Although it's been pretty much assumed to be the case, I think that's the first thing I've read that definitively asserts that Quin is moving to safety. So we've got Cushing moving from OLB to ILB, Mario moving to OLB, Amobi moving to DE, and Quin moving to safety. Should be an interesting season, especially if there's no training camp.
Sucks to read they aren't going to just cut Okoye.....but that's as lukewarm a vouch as I've seen Phillips give anyone. Hopefully he doesn't see much time off the bench. Glad to see he's aware of it and not putting it all on the footwork. Kareem "Can't Catch Up" Jackson It'll be interesting to see how they scheme the secondary. Jackson desperately needs someone handcuffed over the top...but if there's a slot receiver, that normally takes away your "help" safety since you usually keep a cover safety edging to the deep threat on the opposite side. If I can get my #2 in a man situation (no help over the top) on KJ, I'm going to send him deep up the sideline at least half the time. Can't Catch Up Jackson.
So who is the first to move back to their old position or who is admitted as the first mistake of "We shouldnt have moved him there in the first place."?
That's why I don't get the idea of sticking with KJ as a CB and moving our only capable CB over to safety. Positioning and reaction can be helped but KJ won't magically get faster or gain an extra gear. The Joey Galloways of the league will be chomping at the bit for one more career game.
I'm going to bet that he gets traded for somethimg like what they got for Travis Johnson once free agency happens. Obviously Wade isn't going to come out and say anything like that at this point.
I'm not giving up on KJ, he knows he had a bad year and what he needs to improve...a improved pass rush and a competent DC not to mention a veteran CB too learn from should make his year 2 much better
Why would they cut anyone, especially given a potential truncated free agency and Okoye's youth? Do you realize he's the same age as Shiloh Keo? I mean, I would agree - Wade doesn't sound overly enthused. But outright cutting a 23-year old without seeing what he can do in your new system seems a little silly, IMO. I remember Steve McKinney remarking on the radio that Okoye simply didn't have the quickness to rush the passer so I would assume he's likely not long for this scheme, regardless where they move him. But they need to see that for themselves, on the field and in practice.
I'd say Mario or Quin. I think Cushing will be fine. If Okoye fails in the backup DE role, it'll just be chalked up to him sucking. There won't be a lot of people thinking "oh no, we should've left him at tackle." I think Quin will be OK at safety. If there's a call for him to move back to CB, it'll likely be because our corners suck and not because he's an awful safety. Meanwhile, if Mario is called to move back to DE, it'll be because he isn't being as effective as hoped at OLB, and not because Watt and Smith are doing a bad job.
KJ is a fountain of youth, and had Donovan thrown that perfectly spiraled ball 59 yards instead of 60, we'd be looking at 5-11 instead of 6-10. Yeah, that Joey Galloway, that Ajiritutu (sp), that Roy Williams.
The defense will look good . . . because I don't think we will be facings alot of great offenses this year. So this is a good year to make the transition Rocket River
kareem doesnt have great top end speed, but your example is poor in using galloway. If by fountain of youth you mean improving from 7 catches to 12 and from 67 yards to 173 (for the year), then Ponce de Leon wasted a lot of time trying to that fountain.
Wade has made it seem like the move has already been made. But even if a quality FA CB isn't signed, I'd be more comfortable with the secondary overall if we move Quin to S and have Jason Allen take his spot rather than having Barber and Nolan manning both safety positions.
So, to recap: Best DE (talent-wise and as a pass rusher) is moving to Will LB Best LB (two years ago and perhaps by default last year) moving from outside to slightly inside after sucking royally as MLB in a 4-3 Best CB is moving to Safety Meanwhile, Poor pass-rushing DT bust is moving to DE Poor running and covering CB is moving up on the CB depth chart to play with two rookies and perhaps one free agent. I hope I am wrong for feeling bad about 95% of those moves. I don't think Phillips is clueless so perhaps he just realizes how little he has to work with and is trying some crazy things to either make miracles or prove once and for all that some players do not belong on an NFL team.
3 of those moves are solely scheme-related. The sad thing is we did have some perfect players for certain 4-3 scheme positions. Like you said: Cushing at OLB, Demeco at MLB, and Mario at DE are all great fits in 4-3 schemes. My problem with the Texans is that they brought in a DC that is installing a completely new defense rather than try to find a non-inept DC that can run a proper 4-3 AND teach the secondary how to not fall down. I put that on Bob and Rick. Wade's only doing what he knows best, the 3-4.
Only 5/16 games will be against teams with below average ppg. Matt Ryan, Roethlisberger, Manning, and Brees will be laughing all the way to player of the week.
Weren't you the same guy who went crazy about how terrible it is to waste even a single roster spot on a dubious backup that won't contribute on special teams? Okoye's played for 5 years and clearly established himself and what he can('t) do. Don't go Jerome Solomon with the age card.
