Dolfndude
Practice Squad
I was just thinking about projected starting lineups for this years team versus last years opening day starters. And since I don't have a life and am a glutton for punishment I thought I'd post my thoughts on each position.
2004 2005
QB- Fiedler Frerotte- I always admired Jay's toughness- but Frerotte has a stronger arm and is more familiar with this offense than Jay was with Forresters.
RB- Minor Brown- The potential is certainly much better, but we won't know for sure until 9-11, but I'd have to say Brown gives us more than Minor.
FB - Konrad Evans - I haven't seen much from evans so far, and Konrad was atl least a threat in the passing game- I hope evans is a better lead blocker. But I have to say we downgraded here.
WR 1 - Chambers Chambers- I hope Linehans system means big things for Chambers.
WR 2 - Thompson Booker- Derrius was dreadful as a starter opposite Chambers last year. Booker was an upgrade when he came last year, and he'll be even more of one with a full training camp with the team.
TE- McMike McMike- McMike has a lot to prove this year trying to put his off the field issues behind him. He needs to prove he is worthy of being re-signed
RT- St.Clair McDougle- St.Clair was our best OLineman last year and didn't play much worse than Wade the year before. McDougle is supposed to be our best lineman this year. I can't call this an upgrade yet though.
RG- Whitley Hadnot- Probably the most upgraded spot on offense. Whitley was horrilble.
C- McKinney McKinney- Heres hoping Houck can turn this guy into an average player.
LG- James James- Jeno has a tremendous amount of heart, I would be very suprised if he didn't have a better season this year.
LT- Smith Carey- I am most exited by this position. No way Carey can be worse than Wade Smith was last year. By the end of the year Vernon Carey will be our best lineman.
Defense-
2004 2005
DE1 D.Bowens K.Carter- I believe Carter will be an upgrade for run defense but we he moves inside on third down and we bring D.Bowens in at DE will be the most significant improvement.
DE2 J.Taylor J.Taylor- IMHO what we are going to with Taylor this year is a mistake. He doesn't rush the passer as well from any other position as he does from RDE. And using him in coverage makes me nervous.
DT1 Chester Traylor- I think this a push. Chester is a better player when healthy
DT2 Zgonnia Holiday- I think Holiday is a little undersized to play DT. But Zgonnia didn't hold up at all against the run.
ROLB- Seau Seau- Jr. coming off injury and a year older is definitely a downgrade from last year.
MLB- Thomas Thomas- I see Zach not having as strong a year while adjusting to a new defense for the first time in 10 years.
LOLB- Greenwood Spragan - I think is in upgrade in the fact that Donnie is bigger and will take on blockers better. Greenwood had a really good year for us though and we will miss his speed.
LCB- Surtain Daniels - without question the largest downgrade on the team. Daniels maybe decent, but Surtain was a top 5 corner.
RCB- Madison Madison- Madison was pretty good last year, but he will have much more pressure put on him this year. I think Sam slips a little this year.
SS- Knight Bell- Bell is a much better athlete and has wonderful potential. But Knight was the leader of the secondary and a very savvy player.Downgrade.
FS- A.Edwards T.Jones- Tebucky is a better in run support Freeman better in coverage. Neither of these guys will be all-pro anytime soon. Let's hope Schulters takes this spot.
OK I'm done. I think we have made great strides on offense, but I'm afraid we've taken a leap backwards on defense. Overall though at this point we are better going into 05 than we were in 04.
2004 2005
QB- Fiedler Frerotte- I always admired Jay's toughness- but Frerotte has a stronger arm and is more familiar with this offense than Jay was with Forresters.
RB- Minor Brown- The potential is certainly much better, but we won't know for sure until 9-11, but I'd have to say Brown gives us more than Minor.
FB - Konrad Evans - I haven't seen much from evans so far, and Konrad was atl least a threat in the passing game- I hope evans is a better lead blocker. But I have to say we downgraded here.
WR 1 - Chambers Chambers- I hope Linehans system means big things for Chambers.
WR 2 - Thompson Booker- Derrius was dreadful as a starter opposite Chambers last year. Booker was an upgrade when he came last year, and he'll be even more of one with a full training camp with the team.
TE- McMike McMike- McMike has a lot to prove this year trying to put his off the field issues behind him. He needs to prove he is worthy of being re-signed
RT- St.Clair McDougle- St.Clair was our best OLineman last year and didn't play much worse than Wade the year before. McDougle is supposed to be our best lineman this year. I can't call this an upgrade yet though.
RG- Whitley Hadnot- Probably the most upgraded spot on offense. Whitley was horrilble.
C- McKinney McKinney- Heres hoping Houck can turn this guy into an average player.
LG- James James- Jeno has a tremendous amount of heart, I would be very suprised if he didn't have a better season this year.
LT- Smith Carey- I am most exited by this position. No way Carey can be worse than Wade Smith was last year. By the end of the year Vernon Carey will be our best lineman.
Defense-
2004 2005
DE1 D.Bowens K.Carter- I believe Carter will be an upgrade for run defense but we he moves inside on third down and we bring D.Bowens in at DE will be the most significant improvement.
DE2 J.Taylor J.Taylor- IMHO what we are going to with Taylor this year is a mistake. He doesn't rush the passer as well from any other position as he does from RDE. And using him in coverage makes me nervous.
DT1 Chester Traylor- I think this a push. Chester is a better player when healthy
DT2 Zgonnia Holiday- I think Holiday is a little undersized to play DT. But Zgonnia didn't hold up at all against the run.
ROLB- Seau Seau- Jr. coming off injury and a year older is definitely a downgrade from last year.
MLB- Thomas Thomas- I see Zach not having as strong a year while adjusting to a new defense for the first time in 10 years.
LOLB- Greenwood Spragan - I think is in upgrade in the fact that Donnie is bigger and will take on blockers better. Greenwood had a really good year for us though and we will miss his speed.
LCB- Surtain Daniels - without question the largest downgrade on the team. Daniels maybe decent, but Surtain was a top 5 corner.
RCB- Madison Madison- Madison was pretty good last year, but he will have much more pressure put on him this year. I think Sam slips a little this year.
SS- Knight Bell- Bell is a much better athlete and has wonderful potential. But Knight was the leader of the secondary and a very savvy player.Downgrade.
FS- A.Edwards T.Jones- Tebucky is a better in run support Freeman better in coverage. Neither of these guys will be all-pro anytime soon. Let's hope Schulters takes this spot.
OK I'm done. I think we have made great strides on offense, but I'm afraid we've taken a leap backwards on defense. Overall though at this point we are better going into 05 than we were in 04.
