Does AJ Derby get his chance on Sunday?

[ctpatsfan77]

Here's what he did during the preseason.

Saints: 3/4, 47 yrds, 24 long
Bears: 6/7, 71 yds, 26 long, 1 TD
Panthers: 1/3, 20 yds, 20 long
Giants: 5/7, 51 yds, 18 long

TOTAL: 15/21 [71.4%], 189 yards, 26 long, TD

I saw a stat that he played 135 snaps during the preseason. If true, that means that more than 1/7 of all the snaps on which he played resulted in pass attempts to him.

 

[supafly]

As you seemed to insinuate, it will all depend upon game planning and how much they're passing, but it's hard for me to envision a scenario where he isn't active and doesn't at least see the field in some capacity.

Whether or not he's targeted, or how often, will likely depend on the circumstances of the game itself. Good luck to him.

 

[BlueThunder]

Bill and Josh will try to establish a running game but my guess it is going to be basically
Quick throws and Y.A.C. .......J.G. gets a tough baptism of fire in his first NFL start.

Defense has to keep them in the game or it could get ugly..

 

[VJCPatriot]

Gronk is out. So yes it would actually surprise me if Derby didn't see significant snaps in the Arizona game.

 

[Jackson 2]

Given the need for pass protection with Gronk, Solder and Cooper out, I'd expect more Clay Harbor than Derby.

 

[supafly]

Given the need for pass protection with Gronk, Solder and Cooper out, I'd expect more Clay Harbor than Derby.

That's what I'm expecting as well, although Derby may see some situational snaps in an attempt to get him more comfortable.

Whether or not he's targeted is anyone's guess, though.

 

[Froob]

I wonder if Bill ever tried to get Ben Watson back, I was shocked he left NOLa.

 

[PP2]

Gronk is out. So yes it would actually surprise me if Derby didn't see significant snaps in the Arizona game.

Wouldn't be surprised to see extensive action for him.

If this was the WWF, his name would be Demolition Derby.

 

[willard]

I would like to see him involved more, but I agree Clay's blocking and experience are needed here. Derby might run some nice routes and have more receptions from Jimmy G than anyone this preseason, but Clay can give a lot of that plus a more mature understanding of the position to take on a more complex role in the defense.

Gronk out hurts, but with Bennett and Harbor we have good tight end play. Nothing a young quarterback loves more than good tight end play.

 

[meatface]

Does anyone remember Zach Sudfled? Just saying

 

[meatface]

I would like to see him involved more, but I agree Clay's blocking and experience are needed here. Derby might run some nice routes and have more receptions from Jimmy G than anyone this preseason, but Clay can give a lot of that plus a more mature understanding of the position to take on a more complex role in the defense.

Gronk out hurts, but with Bennett and Harbor we have good tight end play. Nothing a young quarterback loves more than good tight end play.

i think a young QB likes a solid O-line better but to each his own

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Does anyone remember Zach Sudfled? Just saying

Yeah, I do. I'm not saying Derby will catch 13 passes for 200 yards. I was asking if you think he'll get the chance to prove himself.

 

[PScottman]

Many are saying "either/or" in regards to Harbor and Derby. Isn't there a distinct possibility of both? What could be easier in diagnosing a play than three TEs? A little movement of one or two of them and you can pretty quickly scout the coverage and even the rush.

Add in the protection help and mismatch possibilities, plus beef for the running game - and not a plethora of WRs...why would three TE sets shock ANYONE here?

 

[manxman2601]

Many are saying "either/or" in regards to Harbor and Derby. Isn't there a distinct possibility of both? What could be easier in diagnosing a play than three TEs? A little movement of one or two of them and you can pretty quickly scout the coverage and even the rush.

Add in the protection help and mismatch possibilities, plus beef for the running game - and not a plethora of WRs...why would three TE sets shock ANYONE here?

I think we'll get a heavy dose of Develin to help in the run game which would preclude the 3 TE set. The problem with 3 TEs is that one of Hogan/Edelman has to come off the field. I could see it in some shorter redzone plays however.

 

[PP2]

Nothing a young quarterback loves more than good tight end play.

 

[convertedpatsfan]

...especially if they split out wide...

...wait, what?

 

[PP2]

...especially if they split out wide...

Yes, put that tight end in motion.

 

[I.M. Fletcher]

I wouldn't be surprised to see Bennett act as the blocking TE more frequently this week.

Maybe harbor and derby switch spots depending on how they want to use Bennett, but I think derby/Bennett creates more deception.