Two Key Players No One Is Talking About

[captain stone]

I’d like to talk about someone else. What’s the deal with former Broncos S Simmons ? Not one team want him ?

No team can come to terms with Simmons. It does take two to agree to a contract.

Just seems like he’s performed and that usually a team or two is willing to meet demands before June.

He and Gilmore likely will wait, secure a deal that they like, and come to Training Camp. There is little advantage to them to sign earlier unless they got a really good deal that they felt that they couldn't refuse.

He'll be 31 years old this season, he probably wants Duggar money still.

He might also want to skip minicamp and join a team then.

Sign The Beast!

I would've: Let the ridiculously over-rated Uncle Dugg walk; moved Peppers the Superior player to Strong Safety; committed to trying Shaun Wade at Free Safety; used part of the savings on a UFA FS who doesn't suck; and signed one of the top UDFA FSs too. Our over-their-heads FO has done None of this, of course.

 

[Vindicate]

Sign The Beast!

I would've: Let the ridiculously over-rated Uncle Dugg walk; moved Peppers the Superior player to Strong Safety; committed to trying Shaun Wade at Free Safety; used part of the savings on a UFA FS who doesn't suck; and signed one of the top UDFA FSs too. Our over-their-heads FO has done None of this, of course.

What makes you think he's overrated? He seemed to be in good position last year and before, but it's possible I wasn't giving him a critical eye. I do like Peppers a lot. The Patriots archetype of a versatile, smart, and hardworking player.

 

[Real fan 02]

you cant keep everyone.
I assume the team goes with 9 OL
Also assume 6 WR's
3 QB's?
3 RB's?
who do you have filling those spots?

KB will be on PUP, and heck likely so will juju. Yes to 3 QBs, yes to 3 RBs.

WR- KB, pop, KJ, Polk, Baker, Thornton
QBs- drake, Brissett,Milton
RBs- Gibson, Rham, Harris Jr.

 

[Real fan 02]

Sign The Beast!

I would've: Let the ridiculously over-rated Uncle Dugg walk; moved Peppers the Superior player to Strong Safety; committed to trying Shaun Wade at Free Safety; used part of the savings on a UFA FS who doesn't suck; and signed one of the top UDFA FSs too. Our over-their-heads FO has done None of this, of course.

Not a bad idea Cap'n. But on Dugger I don't believe he's overrated at all. He had an all pro caliber season in '22.. the absence of a true FS was why he and peppers had to masquerade as one last season. The offense was so horrible last season that the defense suffered peppers should have been an ALL PRO.

 

[mgteich]

KB will be on PUP, and heck likely so will juju. Yes to 3 QBs, yes to 3 RBs.

WR- KB, pop, KJ, Polk, Baker, Thornton
QBs- drake, Brissett,Milton
RBs- Gibson, Rham, Harris Jr.

Yup. I complete the list

6 WR- KB, pop, KJ, Polk, Baker, Thornton or Reagor
3 QBs- Drake, Brissett, Milton
3 RBs- Gibson, Rham, Harris Jr.(or fa upgrade)
3 TEs- Henry, Hooper, (Wilcox, Bell or Petway)
5 starting OL's - Okorafor, Strange, Andrews, Sow, Onwenu
5 backup OL's - Wallace, Robinson, Andrews, Leverett or Mafi, Anderson or Lowe
25 total

BOTTOM LINE
There is plenty of room for 6 WR's AND 10 OL's (my concern), even if KB isn't on the PUP list.

 

[rkarp1]

Yup. I complete the list

6 WR- KB, pop, KJ, Polk, Baker, Thornton or Reagor
3 QBs- Drake, Brissett, Milton
3 RBs- Gibson, Rham, Harris Jr.(or fa upgrade)
3 TEs- Henry, Hooper, (Wilcox, Bell or Petway)
5 starting OL's - Okorafor, Strange, Andrews, Sow, Onwenu
5 backup OL's - Wallace, Robinson, Andrews, Leverett or Mafi, Anderson or Lowe
25 total

BOTTOM LINE
There is plenty of room for 6 WR's AND 10 OL's (my concern), even if KB isn't on the PUP list.

so you have Mafi and Thornton as the two on my list that would maybe be cut.
I have 9 ol and you have 10 ol
I have 6 wr and you have 7 wr

 

[Real fan 02]

Yup. I complete the list

6 WR- KB, pop, KJ, Polk, Baker, Thornton or Reagor
3 QBs- Drake, Brissett, Milton
3 RBs- Gibson, Rham, Harris Jr.(or fa upgrade)
3 TEs- Henry, Hooper, (Wilcox, Bell or Petway)
5 starting OL's - Okorafor, Strange, Andrews, Sow, Onwenu
5 backup OL's - Wallace, Robinson, Andrews, Leverett or Mafi, Anderson or Lowe
25 total

BOTTOM LINE
There is plenty of room for 6 WR's AND 10 OL's (my concern), even if KB isn't on the PUP list.

Yes, your list is a carbon copy of mine basically. I just don't see juju healthy enough to warrant a spot. Becuase of his contract you'd like to have him around to contribute, and help mentor the rookies as he does have championship pedigree.

But I believe polk &baker are what we sorely have been lacking at the position. KJ Osborne is an upgrade over juju as well.

 

[mgteich]

so you have Mafi and Thornton as the two on my list that would maybe be cut.
I have 9 ol and you have 10 ol
I have 6 wr and you have 7 wr

I have 10 OL and 6 WR.

And yes, I have both Thornton and Mafi fighting for a roster spot.

Just BTW, I’m fine with only 5 WR's if we carry another RB or choose to use the roster spot for a defensive player.

 

[Real fan 02]

I have 10 OL and 6 WR.

And yes, I have both Thornton and Maci fighting for a roster spot.

Just BTW, I’m fine with only 5 Wr if we carry another RB or choose to use the roster spot for a defensive player.

Mayo's mentioned today strange is month to month. Not good. Also as expected KB won't be available for OTAs. So safe to say both guys are coming off serious injuries so project to be starting the season on PUP. Thornton likely gets a roster spot due to that.

 

[Stu Pidassle]

Mayo's mentioned today strange is month to month. Not good. Also as expected KB won't be available for OTAs. So safe to say both guys are coming off serious injuries so project to be starting the season on PUP. Thornton likely gets a roster spot due to that.

Having Strange miss training camp would be disappointing for sure. According to Dr. Google, recovery for patella tendon surgery is 4+ months with a year to fully recover, so month to month not a falsehood. No coach likes to give information on injuries. This is the first time I have heard Mayo giving an injury update so his way of deflecting. BB used to say he wasn't a medical professional when asked about injuries and not answer. Same result, just with the perception of more transparency and openness.

 

[Real fan 02]

Having Strange miss training camp would be disappointing for sure. According to Dr. Google, recovery for patella tendon surgery is 4+ months with a year to fully recover, so month to month not a falsehood. No coach likes to give information on injuries. This is the first time I have heard Mayo giving an injury update so his way of deflecting. BB used to say he wasn't a medical professional when asked about injuries and not answer. Same result, just with the perception of more transparency and openness.

I agree. It's not ideal to have your starting LG not available especially when installing your offense. That's what's normally done during OTAs.

Yeah we haven't been winning so transparency is some the organization is going to have be to keep the fans engaged. This the 2nd time strange got hurt? Or did he re-injur the same injury?

 

[Stu Pidassle]

I agree. It's not ideal to have your starting LG not available especially when installing your offense. That's what's normally done during OTAs.

Yeah we haven't been winning so transparency is some the organization is going to have be to keep the fans engaged. This the 2nd time strange got hurt? Or did he re-injur the same injury?

There were two separate events. I believe he was just getting back to normal from the first injury and the tendon ruptured as a second, season ending injury. I don't know if the first set the table for the second injury.

 

[State]

Calvin A is the only bona fide LT on the roster. VLowe is a possibility there, which he can play unlike RT where he was a disaster.

And without a deep threat at wideout, this offense will be clunky at best. That’s why BoneyT needs to be given extra opportunities to excel.

We could win only two games. Or be close to .500. These two positions are crucial. And in a precarious place.

 

[PatsFanInVa]

I don't know why we're so eager to cut someone, when camp and competition will sort it out. There's almost always camp and preseason injuries, there are also camp surprises.

If Thornton just clicks in year three, if the line blocks well and they have a QB now who knows how to throw the deep ball... this could make cutting him impossible, and why would you want to? Can we not use a 6'2" tall WR who also happens to be the fastest guy in the league?

The absolute best outcome possible is Douglas in the slot, Thorton stretching the field on the outside and one of the rookies on the other side... that would be maximizing the athleticism in that WR room.

I'm rooting for Thornton to stay healthy and get his act together, that's the best thing that could happen. To hell with cutting him.

Guys like to make lists and think of players as "good" or "bad" in a vacuum. Your later comments on TT might also end up being on point. Yes, it's all tied together.

1. Mac had to throw pretty much instantly. Whatever else sucked about him, that sucked for him.
2. That said, all QBs develop chemistry with their favorites.
3. And that said, there's a reason TT never moved up that totem pole.

Is there something intrinsic that makes a TyQuantumLeap impossible? I mean, that's what you have training camp for! I find myself thinking, "We're at square one. Nobody has a connection with anybody. Nobody knows what to think of the offensive staff." ...and finding that to be a vast improvement.

Holy crap

Welp, if the JEST can win the super bowl every off-season, sure, I can convince myself a little.

 

[jdlboot14]

I'm no JuJu fan... but it's almost certain that KB will have to start on PUP (which might make it hard for him to be a captain)?
So, it seems unlikely they'll go with just all youth + a new guy KJ, will they? They might want a vet leader on the field like JuJu.
--> Pop, KJ, Polk, Baker + 2 of these (JuJu, TT, Reagor, Boutte) I'd bet JuJu sticks on the 53.

If I'm looking at versatility, it's either Reagor or TT, as a backup to Pop in the speed/shiftiness category. The rest are all the same.
But if TT keeps showing his improvement through camp, he may surprise.
Then, when KB comes back you have to drop whomever is injured, or not producing.
--> KB, Pop, KJ, Polk, Baker, (JuJu OR TT)

 

[State]

Having Strange miss training camp would be disappointing for sure. According to Dr. Google, recovery for patella tendon surgery is 4+ months with a year to fully recover, so month to month not a falsehood. No coach likes to give information on injuries. This is the first time I have heard Mayo giving an injury update so his way of deflecting. BB used to say he wasn't a medical professional when asked about injuries and not answer. Same result, just with the perception of more transparency and openness.

Yeah, Strange can’t be counted on the first half of the season. He will need ample time to build up the strength in that leg.

He’s not walking in to RiteAid recovery. He’s going to need to be gap blocking nfl linemen off the ball.

But it could be a blessing. Because I like Sidy Sow better.

But the LT position is going to be interesting. The guy who wrote The Blind Side says it’s the second most important after QB.

Absolutely bringing in vet FA if sickly Anderson or right side Okorafor show signs of being VLowe at RT.

 

[PatsFanInVa]

Training camp will be wild. Imagine TT, knowing he's on the bubble, suddenly being able to get open enough, with Drake Maye's arm.

OK, I'm not getting excited until I am.

 

[stinkypete]

Training camp will be wild. Imagine TT, knowing he's on the bubble, suddenly being able to get open enough, with Drake Maye's arm.

OK, I'm not getting excited until I am.

The excitement will only be surpassed by the collective shock when he doesn't make the 53.

 

[PatsFanInVa]

The excitement will only be surpassed by the collective shock when he doesn't make the 53.

I'm not sure whether we'll be more shocked if he does or if he doesn't. The big upside so far has been about a 40 time.

 

[JohnJH]

Ju-ju will be moved as soon as we get someone to pay for part of his 2024 salary. Otherwise, he will simply be cut.
======
Thornton is another story entirely. Bourne is likely to start on the PUP list. Thornton would be kept through camp. If he has an OK camp, he could be on the 53 until Bourne comes back, and/or he could be traded for a 6th round pick. Another team might take a chance on Thornton. The commitment would be small. He has a very low contract and he would be available for cheap.

Unless Boutte has a great camp and pre-season. Then, he might be kept until Bourne is ready to go. Edit: It also depends on any legal issues that he has, and how it may impact his availability to play this season.