Thursday, June 3, 2010

Freedom, Safety, Tackling

Hey everyone.  It looks like (for the moment anyway) the Dolphins are not very interested in talking to free agent, OJ Atogwe, the lone free safety prospect on the market.

Personally, I'm glad to hear it.  Firstly, Atogwe is as over-rated as Gibril Wilson was last year and would likely cost as much financially (if not more).  Secondly, it means all the talk lately from Coach Sparano about the rise of incumbent Free Safety, Chris Clemons, the 5th round draft pick from a year ago, is probably not just blowing hot air.  

When we drafted Clemons last year, I thought he could be a potential starter.  He was very impressive at Clemson, showing incredible range, if not huge physical skills of the Eric Berry's of the world.  Last year he had the misfortune of playing behind Wilson, which meant once Wilson started crumbling (which was pretty much right away), Clemons got thrust into the game possibly before he was ready, and he had some shaky moments, but ultimately was usually in better position than Wilson was during passing plays.  

The questions - has Clemons settled into the role of secondary Captain (Y Bell is still the field General)?  Has the games slowed down for him?  Has he gotten 'Bigger, Stronger, Faster'?

From all accounts he has, but Free Safety is one of those positions you can't really judge until you're in the actual game and the opponent starts pulling out play after play in succession.  Free Safety is not about winning one on one battles - it's about keeping the opposing playbook from taking over the game.  If Clemons can be in position 85% or more of the time, then he's doing his job.  Of course, it goes without saying he has to tackle 100% of the time as well.

Clemons' biggest competition right now is Reshad Jones, the rookie.  Jones is a lot more physical than Clemons, but lacks experience and is a bit of a 'tweener.  I suspect the Trifecta wants to keep him out of a set role incase they decide to move him to Strong Safety in a year or two in case Yeremiah Bell gets hurt.  In 2011, Bell's salary is going to double what it is now and a new CBA could affect how the Dolphins feel about having both Bell and Tyrone Culver on the team considering they're scheduled to make a combined $5m between the two of them just in salary alone.  Clemons, on the other hand is scheduled to make $395k this year and $480k in 2011.  Reshad Jones is unsigned.  

The Dolphins also have safeties, Johnathon Amaya and Nate Ness on the roster, but neither is anticipated to make the 53-man roster at this point.

62 comments:

  1. Tim The EnchanterJune 3, 2010 at 8:20 AM

    Tin, it seems that the biggest improvement Clemons has made is he's comfortable with the defense and his communication skills have improved which will help like you said, not allow the opposing playbook from taking over the game. He definitely has the skills to play the position, how fast he reads the play will make or break him.

    Last I heard is Nate Ness has been moved to corner and Johnathon Amaya has been impressive and could make the team on special teams.

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  2. not sure where i read it, but i thought i read that atogwe played in a 4 3 just like wilson did.  if that is true, i hope the trifecta stays away from him.

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  3. Tim The EnchanterJune 3, 2010 at 8:38 AM

    The Rams play a 4-3 just like the Giants and Raiders did when Wilson played for them.

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  4. Agreed Tin, I think they like Clemons. Didn't he run something crazy like a 4.3 at the combine?

    I'm a little concerned with<span> Reshad Jones' knee... It seems there might be a medical issue with him that we are not fully aware of, which could be the reason for his fall to the 5th round. I'm wondering when it is going to come out and if it will mean he could have to sit this season to get it right.</span>

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  5. Tim The EnchanterJune 3, 2010 at 8:46 AM

    Jones is practicing with the 2nd team so it can't be that bad.

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  6. Antoine Bethea of the Colts is also available at FS, but it will cost a 1st rounder! If we go to the playoffs, the value of our 1st rounder should be in the high 20's.

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  7. I think Atogwe will be left alone for awhile until his asking price is substantially reduced!!

    I don't feel the FINS will go after him due to 09 injuries (shoulder, hernia) been there done that,
    and the fact that he's not played in a 3-4 such as ours, (if @ all)!!

    Early in 09 I predicted that CClemons would be our o10 starter,(iff not sooner)!!

    I see PHILLY goin after OJA ,(perhaps b/4 a price reduction)..??

    GO CCLEMONS, GOFINS!!!

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  8. We Have PlaymakersJune 3, 2010 at 9:34 AM

    Canam,

    I like Bethea too but keep dreaming...Not going to happen.

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  9. We Have PlaymakersJune 3, 2010 at 9:47 AM

    Tim,

    Agreed.  If it was a problem he would be limited in practice & one of these 'writers' would be pouncing on it like a tiger on a goat.  

    I honestly don't recall the last time a FS started the season as a rookie.  I'm sure it has happened but I don't think it's a great idea unless his name is Eric Berry who is not exactly your average rookie.  Maybe Jones is going to be legit but it's way too soon to tell & at least Clemons has played in an NFL game.  If Clemons can just be a competent FS this season that would be an improvement over last year.  Let's all hope he is....

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  10. We Have PlaymakersJune 3, 2010 at 9:55 AM

    Braylon Edwards, a free agent in 2011, insists he's not worried about getting a new contract from the Jets.
    "I just want to win a championship," said Edwards. "That's all I care about." Edwards is learning the "Z" (flanker) and "Y" (slot) positions this year after spending his whole career as an "X" (split end). His contract-year push will be inhibited by Santonio Holmes' presence for the final 12 games.

    Source: New York Daily News

    LOL!!!  I don't know which is funnier--1) He's not worried about money or 2) This whole team REALLY thinks they're good enough to win a Super Bowl. 

    It's going to be that JT signing that puts them over the top....LMAO!!!  Shame on the Colts for laying down in that regular season game & gave this team delusions of grandeur.

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  11. Philly?  They just drafted Nate Allen...

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  12. We Have PlaymakersJune 3, 2010 at 10:19 AM

    Today's rumor is Detroit.

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  13. WHP, I love them out there trash talking! The Colts probably did us a favor because once they're exposed they will fall apart like a house of cards... I got an email from a friend of mine who I hadn't heard from in 3 years. Good guy except when it comes to the Jets, then we don't get along at all. This guy was telling me they were going to the superbowl and this kinda Shite. Like I told him, the Jets are in for a rude awakening.

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  14. We Have PlaymakersJune 3, 2010 at 11:03 AM

    Patrick,

    This is what the REAL story is going to be with the Jets leading up to the season...Money.  Can't help these things can you Rexy???  And then there's David Harris too.  I love it!!!  LOL!!!

    1) "Darrelle Revis was absent from Jets practice Thursday, reportedly because he's upset about his contract situation.
    The sides have been in talks with the Jets sending what they termed an "aggressive" proposal. Revis, seeking a monster contract, was clearly unimpressed by the offer. We may not seem him on the field again until training camp."

    Source: Manish Mehta on Twitter


    2) "Nick Mangold tells the New York Post's Bart Hubbuch that it will be a "serious issue" if he does not have a new contract by training camp.
    Mangold told another group of beat writers that he understands Darrelle Revis a priority and the Jets' options are somewhat limited by the 30 percent rule. Still, he's obviously frustrated by the lack of negotiation. Mangold isn't ruling out a training camp holdout, though we're certain that it wouldn't last long."

    Source: Bart Hubbuch on Twitter

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  15. Jarvis Williams

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  16. Followed by Louis Oliver with Jarvis moving to SS. Then again they were interchangeable.  ;)

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  17. The NY press feeds off negativity... They will go after them like sharks in a feeding frenzy once the love affair rubs off with a couple losses.

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  18. We Have PlaymakersJune 3, 2010 at 11:19 AM

    Wow.  I totally forgot that.

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  19. We Have PlaymakersJune 3, 2010 at 11:22 AM

    Here we go....LMAO!!!

    "Updating a previous item, Darrelle Revis was reportedly "furious" with the Jets' initial contract offer.
    Revis is skipping practices because he was "thoroughly insulted" by an offer that was "pitifully low" compared to his expectations and accomplishments. Revis is believed to be seeking a deal in excess of Nnamdi Asomugha's deal, so the Jets can thank Al Davis for setting the bar ludicrously high. Revis' presence at training camp is now in doubt, and the New York Post's Bart Hubbuch says the situation is "getting ugly fast."

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  20. We Have PlaymakersJune 3, 2010 at 11:33 AM

    Looking at the teams we play in the first 9 games I think it's essential that we beat the Jets in Week 3.

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  21. Looks like the Dolphins ARE looking to bring in a vet FS....Ken Hamlin.

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  22. Some on the SS are saying he's coming in for his B-day celebration even though his B-day is in January.  *DONT_KNOW*

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  23. Tim The EnchanterJune 3, 2010 at 1:15 PM

    Ken Hamlin is coming to Miami to promote his second annual celebrity weekend in Miami to benefit the Ken Hamlin Foundation. There’s an event Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Fountainebleau Pool and another on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the South Dade YMCA.

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  24. I don't remember why but we were talking about Hamlin a couple of months
    ago...didn't he get in legal trouble or something? I can't find any news
    about it but we were definitely talking about him....

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  25. We Have PlaymakersJune 3, 2010 at 1:27 PM

    Tim,

    Is that true???  LMAO!!!

    Well, I say we still get the former Cowboy in for a work-out.  He used to be a good player.  Couldn't hurt???

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  26. We Have PlaymakersJune 3, 2010 at 1:38 PM

    Actually now that I think about it, who would he replace???  Not Clemons or Jones.  Maybe the guy just wants to get some sun & hang out.

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  27. Tim The EnchanterJune 3, 2010 at 1:39 PM

    Most people seem to think he's another Gibril Wilson.

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  28. Tim The EnchanterJune 3, 2010 at 1:43 PM

    Updating a previous report, New York Jets CB Darrelle Revis is not taking part in organized team activities because he was thoroughly insulted by the team's recent contract offer. He's not interested in unlimited hot dogs as a signing bonus, a source told the New York Post's Bart Hubbuch.

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  29. PHILLY just lost their starting FS Marlon Jackson 26, 6yrs exp for the year (Achilles INJ)...

    They have 6 other Safties, but none worth mentioning beside's NAllen,or Macho Harris
    and they play 4-3!!

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  30. YEA, especially since presently
    the nyets will likely be favored in their last 8 games,
    and we'll be road dogs in 2 of our last 8!!

    OUR home opener on a Sunday night should be enough of an advantage,
    (let alone that we're a better team to begin with),
    and then we'll need a simular advantage 8 day's later on Monday night vs EwwNgland!!

    GOTTA WIN WK 1, and @least one prime-time game by wk 4!! 
    3-1 would be a GREAT START and should set the tone toward's an impressive season goin into the bye!! 

    Then the next 4 are a really tough 2-2, and we should be favored in 6 of the last 8..
    IF REASONABLY HEALTHY THROUGHOUT 10-6 !!   11-5 plus if the LB's & FS's jell ??   JMHO!!!  GOFINS >:o !!

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  31. We Have PlaymakersJune 3, 2010 at 7:25 PM

    I love the position the Jets have are in.  They're going to have to give Revis around $15 Million a year PLUS Nick Mangold, David Harris, D'Brickashaw, Braylon Edwards, & Holmes are all going to be UFA's after the season.

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  32. It all makes sense nowJune 3, 2010 at 11:12 PM

    Can someone please post this on SS it shows O-rob testing his name to see if his truck has replaced Marlin Fans logo in the final 2 comments(busted) the Mob has to know!The links not going through for me maybe it will for someone else.

    <span>http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_football_dolphins/2010/05/miami-dolphins-jarvis-williams-dies-at-45.html</span>

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  33. Tim The EnchanterJune 4, 2010 at 6:30 AM

    I'm not sure but I remember him being a good prospect when he was in the draft. His game seems to have dropped off though.

    There is a Mike Hamlin (former Clemson teammate of Chris Clemons) also on the Cowboys.

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  34. Tim The EnchanterJune 4, 2010 at 6:33 AM

    Rex Ryan is learning the hard way on why talking up your own players and saying they're the best ever can come back to haunt you. Remember every current Jets player is the best of all time. LOL

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  35. Herd,
    I have a sales lead for you!
    <span>ASadDayforTennis</span><span>!</span><span> </span>
    <span>Wimbledon</span><span> hopeful Simona Halep wants surgery to reduce the size of her breasts. After winning a host of junior titles and a place in the finals of the junior French Open last year, Halep is seen as one of the tennis stars of the future. But, the 5-foot-5-inch Romanian tennis star said she thinks her 34DD bust is holding her back.</span><span></span>
    <p><span> </span><span></span>
    </p><p><span>"I'll have a breast reduction operation," Halep said "the breasts make me uncomfortable when I play. It's their weight that affects my ability to react quickly," she added. </span><span></span>
    </p><p><span>SELF, SELF, SELF.</span><span></span>
    </p><p><span>WILL SOMEONE PLEASE TELL HER THAT WINNING ISN'T EVERYTHING!  THIS SELFISH, SPOILED LITTLE BRAT SHOULDN'T BE SO CONSUMED WITH "WINNING MAJOR TENNIS TOURNAMENTS". WHAT ABOUT US, THE EVERYDAY FANS..?

    </span><span></span>
    </p>

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  36. She's crazy, all her power is generated by bust torque... Yeah, yeah , bust torque, that's the ticket.

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  37. Tim The EnchanterJune 4, 2010 at 8:05 AM

    Wow!  =-X

    I can see where she's coming from, from space that is. LOL

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  38. If she's just had a meal then, does that make her bust torque eaten? Surely she should be in the men's game then? lol

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  39. She certainly would not want to completely remove those lusty melons, I mean over-large globes of boy toy, I mean, wonderous love pillows, I mean... Forget it, my single mindedness cannot be overcome.

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  40. It took me a good 45 seconds to get that one LOL

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  41. *Sigh*  You guys have no idea..... :(

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  42. ;)

    Calamitous news from S. Africa - Ferdinand did a knee in training after a tackle on Heskey and has ruled out of the World Cup. Captain Not-so-fantastic?

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  43. I don't know Herd, think of the bump and run coverage she could do...

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  44. Three women in my family had bust reductions because it hampered them. I understand. If I was a chick with super hoots I'd get a reduction too. I don't see the need for extra large anyway. Personally I don't find them attractive.

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  45. Oh yes we do !!!  It just so happens we are able to slide our problem down our pants leg.  Short pants are the problems...

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  46. That's not good - Can we get Vidic on the team? I know he's not English but
    it' not like Croatia is busy right now...

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  47. lol. I'd forge his passport.

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  48. OJ isn't overrated. Considering his supporting cast he maybe one of the best FS out there. Comparing Wilson and OJ is like comparing apples to oranges. Wilson was a SS trying to play FS. O.J is a FS playing FS. How does a 3-4/4-3 defense effect the DB's? I don't think it does. If I'm wrong would some someone explain it to me. The only problem with OJ is $$$(which shouldn't be a fans concern) and his recent injury history (which the docs should be the one to deiced on, even though they aren't always right). I'll give you Clemson has great speed and range. I'll say he's picking up the mental aspect of FS spot. But, I will say he isn't the strongest tackler. Did he get stronger this off season? Most likely. But, no one will know about his tacking skills till the pads come on. OJ will be a upgrade for us.

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  49. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyA_DG3q56I Videoo of Chris Clemons. Shows weak tackling. But it also shows his speed and that he doesn't look like a lost puppy. So I wouldn't cry if we don't get OJ. I'm just saying OJ is really good 

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  50. TIN,

    IFFF you were the IVORY COAST soccer player that say's he won't play in the WORLD CUP,

    due to breaking his ARM in a recent warm-up, I'd stop reading @ this site!!

    WTF DUDE, it's a once in a lifetime opportunity, and you don't absolutely need to use your ARMS anyway's!!

    Speaking of FLOPPERS, ( are "custom built BIDET'S") unfloppable??  That's a crack splash,(correct??)

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  51. Mann, what a turn around for Ricky, he's really got his head screwed-on straight these day's!!

    It's nice to know that it still deeply hurt's some player's to lose,
    and I'm encouraged about his & all the player's attitude's toward's o10!!

    Tooo Funny w'his comment's about winning awards,trophies,his mentality suggest he's gonna win a few more!!

    WOWWW, our O's gonna be scary good !!

     http://www.miamidolphins.com/aquavision/video/ricky-williams-2009-dan-marino-mvp-award-winner

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  52. We Have PlaymakersJune 5, 2010 at 2:39 PM

    <span>"The World Cup starts next weekend and Argentina's Diego Maradona has requested not one, but two top of the line bidets in his custom built bungalow in South Africa. The Americans have requested 500 DVDs and several of each major video-gaming console. Makes you wonder what NFL teams put on their riders when they travel - especially for the Super Bowl."</span>

    Answer:  Hookers.

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  53. LOL...  Works for me !!!!

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  54. <span><span>Thought I'd chime in (imagine that) on the Guest question about the safeties in 4-3/3-4...
    </span></span>
    <span></span><span><span>The biggest difference is complexity. A 4-3 is designed to simplify the assignments of each player and the coverages are mainly zone. In zone coverage t</span><span>he two safeties are responsible for covering their respective halves of the field from 20 yards out. </span><span>The 4-3 is a speed defense and therefore relies on <span>somewhat smaller players because the emphasis is on speed. </span></span><span>The free safety is the guy who can blitz the quarterback or assume coverage of the zone left by a blitzing cornerback. The strong safety protects the middle of the field from being exploited by small, fast receivers by intimidating them to not run their routes in that direction.</span></span>
    <span><span></span></span>
    <span><span></span></span><span><span>The 3-4 is a much more complicated defense were the free safety is responsible for reading the offensive plays and covering deep passes. Depending on the defensive call he may also provide run support. He is the last line of defense against running backs and receivers who get past the linebackers and cornerbacks. He must be a quick and smart player, capable of making tackles efficiently as well as reading the play and alerting his team of game situations. the strong safety is positioned relatively close to the line of scrimmage. He is often an integral part of the run defense, but is also responsible for defending against a pass.</span></span>
    <span></span>
    <span></span><span><span>So the main difference between the safties in a 4-3 versus a 3-4 is in coverage. The 4-3 uses a lot of zone, while the 3-4 uses a lot more press or man coverage. The safties in the 4-3 do not have to make as many decisions because their assignments are simplified to take advantage of their athletism. the 3-4 guys have to read the offense and adjust to what they are seeing. You have to be careful bringing a 4-3 safety on to a 3-4 team because you just don't know if the guy will adjust to having to read the situation versus having to play a more simple disciplined zone.</span></span>

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  55. NICE Patrick!!

    And we have a young 3-4 FS (CClemons,who I have  great faith in) w'the speed of a 4-3 FS, NICE !! 
    While IFFF RJones make's it a stiff competition,we're suddenly extremly deep & versatile @ the S & CB position's!

    NOWWW, IFFF we can get the right LB combination, pass rusher's & bench included, the skies the limit!!
    I think IFFF AJ can unseat CC, KDansby's gonna be a sack machine
    b/c KD's coverage responsibilities will be minimized...

    (Though it's not likely that AJ's run D will be equal to CC's early in the season)..
    I don't see AJ having too much ground to make-up, seeing that CC's not that instinctive,
    and he's alway's been too slow to recover which usually has him making shoe string tackles from behind..
    I think AJ's quick and instinctive enough to make tackles face mask to face mask & behind the LOS,
    (or will be) after the bye, or upon whenever CC's knees force him to use the instinct's he doesn't posess..

    I like CC, but believe we brought in all those LB's in an attempt to replace/upgrade more than just JT & JP!!

    GOFINS >:o !! 

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  56. Patrick
    Thanks for taking time to explain that.

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  57. I can't believe that i spent two minutes googling the abreviation IFFF, until realizing you just meant a big IF. Hint: capitalizing is enough to get your point across.

    Regarding, AJA, i have seen enough of bringing in 4-3 Free Safeties and hoping they can make the transition to 3-4 in one offseason. I would prefer to take our chances on Clemons and eventually Jones.

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  58. Not if you had to google it...   OHHHHHHHHH STOPPPPPPPP, I'm jus playinnnnnn w'yaaaaaaaa :-P !!!

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  59. "he's alway's been too slow to recover which usually has him making shoe
    string tackles from behind"
    huh?

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  60. How often does CC beat the ball carrier to the point of where the tackle SHOULD be made??

    It take's either a very instinctive,or very fast player to do so, CC's neither, and he's gettin slower!!

    51 tackles as an 3down ILB??  But I like him in a pinch, until the game come's to AJ!!

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