Potential is a dangerous thing

like you, I’m hoping Pruitt makes the roster

only thing is.. we didnt really pass on ryan clark

we were “very close” to reaching a deal with clark

and all the sudden, he re-signs with PITT

i guess they were willing to pay him more than us, but, we were heavily interested, so i wouldnt say we “passesd” on him

rec’d

one thing: Pruitt is gonna have a tough time making the roster, let alone being our #2 WR. Hopefully he surprises a lot of people in TC and preseason.

enjoyed the piece and it really does make you think. This season could be really good…or it could go in the other direction.

Like you point out, potential is scary.

But what’s more dangerous(er) is the lack of it.

I think this year will depend on Henne, its his season to lose. If he can show he has grown to a NFL QB then we got a great shot,if he has learned the touch pass,the deep throw on a line, which he has the arm for, then the defense can stay rested and off the field. He has a great mentor so its on him now. The only thing bad about CP is he checks down real fast, now that is not a horrible thing but as we know there is hardly ever a big play. Some times you need the big play to jump start your team. We have some tuff games this year, and our D is good just not great. I think it will fall on CH and how well he does.

rec’d again =)

I agree with most of your points except for your take on the tight end position. I don’t think fasano had “countless” drops and fumbles. He had 4 all year which is bad for a tight end, but half of them came in that embarrassment in week one, in which the whole team played like shit. I think the fumbles were a flukes and I don’t remember that many drops. I think now that we have Marshall fasano will get back to his ’08 form and dominate this season.

I was a little skeptical of trying to gauge the potential of Randy Starks because he’s been in the leagure for some years now. I decided to go with it because it is a new position for him. I’m aware he played DT in Tennessee, but this is his first year playing the role of a NT. Hopefully he’ll turn something in similar as Jay Ratcliffe in Dallas.

Fasano on the other hand has player some years as well and I think we’ve seen him peaked in the NFL. He fell off in 2009, but based on his experience, I don’t think we can expect a much better performance from him than what he did in 2008.

This regime is riding on his sucess

You have hit on all the trouble areas of this team. One thing – you say that the FO “has faith in the players we have” because they didnt address these positions in the draft – like TE or safety until (5th) and NT at all… I say that the Front office F-ed UP withe these choices…. Everyone knows that I am more critical than most – of this front office. and YES… I am grateful for thier great moves (Dansby & Marshall) plus Mike Nolan – which was luck. but failure to address NT, TE and getting a stud OLB might prove to much for this defense. Lets be honest here – If this team fails to make the playoffs again – this season is not a success – and you have to blame that on the FO.
If we do make the playoffs, Starks plays well at NT, TE position is solid (Fasano + ?) , we get enough sacks/pressure from the OLB & safety dosent let us down – then this FO gets ALL THE CREDIT FROM ME…… My biggest fear is that we are too small at NT and will be “run on” up the middle…I know Starks will give his all but….. and actually think Clemons will be fine at safety.

I am a huge Starks (at DE) fan… and know he will give 110% at NT. I’m just worried that the will wear down quickly if he spends the majority of plays playing a 3-4 NT facing a double team. PLUS – we lose his outside pressure (7 sacks) last year…. do you think Odrick gets 7 sacks his rookie year ? How about Merling getting 7 sacks ? He hasnt yet……………If he was in a traditional 4-3 all the time I would totally be comfortable here- in a 4-3 you don’t need a HUGE NT to face the double team. I said last year we should switch to a 4-3 move Starks inside and play Merling at DE.
Regarding Fergy – I am not on the bandwagon that he is some kind of great NT – just no way – he is just not a top 10 NT and you need that at least if you want to dominate on DEF…He is very much past his prime, not that its his fault.

but not sure that the explanation for not targeting people in the draft/free agency because the FO is happy with the current roster. Only so many picks and so much money.

Per snap, Wake had a top-5 season last year as a pass rusher. The only concern – I see – is as to whether or not he can produce at that rate with increased snaps. Also, Starks is about the same size as Ferg.