with the fifth plays like one.

I daresay I expect very good to excellent play from them.

I am also not impressed when a future HOF coach quickly installs or oversees the installment of a new defensive scheme.

What impresses me more, and always has, is a Rob Petitti mostly keeping his head above water in his rookie year, (and if he rebounds this week, I will be doubly impressed). I was impressed by small school Jack-of-all-Trades Patrick Crayton's progress....from route running to blocking to hands... especially at a position that is widely given 'a three year rule' for 'getting it'. I am impressed by the Jay Ratliffs and the Tyson Thompsons, and always have been.

It's probably just an extension of my personal/professional life - when I get an "A" paper from a freshman who went to Andover, it doesn't quite knock my socks of like one from a kid who graduated from the proverbial school of hard knocks. It's the relative journey that floats my boat.

I'm also impressed by a team (and this is, btw, the trait of TNew as an individual that most impresses me) that can put a bad game behind it.

We shall see!

 

[AdamJT13]

I guess I am. I'm demanding it of Terry too. Both are playing damn well, but I'm thinking of Ty Law in his prime and Marvin Harrison every darn year terms.

Sorry, but that's what 'impresses' me.

So at what point of this season HASN'T Newman played like Ty Law in his prime? Any particular game? Any particular play? To what, exactly, can you point as being his less-than-very-well play? If you're not impressed, there surely must be SOMETHING you can identify.

 

[Kilyin]

Nobody throws to Newman's side of the field with any regularity. I've noticed him "getting in there" and just wrecking some plays too, especially in run/short pass defense. Newman isn't big but he can put a lick on guys.

 

[Big Country]

Bledsoe
Ware
James
Newman
Crayton

 

[LaTunaNostra]

So at what point of this season HASN'T Newman played like Ty Law in his prime? Any particular game? Any particular play? To what, exactly, can you point as being his less-than-very-well play? If you're not impressed, there surely must be SOMETHING you can identify.

We'll see at the end of the season if Tnew has continued emerging into the Pro Bowl caliber 'cover corner' it's clear he can be..tho to my mind it will take a string of years that match Ty's 99-2004 to make that comparison a worthy one.

I haven't been one of the Tnew naysayers, not from the Suggs nonsense right thru the misconception that he sucked last year. He rebounded from enough poor outings last year for me to easily chalk up his 2004 season mostly to lack of talent alongside him, an insufficient pass rush, and the not atypical learning curve of a sophomore db getting targeted more than he did as rookie.

Law and Newman are probably decent enough points of comparison, pretty much the same size, tho Tnew has more speed. It is my opinion tho, that Tnew has a ways to go in backpeddling and turning to equal Ty's gifts. I don't know that Tnew has Ty's hips. That has been Law's exceptional trait, imo.

Even if Newman doesn't, he can still reach that status, because the denfensive back can compensate for so much thru experience...we are seeing this year that he is breaking more adeptly on the ball and making more plays. But I don't think he has Law's burst..he has better speed but loses some of it, imo, making his turns. How good he can be I do not know, but I've never been one of his doubters here. Just cognizant like all young players, he is a work in progress.

He has excellent cover skills, and his tackling is sound enough. If he can put together, a combination of the wisdom and instinct of the guy in my avatar with his natural gifts, he will be at the top of what passes for a cover corner these days, keeping in full consideration stricter adherence to tougher PI rules won't allow him to develop quite the same same as Law did.

More than anything, his confidence in himself 'impresses' me. But again, since I have rated him as a top talent from the get-go, there is nothing he is doing or not doing that surprises me one iota.

Ho-hum.

Now all you posters who didn't include "my boy" on your list, explain why.

 

[Tristan]

I've been most impressed with.....

#1 Drew Bledsoe, Buffallo was just a bad dream! He is playing like the pro-bowl caliber QB that he has always been. Funny how Favre can throw int's left and right but avoids scrutiny? Without Drew Bledsoe the other additions would be irrelevant IMO, without him at QB we are not a legitamite contender, which I feel we are.
#2 Terrance Newman, he is the best young CB in football IMO!
#3 Anthony Henry, he has solidified our CB position for years. perfect compliment to Newman.
#4 DeMarcus Ware, gets better every day! his impact can't be measured by sacks alone, he has brought a demension to our D that has been missing since Haley. He is the guy O-coordinaters worry about.
#5 Rob Pettetie, I'm not annointing him a pro-bowler or anything, but his commitment to get in shape and dedication to hold his own have been a key to our season so far.
Honorable mention: Mike Zimmer
Dissapointments....
#1 Sean Payton, ugh!!
#2 Julius Jones, really expected a lot more big plays from him, definately seems a little more tentative. Injured again, very dissappointing. I do think he will get back on track though.
#3 Keith Davis, whenever there is a big play given up the replay seems to alwasys show #29 in the area. FS a top offseason priority, I'm tired of this weak link B.S.!
#4 Terry Glenn, although he has also at times been the most impressive, I feel he is inconsistant, he has dropped a couple balls on huge plays in the games that we lost and has seemed to follow up his big games with dissapeaering acts. I could be wrong and Payton could be to blame for not throwing the ball his way enough. I think the reason I am dissapointed is because he has shown so much ability that it becomes really frustrating when he doesn't have an impact in a game, like the Seattle game, or the Wash. game until the last few minutes.
#5 Penalties!

 

[AdamJT13]

We'll see at the end of the season if Tnew has continued emerging into the Pro Bowl caliber 'cover corner' it's clear he can be..tho to my mind it will take a string of years that match Ty's 99-2004 to make that comparison a worthy one.

I haven't been one of the Tnew naysayers, not from the Suggs nonsense right thru the misconception that he sucked last year. He rebounded from enough poor outings last year for me to easily chalk up his 2004 season mostly to lack of talent alongside him, an insufficient pass rush, and the not atypical learning curve of a sophomore db getting targeted more than he did as rookie.

Law and Newman are probably decent enough points of comparison, pretty much the same size, tho Tnew has more speed. It is my opinion tho, that Tnew has a ways to go in backpeddling and turning to equal Ty's gifts. I don't know that Tnew has Ty's hips. That has been Law's exceptional trait, imo.

Even if Newman doesn't, he can still reach that status, because the denfensive back can compensate for so much thru experience...we are seeing this year that he is breaking more adeptly on the ball and making more plays. But I don't think he has Law's burst..he has better speed but loses some of it, imo, making his turns. How good he can be I do not know, but I've never been one of his doubters here. Just cognizant like all young players, he is a work in progress.

He has excellent cover skills, and his tackling is sound enough. If he can put together, a combination of the wisdom and instinct of the guy in my avatar with his natural gifts, he will be at the top of what passes for a cover corner these days, keeping in full consideration stricter adherence to tougher PI rules won't allow him to develop quite the same same as Law did.

More than anything, his confidence in himself 'impresses' me. But again, since I have rated him as a top talent from the get-go, there is nothing he is doing or not doing that surprises me one iota.

I didn't ask whether you were impressed or surprised. I just want to know when you think Newman HASN'T played very well this season, since you stated that he is not "playing consistently very well." Either you misspoke, or you think there have been times when he hasn't played very well. OK, when?

 

[LaTunaNostra]

I didn't ask whether you were impressed or surprised. I just want to know when you think Newman HASN'T played very well this season, since you stated that he is not "playing consistently very well." Either you misspoke, or you think there have been times when he hasn't played very well. OK, when?

I said I don't think ANYONE is playing consistently well enough for me to be impressed. That includes those very talented players who could be having even more impact...and I notice a previous player expressed just that opinion regarding Terry Glenn - going so far as to term him a 'disappointment'.

But you won't see me getting bent out of shape by that opinion, throwing a woman or man love hissy fit, patrolling the board looking for the most benign of remarks to get shrill over. And tho it might minorly irk me to see his season called 'disappointing', I am secure enough not to have everyone shaee my opinion. In fact I somewhat share the take. I could I suppose drag out a host of nerdy humourless anal retentive stats and prove to the guy that Terry is a top five receiver this year, but why would I?

His feeling is T could be doing more.

And so is mine.

And my feeling is also that Tnew has not yet put it all together - that tho he is blitzing with abandon, and his coverage is improved, his pure speed is somewhat compromised by a limitation in either mechanics or fluidity/burst.

The bottom line on everyone's play in my world is the team record. Until that improves, my satisfaction is incomplete.

And btw, I'd thank you to keep a civil tone.

 

[AdamJT13]

I said I don't think ANYONE is playing consistently well enough for me to be impressed. That includes those very talented players who could be having even more impact...and I notice a previous player expressed just that opinion regarding Terry Glenn - going so far as to term him a 'disappointment'.

But you won't see me getting bent out of shape by that opinion, throwing a woman or man love hissy fit, patrolling the board looking for the most benign of remarks to get shrill over. And tho it might minorly irk me to see his season called 'disappointing', I am secure enough not to have everyone shaee my opinion. In fact I somewhat share the take. I could I suppose drag out a host of nerdy humourless anal retentive stats and prove to the guy that Terry is a top five receiver this year, but why would I?

His feeling is T could be doing more.

And so is mine.

And my feeling is also that Tnew has not yet put it all together - that tho he is blitzing with abandon, and his coverage is improved, his pure speed is somewhat compromised by a limitation in either mechanics or fluidity/burst.

The bottom line on everyone's play in my world is the team record. Until that improves, my satisfaction is incomplete.

So, you can't think of a single play when Newman wasn't playing very well? I've asked three times now, and you still haven't come up with one. All you do is keep replying with the same rhetoric and carrying on about Terry Glenn. At least those who haven't been overly impressed with Glenn can point to his dropped passes and a lack of production in some games. What can you point to in Newman's case?

And btw, I'd thank you to keep a civil tone.

You might want to take your own advice, because your civility took a major dive in your last post.

 

[DallasDomination]

Ok this list should be official:

1. DREW BLEDSOE hands down.

2.PAtrick Crayton( we mis you)

3.Anthony Henry

4.Greg ellis

5.Terry Glenn

 

[LaTunaNostra]

So, you can't think of a single play when Newman wasn't playing very well? I've asked three times now, and you still haven't come up with one. All you do is keep replying with the same rhetoric and carrying on about Terry Glenn. At least those who haven't been overly impressed with Glenn can point to his dropped passes and a lack of production in some games. What can you point to in Newman's case?



You might want to take your own advice, because your civility took a major dive in your last post.

It's going to take another dive too, because as usual you are unable to tolerate a macro opinion based on the art of the game. Everything can't be reduced to numbers, and I feel sorry for anyone who can't value yet unreached potential as the standard for playing well.

Some things are relative, and in my opinion, take it or leave it, Tnew can improve his game. Considerably, since he is still learning.

My feeling is Tnew can be a Patrick Surtain, or better. The question for me is purely how, or IF, his speed can be coupled with increased quickness, and if experience will bridge the gap between them.

This could have been a good thread...Tnew's rational fans are anxious to see his game stepped up in many areas - run support (where he is making fast progress, imo), read and reaction, and coverage

I am sure I can go back and look at the games and come up with a play Tnew did not react to a move fast enough, did not play run support fast enough, or
may have gotten a pick....very possible because no player is perfect.

But that was not my point, not until you became so threatened by anything less than proclaiming the player omnipotent. My point was that there is no player on the team (nor coach) whom I am impressed with, because ALL can do more. And I am not about to backtrack on that, not with a 4-3 record anyway.

I see this one headed south to the degree of your charming tete-a-tetes with ABQ, but let me assure you I will NOT be looking for any errors of judgment on Newman's part tomorrow....it is not the micro-nitpicking and slavery to stats that fuels my love of football, but the week to week development of a player's game, and altho I won't put Tnew in the Pro Bowl in week 8, if he keeps up the play, I am sure I can by week 17.

 

[AdamJT13]

It's going to take another dive too,

Wonderful.

because as usual you are unable to tolerate a macro opinion based on the art of the game. Everything can't be reduced to numbers

I didn't ask for any numbers. I just want to see if you have any rationale behind your opinion. You said Newman hasn't played "consistently very well," and all I've asked is for you to explain WHEN Newman hasn't played well. You obviously think he didn't play very well at some point of the season. So when is that? For example, you could say, "Newman didn't play very well against Oakland," or, "Newman didn't play very well in the first quarter against Philadelphia," or "Newman didn't play very well on the Chargers' final possession." That's all I want. I don't even care if you say WHY, I just want you to come up with ANY play, ANY series, ANY quarter, ANY half or ANY game when you believe Newman didn't play very well. If you'd have to go back and look at the games to come up with an answer, your opinion apparently isn't strongly rooted for any reason other than to argue. But if that's what it takes, maybe it's time you did.

But that was not my point, not until you became so threatened by anything less than proclaiming the player omnipotent.

See, that's where you're wrong. I could care less whether your opinion is positive or negative, but at least have SOMETHING to support it.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Had a strong rookie year, struggled his second year when switched to left tackle and has apparently played well this year after being moved back to right tackle.

and a RT is worth the 11th overall choice?

 

[LaTunaNostra]

Wonderful.

I didn't ask for any numbers. I just want to see if you have any rationale behind your opinion. You said Newman hasn't played "consistently very well," and all I've asked is for you to explain WHEN Newman hasn't played well. You obviously think he didn't play very well at some point of the season. So when is that? For example, you could say, "Newman didn't play very well against Oakland," or, "Newman didn't play very well in the first quarter against Philadelphia," or "Newman didn't play very well on the Chargers' final possession." That's all I want. I don't even care if you say WHY, I just want you to come up with ANY play, ANY series, ANY quarter, ANY half or ANY game when you believe Newman didn't play very well. If you'd have to go back and look at the games to come up with an answer, your opinion apparently isn't strongly rooted for any reason other than to argue. But if that's what it takes, maybe it's time you did.



See, that's where you're wrong. I could care less whether your opinion is positive or negative, but at least have SOMETHING to support it.

Sorry, Adam..but I refuse to play that nitpicking game of who made a bad play and when, no matter how much you try to bait me into it.

No I don't have to go back and see the no-huddle completion to Jurevicious for about 13 yds last week, or back to Oakland to know Tnew is not perfect.
Or bring up a PI penalty. I am sorry I even mentioned those. Because that is not the way to understand, much less appreciate this game.

That micro-analysis is meaningless, and it's what obscures the real value of the player and the game. That is the fantasy football, bring it all down to numbers mentality by which you try to convince yourself yoru understanding of the game is superior to others'. But you miss the heart of the game with your insistance on naming bad plays and numbers crunching, imo; it becomes a soulness exercise of oneupsmanship, and not the celebration of athleticism and spirit that football is.

"That's all you want" because that's 'it' for you. But it is not for me.

You see, Adam, there is a 'rationale' behind my opinion and it's about will over skill, about transcendence, even for player as talented as Tnew. No one is perfect and that no-huddle completion is meaningless in the larger scheme of things. What matters is the player, and team improve over time.

The standard by which I judge Tnew like all players, inexplicable to you perhaps, is what he can be.

Convince yourself your bringing a game as complex as football, with the so many human variables abounding, can be explained away with an explanation of a 79 yard completion to Moss or a much shorter one to Jurevcious.

But since the need to win something here is obviously so important to you, let me ONCE MORE reiterate that despite his misjudgments this year (the player is human, after all) he has made some nice progress.

Should you ever want to seriously discuss how he is using a narrower base these days on his bump and runs, how how much sharper he angles his hips, and how he doesn't break behind the ball when trying to make a play on it, you know where to find me. But you won't find that at stats.com..it's about the art, not the mere science of the game.

Those are the areas of Tnew's development that are wotth discussing, imho, not a sophomoric challege to find and name his "bad plays".

I'm done with this thread. You can tell yourself you "won" here.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

LTN, where can I find the cliff-notes version of your novels?

 

[LaTunaNostra]

LTN, where can I find the cliff-notes version of your novels?

In the section marked 'Melodrama'.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

searching...m-e-l-o-d-r-a-m-a

 

[Dallas31]

I like Leftwich but I will say every time I see him play he seems to be dealing with an injury. I hate to say it but I don't see him playing too much longer

Leftwich so far is McNair minus the running threat. He seems to be progressing similarly, but he is always getting banged up, just like Steve.

But Leftwich hasn't shown me anything yet to make me say "I wish we took him over Newman".