From McCarthy's August 20th Press Conference:

// (Where is Rouse in the battle to push for a starting job?)

// Aaron, his consistency level early in camp wasn't where it needed to be. I think he's definitely picked it up here probably the last week to 10 days. Hopefully get him some action against Denver in the first half with the first group. I say it all the time, we don't just have 11 starters, we have excellent competition throughout our team. Defensively, we've added personnel groups to try to take advantage of them. But in Aaron's case, I'd like to get him some work in the first half.

My eyes lit up when I read this. Although we have seen him in action already, he his now getting his chance to spark something with the first group. I cannot wait to see how he performs.

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I'd like to see Aaron Rouse play against some first teams. I was predicting earlier he's the starter by the 2nd half of the season. The kid's got talent. He makes INTs. Collins drops INTs. Plus, Aaron Rouse in there is like hitting the opposing WRs in the gut with baseball bats.

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I'm in favor of anyone who doesnt attempt to tackle people with their shoulder.

I still think that Collins could make a better contribution to this world if he chopped his arms off and gave them to science...he would still be just as effective of a football player.

Somebody should ring up Mike Sherman and ask him if he still has A**** C*******'s boxing gloves to lend to Collins. He might catch more Ints without his clumsy hands getting in the way.

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I don't know what the coaching staff sees in Collins. I guess it's the little things that fans like me tend to overlook. If Rouse can just do those things, whatever they are, he should start. He's such a dynamic player.

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Aaron looks like he has the ability to make plays. Interceptions. Seems like he has ability to jump routes with good anticipation and cover receivers very well.

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That's my main thing. Rouse gets INTs. Collins drops them.

Turnovers change games.

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My favorites are "Apple".

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yeah, but blown assignments change games too. I love Aaron Rouse, but i think the issue with his consistency has much to do with an inability to not give up big plays. Collins isn't flashy, and he does drop interceptions, but you hardly ever see him screw the pooch. I've also heard he's basically the leader on the defense, and that counts for a lot too.

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