The Logjam On The Defensive Line

[mgteich]

Who are you choices for the last roster spot or two on the DL?

I am indifferent between Branch or Walker as our #9, with no need of a #10.

12 players played DL the other night. In addition, Rufus Johnson was still out with his injury from the first game. Flowers was held out. I believe that Chris Jones is still on the pPUP list.

We are all set at DE: Ninkovich, Sheard, Jones, Flowers and Grissom.
We have some locks at DL: Brown, Easley, Siliga

COMPETING FOR 1-2 SPOTS
Branch, Walker, A Johnson, R Johnson, Moore, Chris Jones

 

[RayClay]

jessis I hope Branch can beat out walker? Why would you doubt that?

 

[Zuma]

About the DL - I believe we need 3 NT's. I want Chris Jones on the 53 but I don't see it with Easley. I am concerned about Branch's injuries and age. If he was 100% healthy and was in camp and took most of the snaps in Pre-season it would be different for me. For some reason I don't know anything about Antonio Johnson. Walker seems healthy....he is young and was with the Pats last year. I think he sticks.

 

[RayClay]

Not aware of any Branch injury. I pegged him for doubtful, but a huge man like him and the conditioning test is not unusual and he seems to be in the rotation.

Walker is intriguing if they need another big guy, but they don't. they're playing a different defense this year.

 

[Oswlek]

Not aware of any Branch injury. I pegged him for doubtful, but a huge man like him and the conditioning test is not unusual and he seems to be in the rotation.

Walker is intriguing if they need another big guy, but they don't. they're playing a different defense this year.

Yeah, I'm confused about the mention of Branch's injuries as well. And saying Walker was on the team last year doesn't carry much weight when Branch took over his job (not immediately) and then it was Branch that the team signed first in the off season. Walker is a body and nothing more.

 

[RayClay]

I'd love to see Zach Moore make it as an inside rusher at his height, but I'm most impressed with the power of Sheard,Flowers and Rufus (haven't noticed Grissom).

BB wants rushers who can bull rush and go outside too. No little spinning tops, either long and strong line Chandler or bulls who can outside rush too.

Looking forward to see how this works, with Malcom and Easley pushing inside!

 

[Zuma]

I believe Branch missed a lot of OTA's, training camp, pre-season snaps because of a nagging injury. Teams are not required to mention injuries before the regular season. I think this is more BB and his ways.

 

[RayClay]

I believe Branch missed a lot of OTA's, training camp, pre-season snaps because of a nagging injury. Teams are not required to mention injuries before the regular season. I think this is more BB and his ways.

He failed the conditioning test. Not good, but not unusual for a 365 lb guy. if you know of actual injuries I'm curious.

 

[Oswlek]

I believe Branch missed a lot of OTA's, training camp, pre-season snaps because of a nagging injury. Teams are not required to mention injuries before the regular season. I think this is more BB and his ways.

Yes, but he's been back for a while and played this past week without instance.

 

[Zuma]

IMO it's about being versatile...rushing the passer one week...then 3-4 'em with a huge NT the next week.

 

[VrabelJr]

Zach Moore has versatility so I like him still. I think we need another fatty besides Malcom Brown. Branch or Antonio Johnson would be nice for that role.

 

[Zuma]

He failed the conditioning test. Not good, but not unusual for a 365 lb guy. if you know of actual injuries I'm curious.

I agree

Yes, but he's been back for a while and played this past week without instance.

Doesn't seem like a while but time fly's....lets see how he holds up for the next 2 games.

 

[RayClay]

He was listed as DE in the recent game. He's got the beef if he's got the effort.

 

[RayClay]

Zach Moore has versatility so I like him still. I think we need another fatty besides Malcom Brown. Branch or Antonio Johnson would be nice for that role.

I think now, it's Branch and Siliga and, of course 1st round pick who has the explosion also.