Pugh

[DaCityKats]

I don't think the Nelson TD was a fluke, he just beat Munnerlyn to the spot and the footrace was on.

i agree, with his size and speed great call by the pack oc.

[Jackofalltrades]

i agree, with his size and speed great call by the pack oc.

I think we were looking for the run and Munny just got beat, something that doesn't usually happen with him.

[DaCityKats]

I think we were looking for the run and Munny just got beat, something that doesn't usually happen with him.

thats why it was such a great call. plus Jordy got inside position on capt. and it was murder she wrote after that.

[Peppermint9030]

apparently the coaching staff agrees...

[Marguide]

Before all of you anoint Butler as the savior, you may want to review the Jags game. There was a play on the left sidelines that Butler broke up, and I'm sure many gave him props for that play.

In reality, he took a huge gamble. He left his man uncovered deep, and took a chance to break up a shorter route. Had Gabert thrown long, we would all be talking about what a moron Butler is for leaving his man uncovered with no help over the top.

Not saying Pugh is good, or Butler is bad, but sometimes we make decisions on players based on what they do or do not get away with.

[JawnyBlaze]

The difference is, good players usually get away with it. Bad players don't.

[Lumps]

lol you guys kill me.

awww did your sixth rounder '1 year rookie' back-up not fulfill you're expectations? You guys are to blame for having expectations. He has ways to go but why even draft him just to cut him?

apparently the coaching staff agrees...

Rivera said when dealing with a young player like Pugh, who saw limited action last year on defense, the key is to be patient and allow them to learn on the job.

At times that means mistakes, but Rivera said often that’s what allows players to grow.

“It’s a learning curve,” Rivera said. “These things are going to happen. As we go through it and we develop as a football team we’re going to make mistakes. What we can’t do is make the same mistakes over and over again. Fortunately they weren’t the same mistakes. He’s a tremendous football player with good athletic ability who has a sharp mind and who still has a lot to learn. He’s going to grow.”

Pugh was praised in the preseason by Rivera, but he’s struggled so far in the regular season.

In the season opener, Pugh messed up his assignment and allowed Arizona receiver Early Doucet to come free for a 70-yard touchdown reception.

Against Green Bay, Pugh gave up a momentum-changing 39-yard pass to tight end Jermichael Finley on a costly third down play that led to one score and then allowed Greg Jennings to beat him for a 49-yard touchdown at the beginning of the third quarter, helping the Packers to take a lead they would never relinquish.

Despite those errors, Rivera has no intention of benching him.

“To start making changes because of things like that, to me, is too rash,” Rivera said. “My history as a coach will show you, we’ve played young players and we’ve played rookies. We’re a young football team. We’re starting two rookies at tackle and second-year player at defensive end. So we’re not afraid to put them out there because we’re going to lean and grow.

“It’s the same thing with (rookie QB) Cam (Newton). It’s just a process we’re going through.”

[Lumps]

I still don't understand trashing players and blaming them for things. They are working as hard as they can to be successful. They have nothing to do with being on the field and being accepted as good enough. That's someone else's call. So this thread should be calling Rivera an idiot...ahh but wouldn't do that would you.