-Fill in the blank- as to your choice for LBs for next season. My heart says Ray Lewis my gut says Bart Scott.
either Lewis or Scott is fine with me....they'll both bring the same mentality...which is just as important as statistical production in this case.
Bart Scott...We have been down the road with guys well beyond their prime way too many times. I will agree that Ray Lewis is a once every 100 years kind of player, that would be beneficial for the on-field motivational/coaching aspect, how many more good years does he have left? Would I be the first in line to buy a Ray Lewis Jets jersey...SURE I WOULD! But I really think we need to get younger and quicker. Ray would be incredible for a year or two, but then what? We're back to where we started...So I will admit that I would be doing cartwheels to see in the news "Ray Lewis to reunite with his old coach", I think we need Scott.
that's the key right there....if the Jets go after him...I can't see them signing Lewis to a deal longer than 2 years. I know he wants long-term security...but it wouldn't make sense for the team to go that route. It would for Bart Scott.
The only good thing about Lewis is, maybe he can help develop Gholston. Maybe Gholston can become the starter by 2010 after serving a yr under arguably one of the best LB of all time.
Lewis looks nice on paper, but makes no sense for this team. Bart scott among others would help much more. I hoping something makes gholston worth while so we can lower his contract/cut b. thomas who has proven to be over paid thus far
that's all that Ray would bring eh?....here's his stats for the last 3 season 2008 Games Played - 16 Total Tackles - 117 Sacks - 3.5 INTs - 3 Passes DEF - 9 (shows he's decent in coverage) 2007 Games Played - 14 Total Tackles - 120 Sacks - 2 INTs - 2 Passes DEF - 10 2006 Games Played - 14 Total Tackles - 103 Sacks - 5 INTs - 2 Passes DEF - 6 You add that production to the "leadership" he'll clearly bring to that defense...and its safe to say he'll bring a tad MORE that just being a mentor for Gholston, IMO.
Agreed, Bart Scott is a beast and Ray Lewis-to call him a beast would be an understatement. But Scott is the player of choice here. Age is important on this team, not all teams but always this one.
If Ray Lewis agrees to sign on as LB's coach and then defensive coordinator down the line I say yes! He'll give us 2 great years as a player and the rest as a coach.
Either one would be fine. But I'd rather have Scott because of his age. But Vernon Gholston is not going to start
bring back Vilma. I dont know how effective it would be, but imagine getting back vilma and the third round pick we got for trading him. lol
i wasn't suggesting, just thought that would be pretty funny. Or sign him and scott and trade vilma back to the saints for a second round pick this time. :rofl:
Bart Scott He won't come cheap, but is cheaper/younger than Lewis Scott can blitz/cover/play the run...total package he is highly motivated and a leader Harris and Pace are the obvious 2 other starters...the olb position is the questionmark and I know some don't think Gholston will perform or start this year, but i think Rex will simplify the scheme for Gholston and basically make him a fulltime blitzer off the outside ....all it will take is a few preseason sacks and Gholston will have the confidence within himself and from the fans...even if they are garbage sacks Rex can design his defense to protect the shortcomings of Gholston at this stage in his career Rex's blitz packages are much more creative and less obvious than Sutton's...and even if Gholston is always the 4th guy sent at the passer...we will likely be sending a 5th much more frequently this year Mangini put too much focus on Gholston learning to cover and stopping the run...you have to play to perform...let the pass rushers rush the passer
Vernon Gholston may actually start for next year, Coach Ryan said that he suspects Gholston would have a big year in an article on espn which i cant post yet (You can go to rotoworld and search Gholston click espn to get it). It would seem reasonable to suspect that Gholston will have every chance to earn the terrell suggs type role in the new defense though.
