Player Watch: J. Sheard

[PatsBoy12]

I just wanted to open up a dialogue about certain players on the team this year that intrigue me a bit. I figured I'd start with Sheard because he intrigues me. He is a guy who has tons of talent and many believe he was wasting his time in CLE. I saw some flash in preseason that made me believe he would be a really strong addition to the roster this season. I cannot say I was overwhelmed Thurs. night, but he did make plays and I think part of NE's struggles was partly because the game plan called for them to stay disciplined and contain Ben rather than all out pass rush.

With all that said, what do you all think are realistic expectations for him? Whether it's sack totals or just overall play, what do you all believe we will see from him as the season progresses?

 

[jboston19]

Expecting a solid season from him. I think he'll be very valuable as an additional pass rusher and also reducing Nine and Jones' workloads.

 

[BlueThunder]

I expect he'll just keep getting better as he gets integrated into the defense and feels comfortable with everything. The sky's the limit if he can stay healthy.

 

[PatsBoy12]

I'm calling 9 sacks from him this season. So I guess he has eight to go.

 

[farn]

Glad he's onboard. Anyone a tad concerned with setting the edge? Seemed to get burned a few times.

 

[PatsBoy12]

Glad he's onboard. Anyone a tad concerned with setting the edge? Seemed to get burned a few times.

I thought the same thing from the Saints preseason game. So, yes for me. He seems to always be in pass rush mode and he love the inside move from what I can tell.

 

[Marqui]

Glad he's onboard. Anyone a tad concerned with setting the edge? Seemed to get burned a few times.

So did Ninkovich.

 

[RobertWeathers]

I'm glad Kareem Abdul Jabaal is here. He'll do just fine.

He might be better vs the run than Jones is already.

 

[PatsBoy12]

I'm glad Kareem Abdul Jabaal is here. He'll do just fine.

He might be better vs the run than Jones is already.

Harsh, Rob, but totally accurate. LOL

 

[RobertWeathers]

Harsh, Rob, but totally accurate. LOL

I thought Jones made a couple of decent stops but my impression is that Jabaal plays with excellent leverage. He'll figure out the edge-setting here.

 

[PatsBoy12]

I thought Jones made a couple of decent stops but my impression is that Jabaal plays with excellent leverage. He'll figure out the edge-setting here.

Jones made a hell of a stop on third down (IIRC) in early in the first quarter. I believe it was Pittsburgh's second possession. He put on some weight in the off season, and that should help him not get pushed around on running plays as much. I was a bit on the fence about them kicking him on the inside before, but I think that's partly why he seemingly wears down at the end of games. Easley could have taken some of the snaps. Sheard will take some. I could see Flowers taking a few (and hopefully shining - I really like him). But alas, the thread is about Sheard, so I'll stop here.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Jones made a hell of a stop on third down (IIRC) in early in the first quarter. I believe it was Pittsburgh's second possession. He put on some weight in the off season, and that should help him not get pushed around on running plays as much. I was a bit on the fence about them kicking him on the inside before, but I think that's partly why he seemingly wears down at the end of games. Easley could have taken some of the snaps. Sheard will take some. I could see Flowers taking a few (and hopefully shining - I really like him). But alas, the thread is about Sheard, so I'll stop here.

Yes. Jones' legs look a little bigger.

Jabaal is shorter and same weight I think. Just seems powerful. We'll see.

I really like Flowers. Grissom replacing Easley on the inside was a bit nutty. Oh well.

Waiting for them to unleash Rufus!

 

[MrNathanDrake]

grissom inside was a head scratcher

 

[supafly]

It should be noted that while Sheard's statistics declined over his past 2 seasons in CLE, he toughed it out and played through injury. They also changed their scheme and had him moving around a bit too much.

This should be a system where he excels, or at least contributes significantly (IMO).

 

[pencilneckgeek]

Glad he's onboard. Anyone a tad concerned with setting the edge? Seemed to get burned a few times.

He looked super solid in the pre-season setting the edge. He had all the skills and looks to be applying then well. I think he develops into their most productive DE (but only because Jones will spend significant time at DT).

 

[RobertWeathers]

He looked super solid in the pre-season setting the edge. He had all the skills and looks to be applying then well. I think he develops into their most productive DE (but only because Jones will spend significant time at DT).

I forget which reputible writer said it (Curran, Reiss or Howe) but they related that a member of the coaching staff was super-excited about Jabaal but he had picked up some bad technique habits in CLE that he is currently working hard on fixing and expected he would be a big time contributor here.

 

[pencilneckgeek]

I particularly like how after the one play (that I noticed) where he gave-up the edge to Williams, he came back at his next opportunity and not only set a strong edge but also disengaged and made the tackle within 1 yard of the LOS. It happened on the same drive. He didn't need to be coached-up; he self-corrected and then executed perfectly.