MHS831

Now, if we could only beat the Saints...

Was not sure--but I wanted to make sure--I gave up on him early this season---and I was born in Columbia while my father was playing for the Gamecocks, so it was tough to do!!

I could argue that they need a deep threat, (and you could argue that both are) but I agree. The only reason Coker is not a bigger name is because they tried to develop XL. But Horn is coming along (too soon?) Tremayne had 15 receptions on 19 targets for 160 yards--bottom of the roster quality. If you step back, there are bigger needs on this team, like edge and LB

That draft, if you recall, was before Fox's lame duck season. It was the one draft when Marty Hurney was on his own without input. I overheard Fox talking to Tergovac (I believe it was him--memory) and he was telling him "That's not an NFL QB." Then he watched Armanti Edwards drop a simulated punt from the jugs machine, and he shook his head and walked off laughing sarcastically. Hurney nabbed Clausen after two teams that desperately needed a QB passed on him--in rounds one AND two--and bragged that he stole a "top 10" QB. He tried to trade away our first-rounder the following season to move up to pick #33 to grab him. Then, rich with the draft capital he saved, traded up (later) for Armanti Edwards. I read a rumor that the Colts bluffed him about their interest in Edwards and he took the bait. Brandon Lafell in the third and I think he took headcase Hardy in the fifth or so that draft, with Eric Norwood (bust) in as our fourth rounder. Hurney sucked.

I don't want to give the appearance that I and the Nostrah Dumbass of this board because I miss a lot when trying to analyze talent, but I was all over Coker before the draft. I wanted the Panthers to take him on day 3. When he did not get drafted, I started banging the drum for him. Apparently, they agreed. (All Hail, MHS!! All Hail). I also thought we should have drafted a DT (Marcel Dareus) over Cam Newton and give Clausen another year to develop. (Boo, MHS!!!, Boo to you!!!) All that to humble myself. Coker is not blazing fast, but he runs good routes and has perhaps the best hands in the NFL. I am tired of drops. He is of high character---a guy you can support--unlike some of these other WR divas in the NFL. Lock him up long term-I am guessing a deal in the $10m range (after yesterday) would not be out of the question. He had around 400 yards this season, so let's keep yesterday as a good game and not a coming-out. We need a consistent deep threat, imo, an explosive WR with good hands. Imagine that. XL? Maybe its back to road kill and Dolla Bill. Maybe this league was not meant for you. Nothing wrong with giving it a shot, making some bank, and returning to your home. Morgan? Your worst move so far. Learn from these "one hit wonders."

I agree. I think LB and Edge are the top priorities, with WR and S behind. I also think we might add a DT. I can't decide on Smith-Wade as the nickel, but a FS that can play some big nickel would be nice. In the grand scheme of things, our needs list has not been this short in a while. Some will insist that you add QB to this list, but realistically, that ain't happening so I will not mention it, but I think this is going to be a great draft to find talent at QB later--players once regarded as first rounders have fallen, for whatever reason. Beck, Allar, Mateer, Nussmeier, Klubnik, and my sleepers, Sawyer Robertson and Luke Altmyer (Altmyer especially). Get some young depth and insurance. The red rocket is a coach and Bryce's BFF. He can do that as the #3.

We simply need a pass rush and some LBs who can stuff the run and drop into the middle as needed in coverage. A lot of what we do is based on our personnel--having nearly $70m in dead cap (2024) takes time to restock. I mean, our defense was worst in NFL history last year. This year, we were in most games. I am not making excuses for him, but I am saying it could be too soon to tell here. I think we need a DLman or two as well. We tend to be extremists on this board. Natural reaction to losing for 7 seasons (or was it 8?). Personally, I would love to see more 4-3. Considering the salaries, i would trade Horn for draft capital and cut Robinson (big cap, limited returns). It is unlikely that we cut Horn, but I could call a penalty on him every play.

I agree. I was impressed with his fire.

Almost had it.

I think there is a S named Tao Johnson that has that resume--been eyeballing him for a week or two.

My statement did not endorse him--he should have had a field day, but he sucks. I share my feelings about XL in other posts (would not shed a tear if they cut him at halftime) and our attempt to develop him has hurt our team this year--not a fan. Same page, bro

yeah, they took TMac away and let Coker beat them, and he did. XL should have had a field day. We just are not there yet--but I think we will be solid next year if we have another good offseason

Yeah, I am afraid developing XL hurt this team. Coker is the real deal. Lock him up long term. Lock up Mays. We might look TE now if we think Coker is #2. In my view, based on this game alone, I proclaim (needs assessment--not going QB as a priority at this time--they will give Bryce the 5th year and we will see from there. 1. Edge. (the second round seems to be where the value is going to be) 2. ILB Probably our first round pick. 3. WR A stud to go with Coker and TMac. 4. TE IFree agent? Not elated about the draft at TE) 5. FS Ransom needs to focus on special teams and baclup SS (Moehrig) and we need a better FS) 6. OL depth (A developmental OT is on my mind) 7. OL depth ( Center--not sure where we draft one--maybe as early as round 3.) Shocking statements: 1. Cut XL, Scott, and Robinson (cap move) 2. Trade Horn (this is questionable, but hear me out--cap move-this depends on the return, but I do not see the value at his current deal. We got lucky with Coker and Jackson--allowing us to get rid of high-priced liabilities--yes, I think Horn --at his salary-- is a liability) 3. Do not re-sign Dowdle (RBs start declining at his age--you already have a high-priced RB on a second contract) I like the foundation. We are close and know how to get better.

Proud of them. That is all

They thought they could take TMac away and they did a good job. Did not know how good Coker is. M Jax is our best CB--trade Horn, imo.

OK, the draft. We need edge help and a LB that can play the middle. So how did we lose? A dropped punt. A dropped interception, A dropped pass.

If we cut Scott and XL during a timeout, I would not shed a tear.

SO happy for Chuba. He has been a real pro.

At ease, soldier.

We are winning in the fourth quarter.

win or lose, I am proud of them.

when he gets a good pre snap read and plants his foot and lets it loose, he is great. When he starts shopping from the pocket, he is a box of chocolates.

We have had Coker all season--yet they put XL out there--he is (as I have said before) my favorite player. talked to his dad on FB several times during free agency--great family. Big Panther fans

we have not talked much about gipson much but he has been fairly decent....Mike Jackson is our best CB.

I dunno. XL leads the league in passes defended.