Proudiddy

This game has been a snoozefest early thus far. Offense is rough. Defense is still balling, but we aren't capitalizing on key moments - like recovering that missed snap for a TD. They better hope we come out guns blazing in the 3rd and not repeat the pattern of our first 4 weeks outside of the Texans game or this is going to be a nail biter again when it doesn't have to be.

Damn, we had like 6 on 1 and every one that touched it slapped it back further instead of just falling on it lol. Was really hoping for a score for our defense.

NGL, the offensive line may be worst today, but it's been mostly Miller and Daley.

The TE screen to Ian Thomas is an absolute net negative play. Idk why we still run it.

Singleton is a fuging piece of poo. fug him. Somebody cut his knees.

Idc what anyone says... Kenny Robinson is a ball player. Maybe he doesn't look great in practice, but he shows up in games. Period. Should have been on the active roster since the 53 was made. Dude makes plays.

We have no idea where they practiced throughout the week...

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32369830/sources-carolina-panthers-tried-sign-jaylon-smith-lb-joined-green-bay-packers

Yessir! Agreed.

Idk, Rhule and Fitterer seemed adamant about Donte being a big part of this team, and one of them, I can't remember who now, used the word "priority" when talking about Donte yesterday, saying the deal didn't change that and was independent of Donte's standing with the team. They seem to love him. I know things can quickly change, but he really seems to be highly regarded here. I also mentioned in another thread, it wouldn't surprise me if we extend Stephon and he eventually moves to safety. Fitt mentioned in his presser yesterday that as a lot of guys age, they may lose a step physically, but their football ability and smarts give them a step in terms of instincts, anticipation, angles, etc. He also mentioned that the priority in this deal was the opportunity to bring in an incredible talent and they would figure out the fit after the fact and said we have guys that can play all over the field, and specifically included safety after naming all of the corners. Knowing how renowned Gilmore is for his football IQ, it wouldn't surprise me one bit if he transitions to safety if he is willing. We clearly wanted him and want to retain him, and he wants to be here so I'm sure they'll find a way to work it out both with the contract and the scheme-fit.

Feels good to also finally have a cap guy in Sulaiman who knows wtf he is doing. We are living in a dream right now.

No doubt, the front office absolutely has an incredible grasp of market value. By aggressive, I'm referring to the willingness to seek out upgrades, not outbid people for them.

That's incredible. I'm not subscribed and had no idea about that piece. My take was strictly off watching his pressers, interviews, the accounts given from Tepper, and obviously the amazing results we've been getting ina record number of trades completed lol. But, those characteristics are exactly what I see in him, and it has proven to be one of the greatest assets we could ever hope for in our front office (talent evaluation isn't too shabby either ).

I was gonna post a thread yesterday about something related to the gist of this blurb with the main point being, the reason we're able to do all of these deals now is because our organization has branched out, expanded our talent pool in the front office by acquiring talent evaluators with far-reaching connections throughout the league, and now have the ears and respect of people who matter. Fitt is the straw that stirs the drink, who happens to be a mad genius who is constantly looking for the next move to upgrade the roster and when the value is right, he is more than ready to pull the trigger. He is truly an insanely bright, creative, and aggressive GM. But, I think what is equally important is, those connections I mentioned, as well as Fitt's disarming, and charming nature as an everyman with incredible people skills. In regards to the connections, we have so many guys now that we have brought in who have experience and connections that are invaluable. Just as in this case, Stewart had the relationship with Ziegler - and that matters. When we traded for Darnold, Fitt and Rhule already had a good dialogue and relationship with Douglas there, and it laid the foundation for that trade. And even when there isn't an obvious existing connection, that's where Fitt's pesonality, due diligence, and persistence comes in, such as with acquiring CJ Henderson. And in all of his dealings, I get the feeling that he earns the respect from other front offices in how he approaches them and negotiates with them, which lays down the ground work for a future business relationship. It's obvious that in the past, our organization was so closed off from the rest of the league and were seemingly so nepotistic and incestuous in many ways... we didn't recruit from the outside, we kept everything in-house, and we didn't allow for much dialogue or relationship building with other teams. I always got the feeling that we weren't very respected or even well-liked outside of a very few. When other organizations respect you, the whole dynamic changes - when you call, they listen. When you have a much larger network of professional connections, you're well-regarded, and you're good at your job, it allows you to make a call and get a former DPOY for a 6th round pick before other teams really even have a chance to make a competitive offer. These things would never happen under Hurney or Gettleman. Both were extremely flawed in their own ways, and I think their biggest common denominator was that they lacked good communication skills, which in turn hurt their professional relationships around the league, which in turn, closed doors off before they even had a chance to open. I keep thinking back to an interview during one of the preseason games and Fitt told the story of how the trade for Sam came about, and he mentioned the conversations and checking-in periodically with Douglas in NY. Smitty then made a crack at NY and how no one there has any idea of what they're doing, and Fitt immediately defended Douglas in a very disarming kind of way. That has always stood out to me. In observing that and how Tepper said Fitt came in and kind of busted his balls in a last minute interview for a job in which he hadn't even previously been considered a day or two before, it is clear that Fitt's interpersonal skills and ability to win over people are an asset that can't be quantified, but they are absolutely the most valuable assets a front office can have. Add in the connections from around the league we now also have from football guys in the front office like Sulaiman, Stewart, and Morgan, and it is the perfect recipe for the supreme talent acquisition capabilities that we're seeing now. What a time to be alive.

This. Rhule alluded to it multiple times in the presser yesterday that they want to become more and more positionless. Fitt did also say that this move was just about the opportunity to get a great player and person and they would figure out fit as they go... he did name off all the corners and said they could play multiple positions and areas in the field and mentioned safety as well. Interestingly enough, only 3 corners have won the DPOY in the NFL since 1990. It was Rod Woodson, Deion, Charles Woodson, and Stephon Gilmore. I found that list extremely intriguing because both Woodsons ended up playing a lot of safety by the end of their careers.

He seems like an upstanding guy with a different set of values from all I've read. I think his motivations are different from most pro athletes and he seems to take great pride in being from here... the fact that it was rumored he was looking for more money but agreed to play out this year with the hope/intention to extend down the line makes me think he definitely wants to be here long-term because it's home.

Love it.

He also laughed with the reporters when one asked if he knew if any of his neighbors were LTs. This after Fitt said part of the familiarity he had with Gilmore was because he is one of his neighbors lol. Fitt laughed at the question and then even said he didn't know, but he definitely was going to go door to door and find out in Halloween. It was hilarious because he was acknowledging that LT is a huge problem, and all I could think of was Cameron Erving squirming as he watched this somewhere.

Damn straight, bro. It feels so good to finally be one of those teams that are actually in the mix on everything. We are wheeling and dealing and doing everything in our power to put ourselves in a position to get better and to upgrade where needed. Gone are the days of sitting on the outside and looking in, while all the other teams are upgrading and pulling in all the big names (bog names who still have tremendous value by the way). Gilmore literally was rumored to be released this morning and Fitt jumped on the phone and struck a deal within hours. Man, this feels so good... it's never been like this before, but man, is it awesome!

Woooooow, Fitt is ridiculous!!!

Nor would I want it to... but honestly, considering he's coming off this injury, he's 31, and no team really knows what they're getting until they get him in the building, I honestly have no idea what team would pay him anywhere near that amount.

Yeah he is most likely a lock for TB, but it'll be interesting bc if he really wants 15M a year, that ain't gonna happen there lol.

I know Snow developed a reputation for running zone last season, but that was more out of necessity because of our personnel at the time. Drafting Horn and Taylor, paired with Donte, plus looking st our scheme this year, we are actually running a ton more man. I dont have any stats on it, but just from observing the games, I would venture to say we are primarily running man now, and if not, it's gotta be real close. Gilmore would be an incredible get, but I have a feeling he's gonna end up in Tampa, too. I really hope we try though.