Position battles going into training camp?

[TexanSam]

Which position battles do you think will have the most competition in training camp and preseason?

2nd/3rd Cornerback:
By all means, Philip Buchanan is a tremendous underachiever so far in his NFL career. That's not to say he doesn't have talent, which he does, but he hasn't put it all together. Between him, Demarcus Faggins, and maybe Chris McKenzie it'll be a pretty good battle. Faggins didn't look like a starting CB most of the time last year (IMO), but our whole team was terrible. I don't remember seeing McKenzie a whole lot last year, so if any of you can fill me in on him it would be appreciated.

Left Tackles
I think Ephraim Salaam will win the LT position. He's more experienced than the other candidates. I wouldn't be surprised at all if Wand won it though. It seems that the coaches are very high on Wand so that is a plus. Neither Winston or Spencer will be starters as rookies. I think Spencer will become a guard instead of a tackle while Winston will learn from the veterans. The way our O-line has played since 2001, I wouldn't feel comfortable with a rookie starting even with the new coaching staff.

Tight End
Thanks to bayoudreamn for reminding me of the depth we have at this position. Mark Bruener. Jeb Putzier. Bennie Joppru. Owen Daniels. Holy geez, we actuallly will be utilizing tight ends in our offense! I don't know if we'll actually have a regular starter in this position. If we want to spread the offense more, then Putzier seems like the man to do it. If we want to run the ball then Bruener seems like the man. I think it just depends on the gameplan. We don't know what we'll get out of Bennie Joppru. It's been over 3 years since he played in a real game, and that was in college. In essence, he's a veteran rookie. Owen Daniels was the first pick of the 2nd day I believe. What will we get out of him? Is he a pass catcher? A blocker? I haven't seen many articles mentioning him. Bruener and Putzier are locks, and no matter how well Joppru or Daniels play, I don't think either of them will get higher than 3rd on the depth chart starting the season.

Those are my top two. Linebacker could also be added. I hope DeMeco Ryans proves to be a huge asset to the LB corps. He sounds like a quality individual. What battles are you looking forward too?

[bayoudreamn]

Originally Posted by TexanSam

Which position battles do you think will have the most competition in training camp and preseason?

2nd/3rd Cornerback:
By all means, Philip Buchanan is a tremendous underachiever so far in his NFL career. That's not to say he doesn't have talent, which he does, but he hasn't put it all together. Between him, Demarcus Faggins, and maybe Chris McKenzie it'll be a pretty good battle. Faggins didn't look like a starting CB most of the time last year (IMO), but our whole team was terrible. I don't remember seeing McKenzie a whole lot last year, so if any of you can fill me in on him it would be appreciated.

Left Tackles
I think Ephraim Salaam will win the LT position. He's more experienced than the other candidates. I wouldn't be surprised at all if Wand won it though. It seems that the coaches are very high on Wand so that is a plus. Neither Winston or Spencer will be starters as rookies. I think Spencer will become a guard instead of a tackle while Winston will learn from the veterans. The way our O-line has played since 2001, I wouldn't feel comfortable with a rookie starting even with the new coaching staff.

Those are my top two. Linebacker could also be added. I hope DeMeco Ryans proves to be a huge asset to the LB corps. He sounds like a quality individual. What battles are you looking forward too?

I think the LBs will have the "most competition" because I don't think any one of those spots is locked, yet. On the Oline, the left tackle may be the biggest concern, but it looks locked. I think there's competition at CB but no clear favorite.

[TexanSam]

Originally Posted by bayoudreamn

I think the LBs will have the "most competition" because I don't think any one of those spots is locked, yet. On the Oline, the left tackle may be the biggest concern, but it looks locked. I think there's competition at CB but no clear favorite.

Who do you think has the inside track for LT?

[LORK 88]

Originally Posted by TexanSam

Who do you think has the inside track for LT?

coaching staff is real big on giving Wand a 2nd chance at starting, and we have Pitts who could switch over if need be. Other battles to watch will be: LB, 4th and 5th WR, and the entire TE depth just to name afew. Im just glad we have some serious competition this year at camp, it will make things real interesting.

[bayoudreamn]

Originally Posted by TexanSam

Who do you think has the inside track for LT?

Wand. And maybe he deserves it. I really find it hard to evaluate this team. More and more it looks like we need to give the "old guard" a chance as more and more negatives come out about the old coaching staff. Could it be that they were as bad as many are now saying?

[bayoudreamn]

Originally Posted by bayoudreamn

Wand. And maybe he deserves it. I really find it hard to evaluate this team. More and more it looks like we need to give the "old guard" a chance as more and more negatives come out about the old coaching staff. Could it be that they were as bad as many are now saying?

Football preview magazines don't even mention our TEs. They list Bruener as the starter and make no comment. I think it'll be one of our strengths.

[TexanSam]

Originally Posted by bayoudreamn

Wand. And maybe he deserves it. I really find it hard to evaluate this team. More and more it looks like we need to give the "old guard" a chance as more and more negatives come out about the old coaching staff. Could it be that they were as bad as many are now saying?

I agree. It's close to impossible some positions. Wand looked terrible the year he started. But our coaching staff was inept. So was it Wand who sucked? Was it the coaching staff's fault? Both? The same could be said for a lot of players.

[bayoudreamn]

Originally Posted by TexanSam

I agree. It's close to impossible some positions. Wand looked terrible the year he started. But our coaching staff was inept. So was it Wand who sucked? Was it the coaching staff's fault? Both? The same could be said for a lot of players.

Ok. I agree. So to take the question further, I was looking at preview mags today, and they listed all the stats from last year and we were in the bottom fifth of the league in all but like two stats (for special teams). So, I figure we move up 12 spots in every category because we've made changes to virtually every position and they all look pretty much like upgrades....not to make that statement too general but I don't wanta type forever to be specific.
Anyway, I looked at several teams on our schedule and our draft is rated higher than all of 'em. There's only, like Indy, Jax, Wash, Miami, and NYG on our schedule that I don't know that we can win. I figure we go .500 with them. I figure that gives us a pretty good chance for a winning season.

[infantrycak]

Originally Posted by TexanSam

Left Tackles
I think Ephraim Salaam will win the LT position. He's more experienced than the other candidates.

Salaam IMO is this year's Victor Riley or Marcus Spears--the vet brought in as a back up. In his last year as a starter at LT he gave up 7 sacks in 12 games with 7 penalties (5 holding). Last year he started 2 games (Leftwich was sacked 8 times in those two games--surely not all Salaam's fault) before being benched and then waived prior to the end of the season.

[bigbrewster2000]

Originally Posted by TexanSam

Which position battles do you think will have the most competition in training camp and preseason?

2nd/3rd Cornerback:
By all means, Philip Buchanan is a tremendous underachiever so far in his NFL career. That's not to say he doesn't have talent, which he does, but he hasn't put it all together. Between him, Demarcus Faggins, and maybe Chris McKenzie it'll be a pretty good battle. Faggins didn't look like a starting CB most of the time last year (IMO), but our whole team was terrible. I don't remember seeing McKenzie a whole lot last year, so if any of you can fill me in on him it would be appreciated.

Left Tackles
I think Ephraim Salaam will win the LT position. He's more experienced than the other candidates. I wouldn't be surprised at all if Wand won it though. It seems that the coaches are very high on Wand so that is a plus. Neither Winston or Spencer will be starters as rookies. I think Spencer will become a guard instead of a tackle while Winston will learn from the veterans. The way our O-line has played since 2001, I wouldn't feel comfortable with a rookie starting even with the new coaching staff.

Tight End
Thanks to bayoudreamn for reminding me of the depth we have at this position. Mark Bruener. Jeb Putzier. Bennie Joppru. Owen Daniels. Holy geez, we actuallly will be utilizing tight ends in our offense! I don't know if we'll actually have a regular starter in this position. If we want to spread the offense more, then Putzier seems like the man to do it. If we want to run the ball then Bruener seems like the man. I think it just depends on the gameplan. We don't know what we'll get out of Bennie Joppru. It's been over 3 years since he played in a real game, and that was in college. In essence, he's a veteran rookie. Owen Daniels was the first pick of the 2nd day I believe. What will we get out of him? Is he a pass catcher? A blocker? I haven't seen many articles mentioning him. Bruener and Putzier are locks, and no matter how well Joppru or Daniels play, I don't think either of them will get higher than 3rd on the depth chart starting the season.

Those are my top two. Linebacker could also be added. I hope DeMeco Ryans proves to be a huge asset to the LB corps. He sounds like a quality individual. What battles are you looking forward too?

I think that we will see PBuc as our #2 corner with the slim chance of Mckinzie breaking in at the Nickle.

Ephiram Salaam was brought in as veteran depth and a little competition but I think he has little chance of starting.

As far as TE I think Owen Daniels may end up on the practice squad and won't get his chance to play until next season as long as Joppru stays healthy. Daniels is a good blocker but while not fast is said to run good routes and is actually a threat in the passing game. (Go figure we actually have a TE than can block and catch)

I am pretty sure the biggest battle will be at all of the LB positions. Ryans will see some starting tme but I am not sure he will be a starter right from the start. I just don't know who will be the guys here is my guess...
Demeco Ryans
Sam Cowart
Morlon Greenwood/Shante Orr(pass rush situations)

[AFD1717]

Originally Posted by bigbrewster2000

I just don't know who will be the guys here is my guess...
Demeco Ryans
Sam Cowart
Morlon Greenwood/Shante Orr(pass rush situations)

I like your LB choices, but maybe Greenwood - Ryans - Orr in passing situations? Greenwood is good in coverage and Cowart isn't, right? Just a thought.

[TexanFan881]

Originally Posted by AFD1717

I like your LB choices, but maybe Greenwood - Ryans - Orr in passing situations? Greenwood is good in coverage and Cowart isn't, right? Just a thought.

Don't forget Kailee Wong guys Wali Rainier has been good so far too so maybe he sneaks up there

[Vambo, the Marble Eye]

Defensive back
Pbuch starts if our line lets him "poach more' using his speed to cover "tight" knowing the quarterback will not have 6 seconds to throw the ball. But I have no clue on the rest of the guys. I like that CC started in his rookie season, and is known to be a hitter... so maybe something good will come from a second season.

I just can't get my head around a defensive back philosophy yet with this talent. I just want a defense backfield known for putting a helmet on people and challenge wide receivers PHYSICALLY... especially somebody like T.O. when we play Dallas.

Left Tackles
Salam will sit the bench... he was brought in to help the younger guys like Wand .... (A.K.A. "player to be named later" of Bull Durham fame) If Wand starts, we better be running the damn ball effectively as a key plan. We MUST have help to run left side effectively. (When Wand was a starter, didn't DD gain most of his yards to the left side?) Our '06 draft choices will learn from the veterans... maybe start a game or two if injuries pop up.


Tight End
SURPRISE...Mark Bruener will NOT make the team. Jeb Putzier. Bennie Joppru, and Owen Daniels can catch. This offense will be much improved if the tight end is going to catch a few passes and occupy an outside linebacker's interest and make it more interesting in "yards after the catch" in open field running against defensive backs.

DEFENSIVE END is going to be a battle.... Babin, PEEK is the battle I am going to love watching. I hope the best man wins...

[TexanFan881]

Originally Posted by Vambo, the Marble Eye

Tight End
SURPRISE...Mark Bruener will NOT make the team. Jeb Putzier. Bennie Joppru, and Owen Daniels can catch. This offense will be much improved if the tight end is going to catch a few passes and occupy an outside linebacker's interest and make it more interesting in "yards after the catch" in open field running against defensive backs.

I don't know about not making the team...maybe getting cut, but if that doesn't happen and the improvements he's making are really happening he won't miss the team. I think we need atleast one TE that is good at blocking.

I think the Battle between Peek and Babin will be a good one...I also think that we may see a lot of movement in the secondary...I just hope Buchanon, and at least one of our safeties step up, so that way when we go DB in the first next yr it will solidy our Secondary...

[Runner]

Originally Posted by Vambo, the Marble Eye

(When Wand was a starter, didn't DD gain most of his yards to the left side?)

In 2004 we had our highest yards per carry (not necessarily total yards) to the left side. This is highest yards/carry for any year, any direction - according to some readily available statistics anyway.

[Scooter]

i think our d-line is very interesting with peek & babin fighting for the "other" DE position, along with the quality 4 deep defensive tackles (if travis decides to play).

the one i'm really interested in is the #3/#4 wide receiver spot. i'm pulling heavily for derrick "i just catch everything" armstrong, but walter's probably leading right now for the spot. after them you've also got the rookie david anderson who kubiak seems pretty fond of and derrick lewis who you just cant help but root for.

[El Tejano]

I want to know who is going to win the DT spot opposite Weaver.

[powerfuldragon]

i think we'll give PBuch a chance at #2 cb.

[TexanFan881]

Originally Posted by PowerfulDragon

i think we'll give PBuch a chance at #2 cb.

He will definately get his shot, hopefully he'll take advantage of that this year.