So Woodhead's a JAG but Wright isn't? You're honestly telling me that the best ST coach in the league couldn't replace a gunner? Really? If a starting WR goes down, we at least have someone to plug in there. If Leon goes down, we have nobody with his skillset on the team. Woodhead is not Leon, obviously, but he's small and quick and can bust off the 50 yard run if he gets in space. He would also replace Leon on kick returns, because there is no way 88 is making the team...
Look Wright is more valuable than Woodhead right now because Leon is healthy. If you start going down the "What if" road then hell lets keep 5 QBs, cause What if?! Woodhead would never replace Leon even if Leon went down, he can't do what Leon can do, not many people in the league can. Wright has value right NOW so that's why we keep him. Woodhead would just sit there, doing absolutely nothing at all unless a HB went down. Seriously this guy is safe on the PS, no one is going to pick him up.
Wow, serious polarization on Woodhead. First off, I think Woodhead would get claimed for sure is he gets cut... no way he makes it to the TS. Kevin Jones of the Bears just went on IR. There are teams that would claim Woodhead. So, if he's cut, he's gone. What can Woodhead do? He can make returns for one thing. We don't need to risk Leonard in that punt return role. Leon is too good at KO returns to be replaced by Woodhead, but that increases Leon's injury risk. Leon wasn't all that good at recieving either, early on, yes, better than Woodhead is now, but not all that good at it as a rook. I have to think Woodhead could improve that part of his game too. If Leon does get hurt... what then? No COP RB in sight. I think Woodhead would provide depth. Teams keep linemen on both sides of the ball for depth. These are guys that rarely play. No ST value, just depth. Green is Jone's backup. Leon should not have one too? For KO return duties? And how about Woodhead returning punts instead of Leonard? I would also add, do not underestimate the "Rudi" factor. I saw the way the sideline reacted to Woodhead. They genuinely like this kid. He is a hard worker. He is admired and respected by his team mates. That still means something in this league. Bust yer ass, work hard, and you may just beat the odds. Like Rex said in his presser.... "What else could we ask him to do?"
that is true, their are plenty of players who arent activated for a single game over the season, why not give that spot to a guy that could easily be our #3 back next year when Jones leaves? Also I love the Rudi factor you pointed as much as the fans love the underdog, so do the players. Cotchery talking about wanting to see the woodhead show, and the guys celebrating more than Danny did after he scored on the long td run, idk I just find it hard to believe that he doesnt make this roster somehow...
I don't know which way they're gonna go with Woodhead, but I think this is a pretty damn good analysis in support of keeping him.
Good post. I was going to say that Woodhead could return kicks and his addition to the STs unit could be just as valuable if not more valuable then Wrights. Another thing that I haven't seen people mention is that to me, keeping Woodhead isn't necessarily about this year per se but the future. By that I mean, TJ is probably gone after this season. That moves LJ and Greene up to the 1-2 backs and opens up a nice spot for Woodhead. It is tricky because you typically would want to keep a 2nd fullback but Greene is a bigger back and you can use a TE or lineman as a fullback for blocking purposes. Woodhead also brings energy to the team and that's something that has been nice to see overall from this team in the preseason under Rex and something that definitely seemed to be lacking under Mangini
For those of you who think hes JAG: "Woodhead, the all time leading rusher in NCAA history did not receive a invite to the NFL Scouting Combine so he had to use his pro day to show his abilities. According to a report on NFLDraftWatch.net, he ran the 40-yard dash in a time of 4.33 to 4.38 seconds which would have been the second-fastest among all running backs at the NFL Combine in March 2008. He posted the best pro-agility time of 4.03 seconds, the second-best vertical jump (38? inches) and the best 60-yard shuttle time (11.2 seconds)." Dude has some serious talent and potential to be a decent #2 or #3 back. I'd keep him over Wright, for sure, who will never amount to anything
And Vernon Gholston set the record for bench press reps at the combine. Numbers mean nothing , can he play against starting quality NFL talent - that's the only question that needs to be asked.
Woodhead is much more than a ST player, Wright is nothing but one. Agreed, if we keep one it should be Woodhead.
But wright has an important and necessary role on this team. What function would Woodhead serve other than eating a roster spot ??
Sounds like DW would be the most unpopular cut of all, I would be very surprised if it happens. http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/..._jetsrbdannywoodheadhopinghemakesfinalcut.htm "I think he wants us to know that he wants to be on this football team," Ryan said. "For a guy that overcame the injury like he had," Ryan said, "you certainly pull for him." "Everybody in the locker room was ready to see him get a great opportunity to see what he has," wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery said of Woodhead. "We see it everyday in practice, but we wanted to sit back, eat some popcorn and let him do his thing out there. I know a lot of people were excited about the Vick comeback, but we were looking forward to the Woodhead show." His No. 35 jersey , he changed to No. 22 this offseason , hangs in the equipment room in honor of being selected as the rookie who best exemplifies a professional.
Goddamnit, we're going to carry 6 RBs, aren't we? Well, this certainly doesn't bode well for picking up a TE off the wire. Looks like we're going with 2 legitimate TEs and two fillers. Again, I like Woodhead, I hope he gets an opportunity, but it's a waste of a roster spot if he doesn't see the field. I suppose you could rotate him with Leonhard to see who is better suited to return punts. I'd hate to see him back there with Leon on KORs, as I doubt his blocking ability and Brad Smith has been great in that role. I certainly don't agree with fenwyr's assertion that a long snapper or gunner is a wasted roster spot. This is especially true with the problems we have at punter. Ask the Chargers if they regret spending a spot on Dave Binn for years and years.
Hmmm...let's see depth for this year, a larger role next year when Jones is gone. A weapon on third down and the ability to use Washington and Woodhead together to create a big mismatch against a linebacker coming out of the backfield. Depth on special teams for kickoff and punt returns. Validation to the team that a hard working overachieving player, who comes through in a big way when he has to has a spot on the team. This builds chemistry and unity. There are a LOT of reasons for him to be on the roster, but mostly he has EARNED it. And he will NEVER clear waivers to get to the PS.
The way I see it, if Leon gets signed and if Shotty does intend on integrating him into the offense more, he may get taken off of kickoff return duties. I'm not saying that we should definitely keep Woodhead over wright if that's the case, but it certainly adds something to the case for keeping Woodhead. I personally wouldn't risk Leon there when you know you could probably get similar production on returns from someone else. Just thinking of taking up 6 roster spots with RBs though is painful. I'm really torn on this decision.
I would love to see Woodhead behind our starting line. I've been bigging this kid up since last season. He has my vote...(and I'm black.) Tanny's only job is to put talent on the field.
