I think some guys here are throwing these guys under the bus without looking at the reality of what happened this season that was much different from last year.
In '07 our sack and QB pressures numbers were outstanding and in '08 they were absolutely horrible. When an NFL QB is allowed to stand back there with nobody in his face it's like throwing darts.
I saw way to many plays where the QB was allowed to sit in the pocket and deliver a deep ball accurately without any pressure and there is just no way a Safety can cover that.
Put these two behind even a decent pass rush and see what they do.
"pack93z" wrote:
Just to make sure my position is clear.. I voted option B.. have faith in a combination of both.
Both have battled injuries the past two years, that is my biggest question about them.. can both stay "available" for an entire season.
Rouse takes alot of bad angles on plays.. but he is a physical beast and in limited playing time has shown flexibility and a nose for the ball.. needs to become more aware of the overall field and his position upon it.
Bigby is a hitter.. I think he would rather smack someone than cover overall.... but he came on late in 07'... enough to tell me that between the two the need isn't great.
Both have work to do in the tackling department.. as a strong safety, whiffs are not an option.
Now.. lets play the hypothetical.. lets say Dawkins was willing to come here for a year or two.. I would pounce and allow both of these guys to learn from one of the best overall safeties I have seen play the game. He has shown he can still play the game, and it would take his attitude and leadership and let it blossom here.
Jimmy Leonard is from just north of me.. played high school ball here and yearly fall talk around here is how about that little "kid" making it and improving as the seasons pass... smart player as mentions and fundamentally sound. Wouldn't be a horrible addition.. backup and a returner.. who knows maybe a starter to boot.
"warhawk" wrote: