Desperate for a silver-lining? More bad news continues to rain upon our battle-scarred domes here in the wasteland of the NFL. Once learning that Carson’s trip to the elbow specialist in New York resulted in a thumbs down, Fitzpatrick was immediately named as the starter against the mighty Steelers this week. With all the deserving criticism and negativity blowing around this city on Sundays, it’s hard to find positives to focus on, but I’m gonna give it a try.
Fitzpatrick played pretty well last week. His numbers were far from staggering, but it’s important to remember that he is a young backup quarterback. He made some accurate throws, found a way to get the high profile receiver tandem involved, and even showed some arm strength when he overshot number eighty-five on a deep ball. The offense established some rhythm on a few drives last week thanks to Fitzy converting some key third downs when it seemed impossible to gain positive yards. He still relies on his scrambling ability a bit too much, but at least he’s good at it. Think of how many times Carson has just sat back in the pocket and allowed himself to be sacked. Fitzpatrick is no Steve Young, but I believe with some more starts under his belt, he could become a capable starter someday. Not even Dan Marino could win many games without a decent running game. There’s no reason for Carson to come back this season and risk long-term injury. I look forward to watching Ryan Fitzpatrick’s progression in the lost season of ‘08.
Ndukwe anchors a secondary that ranks fourth overall in pass defense and could become one of the league’s best by the end of this season. Free safety Marvin White has blossomed into a solid starter, and the first-round draft picks, Joseph and Hall, can tackle and cover with the best of them. But it’s Ndukwe that has created a presence that’s reminiscent of the great ones. Not only can he hit people, he has that certain ball-hawking nature which has produced three recovered fumbles for touchdowns and four picks in just eight starts. When Week 17 mercifully comes to a close, Chinedum will be in those hallowed ranks with Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu. Mark those words.
First-rounder Keith Rivers hasn’t been eye-popping, but he’s shown some real talent and is definitely a long-term fixture in Zimmer’s plans. Dhani Jones and Jeanty are too slow to be game-changers which magnifies the importance to have a linebacker with nice speed like Rivers.
Pat Sims, third-round defensive tackle from Auburn, played last week for the first time this season and made some nice plays. Marvin was impressed enough to credit him in the press-conference after the game. Phasing out John Thornton with Sims sounds like a good idea.
The hope in the press box is that the Bengals end up with Rivers’ college teammate, Ray Maualuga in the ‘09 draft. The pair would be a great push in the right direction to establish an imposing defense, particularly against the run. It isn’t that far off, folks. When you consider how long they’ve been on the field (31st in T.O.P./ 30th in plays from scrimmage), it’s hard to believe that they rank 16th overall.
How’s that for optimism?
Mojokong - Play 32, not 23.
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3 comments:
Put this defense on the team over the previous 3 seasons, they likely get in the playoffs a few times.
Losing Thornton and adding LBs in the offseason could put this D in the top 10. Ndukwe shows all the signs of being a leader - another thing this team desperately needs. Especially the type of leader that is not just behind the scenes. Defensively, you need leaders that play with passion and a fire under their ass (see Baltimore for a good example). That type of enthusiasm on the defensive side of the ball is vital.
Now the offense is another (sad) story. In keeping with the theme, I'll not go there so as to remain positive.
Aaron
The secondary is a positive, though it needs depth at CB...LB Rivers is a solid starter, perhaps, but a 'beast' is required at LB to lay down the law. DT will be better if Thornton is gone and Sims plays more. DE is another story, where two huge contracts were 'given' out and nothing has shown up yet. Odom's two sacks for fumbles were while the QB was on the move, not legitimate 'beat the OL and get the QB' sort of sacks/pressures.
Oh, and the 'change of scenery' Brian talks about is Bratkowski's departure with the quickness. I think a different offensive coach would do wonders for the entire offense, including the OLine. Hue Jackson?!
Fitz is ok, but when are we gonna see young Palmer?
why not? He can't be much worse than Fitz, he actually should know the offense better. Living with the guy whose been running this show for 5 seasons, (and is your blood brother) should leave absolutely no excuse for Jordan not to be able to step in, know what (not) to do, and manage a game. He and Carson are nearly twins, body wise besides the age difference... his arm SHOULD at least be decent. I'm not saying Jordan would run off 10 straight wins and land a pro bowl appearance, I do acknowledge that he's a 3rd string QB and nobody else wanted him for a reason... but what the hell is there to lose?
Now that would lite at least a small spark under that offense and at least give us a national headline (young Jordan handed Pro-Bowl big brother's thrown) that has nothing to do with how terrible we are.
-keep up the good work Burke, ced
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