Ras-I Dowling

[Archeryaddict12]

Ras-I, time to step up and help make this D take steps forward.

 

[Gumby]

I have no idea where the idea that he 'could be special' is coming from other than wishful thinking. He's played in 8 games in 2 seasons and has done nothing of note in any of them.

True if you look at the STATS log. But my recollection is that my EYES told me something different. When he was healthy, he was put out there as RCB and he played tight - as close to shut down as we have seen in a long time. Sometimes looking at stats tells you the wrong things; that he has low tackle #s and no INTs - does that mean the QBs STAYED AWAY from him; or that he didn't do sheet? My recollection is he was the best looking cb out there.

 

[Gumby]

I sure hope so mgteich. I've adopted Dowling as my binkie this season. He better turn All Pro in 2013 or else...

Ditto; but I date back to last year. Hopefully I have better luck this year w/ my 'binkyism' with you on board.

 

[Ring 6]

With Dennard injured, I think Dowling would start. He is our #3 CB at the moment. Arrington is our #1 nickel back. As with all rookies corner, we'll wait and see regarding rookie contributions from Ryan.

The last time dowling was healthy Arrington was starting outside over him.
I'm not sure dowling has done anything yet to beat him out.
The concept that Arrington will only play nickel is a fan creation and we do not have any evidence bb agrees yet.

 

[patsinthesnow]

This is by far the homer thread of the year.

 

[primetime]

This is by far the homer thread of the year.

I don't remember him getting burned in the very limited action he's had so far and he looks good in minicamps without any pads on, ergo he is a superstar in the making. In fact, let's just admit that he's already a superstar - it's just these injuries holding him back.

 

[Marqui]

The last time dowling was healthy Arrington was starting outside over him.
I'm not sure dowling has done anything yet to beat him out.
The concept that Arrington will only play nickel is a fan creation and we do not have any evidence bb agrees yet.

Dowling wasn't fully healthy at any point last year.

 

[jmt57]

Was the pun intentional in this headline from NEPatriotsDraft.com?

Breaking Down Ras-I Dowling

After analyzing two games for Dowling from both the 2011 and 2012 season, here is Oliver Thomas' conclusion:

This is Dowling’s moment. If he can’t establish himself during training camp and the preseason, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the Patriots cut bait with just one year left on his rookie contract.

Dowling possesses all the skills needed to be a tough man-to-man corner in the NFL. He just doesn’t seem to possess the sturdiness necessary to play in that manner. Best implemented press-man coverage, Dowling excels when he can step into his receivers. When forced to play in too much space, or against quick inside routes, he often looks lost.

Dowling’s size and athleticism are hard to come by. He’s the biggest Patriots cornerback on the 90-man roster, and he plays like it, too. Yet with Aqib Talib manning the starting left cornerback spot, Arrington manning the slot and rookie third-round draft pick Logan Ryan waiting in the wings, Dowling will have to stand out. While OTAs must be taken with a grain of salt — they are a classroom for football learning — Dowling has reportedly done just that.

As a 25-year-old entering his third year in the system, expect Dowling to make a run at the right cornerback spot currently held by Dennard. If he can make the competition a close one, that could be enough for him to remain in New England.

Tall, physical cornerbacks are few and far between. And when one has the range and smooth backpedal that Dowling does, they’re considered a sought-after commodity. That said, it all comes down to health. If Dowling can play a full season, or even half a season, he could work his way into a role on the outside, pressing imposing targets.

At least, that’s what New England’s coaching staff should be shooting for. Dowling’s career is much like one’s mindset after injury: Expect the worst, hope for the best. If he can put it all together, he could be the reclamation project of 2013.​

 

[patfanken]

While Dowlings' first 2 years leave us little for us to hang our hats on his potential good health, EVERY season is a new ball game and there is equally NOTHING to this point that should make us believe that he couldn't remain relatively healthy for THIS season. ...And if that becomes the case, his brief game experience has shown us that he CAN be a positive contributor to the secondary.

What I don't understand is the perverse nature of some fans who seem to take some strange pleasure in his past injury history, as if its more important to their fandom that they are proven correct about his injury reputation; than the team that they are supposedly rooting for, gets the use of a rare tall CB who has a set of skills that would be helpful to the team effort.

Nah, it would be MUCH better if "they" are proven right, and, of course, anyone who dares to question their views, or even express the hope that Dowling might remain healthy, are to be immediately branded unrequited "homers".

 

[goheels22002]

This is by far the homer thread of the year.

How can you say that? It's obvious that Ras-I Dowling is the next Mike Haynes, if only he could get a chance to prove it.

 

[Jackson 2]

This is by far the homer thread of the year.

And God knows being a homer is just behind being a murdering pedophile. Hello Dan Shaughnessy...

 

[Joker]

what a turd comment to make...you don't like homers don't log on a team fansite you ignoroid...krist, after literally thousands of scared little girl, pessimistic, doom predicting, garbage spewing, sobbing cries of negativity from the CL Legion Of Doom the past few years here, you'd think you could at least give it a GD'ed break until the season starts.

 

[Hercules Rockefeller]

While I don't share Joker's (constant, often-unsettling) vitriol towards other posters here, I agree with his larger point.

Have the reports on Dowling not been glowing? Has he not consistently found himself on the top of the depth charts in New England when healthy? Is he not reportedly healthy for the first time in years?

Let's root for this kid to succeed. If he is healthy, the Pats could actually have the makings of a good secondary. In fact, if the defensive backs can stay healthy this season, they have the most talent they have had in their defensive backfield since at least 2007, and probably more like 2003/4.

Talib, Dennard, Arrington, Dowling and Ryan at corner is tremendous depth; McCourty, the Wilsons, Gregory and Harmon, while not as exciting a group, could definitely turn out a productive pairing---we already know McCourty is a fine centerfield type. I do not share the animosity towards Tavon that many do (he made a few rookie mistakes but was in general a pleasant player with upside as a rookie), and I have been an Adrian Wilson fan for so long that this is similar to the Seau signing for me---while he is admittedly past his prime, having one of my favorite players play for my favorite team is a happy occurrence.

I think this year's defense will be the best the Patriots have fielded in years, and the cornerback play is going to be a big reason. If Dowling is healthy, he will play a lot of snaps and be a welcome addition with his size, speed and ball skills.

 

[Jackson 2]

This is by far the homer thread of the year.

Honestly, accusing people of being "homers" is effing moronic. What do you expect from people on a Patriots message board? It's difficult as hell to be objective when you love your team. I think most of us try to keep some level of objectivity, but it's not easy. There seems to be this over-arching sense among the fandom that being biased toward your home team is a sign of negativity. I call BS on that. Being called a "fanboy", "homer" or anything else that suggests I love my team is a compliment. Thank you.

 

[Gumby]

Honestly, accusing people of being "homers" is effing moronic. What do you expect from people on a Patriots message board? It's difficult as hell to be objective when you love your team. I think most of us try to keep some level of objectivity, but it's not easy. There seems to be this over-arching sense among the fandom that being biased toward your home team is a sign of negativity. I call BS on that. Being called a "fanboy", "homer" or anything else that suggests I love my team is a compliment. Thank you.

Ditto the bold.

But that said; let's not go over the top condemning Patsfansinthesnow either.
He did say "homer thread" and not directly call anyone a homer.
And I think all of us can be homers at times (or we wouldnt be fans would we?).

So if he meant it in the sense of just being overly optimistic about a guy - well ---- I'm Guilty as charged. I weight his measurables and performance in select appearances higher than I do his average durability. The world doesnt run on averages.

But regardless - no need to overly crucify the guy who bandied about the word homer. (although I also think he has a very low level of expectation for 'homerism' if he thinks THIS is the most OVER THE TOP HOMER thread he will see all year. I guarantee this is chump change - just wait and look for the first 'Pats will go undefeated' thread.)

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

While Dowlings' first 2 years leave us little for us to hang our hats on his potential good health, EVERY season is a new ball game and there is equally NOTHING to this point that should make us believe that he couldn't remain relatively healthy for THIS season. ...And if that becomes the case, his brief game experience has shown us that he CAN be a positive contributor to the secondary.

What I don't understand is the perverse nature of some fans who seem to take some strange pleasure in his past injury history, as if its more important to their fandom that they are proven correct about his injury reputation; than the team that they are supposedly rooting for, gets the use of a rare tall CB who has a set of skills that would be helpful to the team effort.

Nah, it would be MUCH better if "they" are proven right, and, of course, anyone who dares to question their views, or even express the hope that Dowling might remain healthy, are to be immediately branded unrequited "homers".

OK, OK, but can we still call him Glass IR until he gets his ring in February?

 

[DocHoliday]

Ditto the bold.

But that said; let's not go over the top condemning Patsfansinthesnow either.
He did say "homer thread" and not directly call anyone a homer.
And I think all of us can be homers at times (or we wouldnt be fans would we?).

So if he meant it in the sense of just being overly optimistic about a guy - well ---- I'm Guilty as charged. I weight his measurables and performance in select appearances higher than I do his average durability. The world doesnt run on averages.

But regardless - no need to overly crucify the guy who bandied about the word homer. (although I also think he has a very low level of expectation for 'homerism' if he thinks THIS is the most OVER THE TOP HOMER thread he will see all year. I guarantee this is chump change - just wait and look for the first 'Pats will go undefeated' thread.)

As far as I'm concerned, we're going 23-0 every year.

 

[Froob]

I don't have him making the roster and I don't think he'll be in the league in two years. But, I hope he proves me wrong and somebody comes back and laughs at this post in a few years if he becomes a great player. Interested to see how he does when the pads are on.

 

[Deus Irae]

what a turd comment to make...you don't like homers don't log on a team fansite you ignoroid...krist, after literally thousands of scared little girl, pessimistic, doom predicting, garbage spewing, sobbing cries of negativity from the CL Legion Of Doom the past few years here, you'd think you could at least give it a GD'ed break until the season starts.

Honestly, accusing people of being "homers" is effing moronic. What do you expect from people on a Patriots message board? It's difficult as hell to be objective when you love your team. I think most of us try to keep some level of objectivity, but it's not easy. There seems to be this over-arching sense among the fandom that being biased toward your home team is a sign of negativity. I call BS on that. Being called a "fanboy", "homer" or anything else that suggests I love my team is a compliment. Thank you.

So much irony....

 

[Jackson 2]

So much irony....

Ironic, indeed....