Ellis, Austin, Stevenson, Douglas

[mgteich]

ILB
Spillane played 100% of the reps and had ZERO missed tackles.
ELLIS was benched after continuing to miss tackles. Gibbens played more than he did. I would hope that this is a permanent switch.
Mapu continues to be a role player, just holding Tavai's spot I expect.

CB
AUSTIN had another poor game and was benched. Woods got his reps. We'll see how this goes in the future.

RB
Josh is continuing to try to find the right mix. Gibson got a lot of Stevenson's reps.
46% Henderson
36% STEVENSON
26% Gibson

WR
DOUGLAS is still getting far too many reps (29%) as the #4 WR. Williams is still getting few reps. Given how well Boutte is playing, we have the luxury of taking our time with WIlliams. I hope that we will see Douglas inactive this coming week. Whether we have 5 WR's active is different decision. The 5th WR seems to not be needed given how much the TE's are part of the passing game. Hooper had lots of reps.

The reps are spread out with the following receivers having over 50% of the reps: Henry, Boutte, Hooper, Hollins, Diggs. Given that all the running backs are good receivers (giving Maye a total of 8 targets) and will Williams needing to get a few reps, an active 5th WR is certainly not NEEDED as a 10th receiving target.

Should Vrabel find the room on the active roster to develop TWO WR's, the Chism can certainly join Williams.

 

[signbabybrady]

 

[Patsfan1645]

Douglas has been targeted 13 times through 3 games and has caught 5 for 13 yards, averaging 2.6 yards a catch. He is currently a non-factor. I would get Chism in the starting line up to see if he can be more productive. Currently that bar is very low to out perform Pop.

 

[denverpatsfan]

That fat tight end pushed off. Should have been OPI. Not Austin's fault.

 

[UGAPatsfan]

That fat tight end pushed off. Should have been OPI. Not Austin's fault.

As a GA fan I was shocked to see how much weight Washington has put on since college.

I’m actually shocked they haven’t moved him to Tackle.

He’s that big, AND still far more athletic than most Tackles.

 

[Ring 6]

ILB
Spillane played 100% of the reps and had ZERO missed tackles.
ELLIS was benched after continuing to miss tackles. Gibbens played more than he did. I would hope that this is a permanent switch.
Mapu continues to be a role player, just holding Tavai's spot I expect.

CB
AUSTIN had another poor game and was benched. Woods got his reps. We'll see how this goes in the future.

RB
Josh is continuing to try to find the right mix. Gibson got a lot of Stevenson's reps.
46% Henderson
36% STEVENSON
26% Gibson

WR
DOUGLAS is still getting far too many reps (29%) as the #4 WR. Williams is still getting few reps. Given how well Boutte is playing, we have the luxury of taking our time with WIlliams. I hope that we will see Douglas inactive this coming week. Whether we have 5 WR's active is different decision. The 5th WR seems to not be needed given how much the TE's are part of the passing game. Hooper had lots of reps.

The reps are spread out with the following receivers having over 50% of the reps: Henry, Boutte, Hooper, Hollins, Diggs. Given that all the running backs are good receivers (giving Maye a total of 8 targets) and will Williams needing to get a few reps, an active 5th WR is certainly not NEEDED as a 10th receiving target.

Should Vrabel find the room on the active roster to develop TWO WR's, the Chism can certainly join Williams.

Mapu plays on passing downs. Tavai is not replacing him on passing downs.

Boutte has 3 catches for 44 yards in the last 2 games.
Hollins has 5 for 35
Douglas has 2 for 15.

That’s 3/4 of our WR corp producing 47 yards a game. That is not “playing well so we have the luxury of waiting”. That’s awful. To sum it up 3/4 of our wr snaps are being wasted on guys who are proving at a rate that would COMBINE FOR less than 700 receiving yards in a season. There are on average 1.8 snaps per play from these 3.

 

[Ross12]

I think they should keep Gibbens as the second LB for now, until Tavai comes back. At that point, Tavai probably takes the spot. Then Ellis and Gibbens are depth pieces for specific situations. Obviously we hoped Ellis would take a step forward but it hasn't come together.

Bench Stevenson for a week, then work him in here and there as the third RB. Henderson ~40% of snaps, Gibson ~35%, Stevenson ~25%. Perhaps elevate Jennings for a couple weeks and see if he gives you something. Realistically, they're missing a true "power" back. But those guys aren't usually that hard to find. Maybe start sniffing around some practice squads.

Douglas just doesn't have it, at least in this offense. Start giving Chism some reps, and also sub him in for Jones as a punt returner here and there.

I don't really have a problem with Austin, he's just a CB4 at best being forced to play too much. Until Gonzo gets back, rotate him and Woods. When Gonzo gets back, neither of them are likely to see the field much anyway.

 

[Thelonious]

For the defensive backs, determine as objectively as you can who is playing best and play that guy. Let that be the only criterion - unlike in the past, beginning with decisions made during and just after the preseason.. Vrabel claims you earn the right to play, which necessarily implies that if you do not perform, you lose the right to play. Put your money where your mouth is, tough guy, for a change. Rhamondre should be inactive for at least one game. If or when there is objective evidence, based on how he practices, that he has changed enough that he can be trusted to hold onto the ball, he can play again. If he does not accomplish this in a few weeks, you can boot him off the team for all I care. Vrabel has his head up his butt on this, claiming that the problem is with Rhamondre's teammates not dealing with the "second guy" who comes hard and unexpectedly. Horseshit. Rhamondre drops the damned ball with light or even no contact. As for Douglas, unless he is still limited by injury, you have to give Chism a shot. He earned it in the preseason, and the likelihood he can't do at least as well as Douglas is minimal. Play the linebackers who play best, fer crissakes.

Vrabel needs to stop of all the nambypamby horseshit, stop worrying about hurting guys' feeling, and run the team the way he claimed he would. This is ********.

Play the player you think on an empirical basis will consistently play the best. If it turns out you are wrong, acknowledge it - honestly - and try again. Pretty basic stuff.

 

[Clonamery]

I think they should keep Gibbens as the second LB for now, until Tavai comes back. At that point, Tavai probably takes the spot. Then Ellis and Gibbens are depth pieces for specific situations. Obviously we hoped Ellis would take a step forward but it hasn't come together.

Bench Stevenson for a week, then work him in here and there as the third RB. Henderson ~40% of snaps, Gibson ~35%, Stevenson ~25%. Perhaps elevate Jennings for a couple weeks and see if he gives you something. Realistically, they're missing a true "power" back. But those guys aren't usually that hard to find. Maybe start sniffing around some practice squads.

Douglas just doesn't have it, at least in this offense. Start giving Chism some reps, and also sub him in for Jones as a punt returner here and there.

I don't really have a problem with Austin, he's just a CB4 at best being forced to play too much. Until Gonzo gets back, rotate him and Woods. When Gonzo gets back, neither of them are likely to see the field much anyway.

This is fair. I'm not blaming Douglas 100% on missed targets as the QB is somewhat erratic on short throws but Douglas has not made a role for what he's been charged with thus far.

 

[Love The Drake]

For the defensive backs, determine as objectively as you can who is playing best and play that guy. Let that be the only criterion - unlike in the past, beginning with decisions made during and just after the preseason.. Vrabel claims you earn the right to play, which necessarily implies that if you do not perform, you lose the right to play. Put your money where your mouth is, tough guy, for a change. Rhamondre should be inactive for at least one game. If or when there is objective evidence, based on how he practices, that he has changed enough that he can be trusted to hold onto the ball, he can play again. If he does not accomplish this in a few weeks, you can boot him off the team for all I care. Vrabel has his head up his butt on this, claiming that the problem is with Rhamondre's teammates not dealing with the "second guy" who comes hard and unexpectedly. Horseshit. Rhamondre drops the damned ball with light or even no contact. As for Douglas, unless he is still limited by injury, you have to give Chism a shot. He earned it in the preseason, and the likelihood he can't do at least as well as Douglas is minimal. Play the linebackers who play best, fer crissakes.

Vrabel needs to stop of all the nambypamby horseshit, stop worrying about hurting guys' feeling, and run the team the way he claimed he would. This is ********.

Play the player you think on an empirical basis will play the best. Pretty basic stuff.

Ty Law said Vrabel was just doing coach talk to protect him from the media but he said behind closed doors it’s definitely being addressed to him.

 

[Rob0729]

I think Austin will be fine when Gonzalez gets back. He is just ask to play a role he isn't good enough for because of injuries.

 

[mgteich]

I think Austin will be fine when Gonzalez gets back. He is just ask to play a role he isn't good enough for because of injuries.

Is Austin better than Woods? We'll see. They are our #4 and #5 CB's.

 

[Thelonious]

Ty Law said Vrabel was just doing coach talk to protect him from the media but he said behind closed doors it’s definitely being addressed to him.

The proof is in the pudding. I'll judge him by what he does and by the results of what he does. Rumors as to his manner in private are not of much interest.

 

[p8ryts]

For the defensive backs, determine as objectively as you can who is playing best and play that guy. Let that be the only criterion - unlike in the past, beginning with decisions made during and just after the preseason.. Vrabel claims you earn the right to play, which necessarily implies that if you do not perform, you lose the right to play. Put your money where your mouth is, tough guy, for a change. Rhamondre should be inactive for at least one game. If or when there is objective evidence, based on how he practices, that he has changed enough that he can be trusted to hold onto the ball, he can play again. If he does not accomplish this in a few weeks, you can boot him off the team for all I care. Vrabel has his head up his butt on this, claiming that the problem is with Rhamondre's teammates not dealing with the "second guy" who comes hard and unexpectedly. Horseshit. Rhamondre drops the damned ball with light or even no contact. As for Douglas, unless he is still limited by injury, you have to give Chism a shot. He earned it in the preseason, and the likelihood he can't do at least as well as Douglas is minimal. Play the linebackers who play best, fer crissakes.

Vrabel needs to stop of all the nambypamby horseshit, stop worrying about hurting guys' feeling, and run the team the way he claimed he would. This is ********.

Play the player you think on an empirical basis will consistently play the best. If it turns out you are wrong, acknowledge it - honestly - and try again. Pretty basic stuff.

Vrabel highlighted Chism's playing strength during pre season. Chism also showed on a few plays where he made those aggressive forward moves. Maybe he just has better football instincts than Pop.

 

[Thelonious]

Vrabel highlighted Chism's playing strength during pre season. Chism also showed on a few plays where he made those aggressive forward moves. Maybe he just has better football instincts than Pop.

It's reasonable to think so. He deserves a shot, simple as that, unless he is still injured.

 

[Zuma]

Keep Spillane and Gibbens as "starters" even when Tavai comes back. Mapu should be the 1st off the bench.

 

[203Pat]

I think Austin will be fine when Gonzalez gets back. He is just ask to play a role he isn't good enough for because of injuries.

Hoping Gonzo coming back slides everyone else into spots on the depth chart they're more suited for.

 

[stelfans]

Can’t say I disagree with any of that.
Time to unleash Williams.

 

[PatsFan2]

For the defensive backs, determine as objectively as you can who is playing best and play that guy. Let that be the only criterion - unlike in the past, beginning with decisions made during and just after the preseason.. Vrabel claims you earn the right to play, which necessarily implies that if you do not perform, you lose the right to play. Put your money where your mouth is, tough guy, for a change. Rhamondre should be inactive for at least one game. If or when there is objective evidence, based on how he practices, that he has changed enough that he can be trusted to hold onto the ball, he can play again. If he does not accomplish this in a few weeks, you can boot him off the team for all I care. Vrabel has his head up his butt on this, claiming that the problem is with Rhamondre's teammates not dealing with the "second guy" who comes hard and unexpectedly. Horseshit. Rhamondre drops the damned ball with light or even no contact. As for Douglas, unless he is still limited by injury, you have to give Chism a shot. He earned it in the preseason, and the likelihood he can't do at least as well as Douglas is minimal. Play the linebackers who play best, fer crissakes.

Vrabel needs to stop of all the nambypamby horseshit, stop worrying about hurting guys' feeling, and run the team the way he claimed he would. This is ********.

Play the player you think on an empirical basis will consistently play the best. If it turns out you are wrong, acknowledge it - honestly - and try again. Pretty basic stuff.

Vrabel is blowing smoke up the media's @ss: I am sure he chewed out his high priced Fumbling RB in private. What stung a little bit was Gibson fumbling. Gibby couldn't have done it at a worse time; misery loves company.

 

[Ring 6]

Keep Spillane and Gibbens as "starters" even when Tavai comes back. Mapu should be the 1st off the bench.

Assuming Gibbens plays well enough to keep the job.

I think Tavai is first off the bench, but Mapu plays in passing situations.