I personally like what Gurley can bring to special teams (e.g., blocking kicks, which he has shown he can do in the only time he has had a chance: preseason). I think the 5th and maybe even the 4th wide receiver should have special teams value, which Driver does not. While I acknowledge that Driver still holds some value to this team in the passing game, I'm not convinced it's anything significantly more than someone like Gurley would, especially as a red zone target. Sure, there is no guarantee, but one or more of those young guys could be the next Donald Driver themselves! We won't know without giving them an opportunity, but I think that's a common thought. I also think the common argument of Driver being the only wide receiver showing up against the Giants in the playoff game isn't a good argument. We've all heard that he was being covered by a single linebacker at times. Also, there were a few opportunities that were there that Rodger's simply missed. Perhaps if Rodger's make those couple of throws, we'd be saying Finley or Jennings stepped up in that game, despite a drop or two. I also understand the veteran presence argument, but I'm not convinced that's a big factor either, especially since Jennings, Nelson, Jones, etc., have all been around for several years and have experienced running the table through the playoffs (on the road) and winning a Super Bowl. I think that any leadership abilities that would leave with Driver could easily be accounted for by others, and sometimes, it takes a leader leaving for a new one to emerge.
It goes without saying this is just my opinion and obviously Ted and McCarthy know better than me. But the factors described above plus my skepticism of his ability to stay healthy, even in limited playing time, pushes me towards giving the young guys a shot. I agree with letting him fight for his spot in training camp, but I would hope it's an uphill battle for him. In other words, he needs to show he is SIGNIFICANTLY better and more valuable to this team than any of the younger guys. If so, good. I wouldn't be disappointed. However, I will not be surprised in the slightest to see him on another team this season.
Originally Posted by: doddpower