Cawtious

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Posts posted by Cawtious

  1. Posted · Report post

    On ‎12‎/‎19‎/‎2016 at 1:29 AM, RaineV1 said:

    Kubiak's line wasn't that great after the injuries. Urschel and Jensen aren't exactly dominate lineman. Jensen was awful this year, and Urschel hasn't been anything special. Just an emergency C. Also, Hurst started five games that season. They played well as a unit, but the current line per player isn't worse than that line was.

    Meh,  I don't think Jensen was awful.  He had one bad game, and according to the grading system used by FilmStudy, he actually was doing fairly well.  Urschel hasn't been too bad, either.  I personally don't see why Castillo thinks Ducasse is a better player than either.  Keep an eye on how he blocks during the run especially.  He impacts players and doesn't stick to them and drive them out of the play.  They often times bounce right off his blocks and make tackles or disrupt the play. 

    I think Jensen and Urschel will become stronger game day players if they suit up and get PT consistently.  I don't think it's going to happen, though.

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  3. Posted · Report post

    I think we have a shot.  Like everyone else, health and consistency through the final matchups in this season are going to be key.

    I think the probability isn't the highest, if everything remains as it stands today (in regards to personnel and health of all the AFC teams).

    I think the biggest hurdles are:

    1)  We need to play on par with New England, even if we do not beat them this week. 

    2)  We must win the game vs. Pittsburgh.  Cincinnati isn't a threat this year.  We don't want a matchup with the Steelers during the playoffs

    3) We must finish the Bengals off decisively at their place.  This is, more than anything, a game we do not want to face as the "win or go home" by falling to beat Pittsburgh on Christmas Day.  We need a great launch into the playoffs. 

     

     

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  6. Posted · Report post

    4 hours ago, VermontRaven said:

    Definitely will be interesting to see who is active between Ducasse and Jensen if Yanda is good to go.  The question is:  Was it a 1-game audition for Ducasse or do they clearly favor him over Jensen?  We very well may find out on Sunday, but it definitely appears that Jensen has fallen out of favor with the coaching staff.

    I think Castillo is trying different combinations to see what puzzle pieces play the best together.  I think they give Ducasse another shot this week.  Between he and Jensen, they are the only two OL currently on the 53 that aren't nursing injuries right now.  In a stretch run, it's not a bad idea to have your backup interior guys getting some time on the field, and keeping them motivated.  I don't think this is a "fallen out of favor" situation as much as it is seeing how the different pieces fit together and keeping guys motivated and ready to play.

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  7. Posted · Report post

    37 minutes ago, hn68wb4 said:

    I think Ducasse did fine last week, he provided about as much as you'd expect from a backup lineman, and probably similar to what Jensen could have done. He and Jensen pretty much provide the same things as blockers, great run blocking, poor pass blocking - the only real difference is that Ducasse would rather take a holding call than give up a sack.

    Filmstudy saddled him with an F.  I'd say he didn't do fine at all.  Jensen has graded out pretty well in his last two starts.  Ducasse pitched an F against a terrible Browns team.  He blew 7 blocks in that game.  He engages at the point of attack and then (when he wasn't called for holding) releases players instead of finishing the block.  To say he provides the same thing as Jensen did.......that may be a stretch.  Taking a holding call ensures a play nullification.  Sometimes not holding is the right answer.......I'd say it's almost always the right answer unless your QB is going to get smoked.

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  8. Posted · Report post

    2 minutes ago, VermontRaven said:

     

    You have a good point there.  I think the Ravens really like Urschel at LG, probably because of his pass protection.  If Yanda plays, I don't see Jensen starting and it would be between Jensen and Ducasse for the backup G spot, with probably only 1 of them being active on gameday.  If Yanda can't play, it's probably a toss up between Ducasse and Jensen at RG.  Ravens have only been keeping 7 active linemen and Hurst now is the only option as a backup T with Lewis out.

    I highlighted Urschel and Ducasse being active ahead of him because, @LosT_in_TranSlatioN referred to Lewis going down as an opportunity for Jensen to start.  I think Jensen would only possibly have that opportunity if Yanda is out as well.

     

    Jensen won't even dress if Yanda is good to go, based on current conditions.  Urschel will start at LG, Hurst and Ducasse will be the backups.  I don't understand that at all.  Ducasse didn't exactly shine vs. Browns.........and their D-Line isn't exactly a world class line.  Jensen was grading out pretty well, so not sure what transpired to push him down the depth chart. 

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  9. Posted · Report post

    On ‎11‎/‎13‎/‎2016 at 3:21 AM, hn68wb4 said:

     Last I heard about Jensen was that he was working with practice squad guys and we chose to start Ducasse over him last game - if that's not a sign that he's done for us then I don't know what is.

    That's what a player does when they're not going to dress.  Saying that is a sign that he is done.....I seriously doubt that.  Ducasse got a shot for some game time to keep him motivated and sharp.   He played rather marginally which isn't a surprise.  He's not had a start in a while.  It was a good game to bring him up as the Browns aren't the best.  I think you'll see Jensen again...........soon.

    I wouldn't read too much into last week.  Now with Lewis more than likely done for the regular season, Yanda a big ??? and Zuttah is nursing an ankle, we'll need Vlad, Urschel and Jensen.

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  10. Posted · Edited by Cawtious
    Additional comment     · Report post

    20 hours ago, Sami84 said:

    i wonder what is Yanda's situation...it takes a lot for this guy to be out for 3 games.

     

    i did notice something (black strap) on his shoulder..anyone here have an idea on what it could be? 

    hopefully its something he can heal from. After the browns game he 'll have another 10 days.

     

    It is a shoulder restraint.  It prevents you from fully extending your arm and putting pressure on the Labrum or rotator cuff.   My kid wore one after a labrum injury.  It could mean that Yanda has a torn labrum and they are trying to protect it.

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  11. Posted · Report post

    On ‎10‎/‎29‎/‎2016 at 11:50 AM, PurpleCity5 said:

     I don't know if the team has confidence in Jensen to begin with IMO. 

    Disagree.  They wouldn't have brought him up to the active roster and started him.  They had other choices, including cutting him. 

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  13. Posted · Report post

    9 hours ago, PurpleCity5 said:

    In that sense, I wouldn't even leave Urschel out of the conversation in taking the starting job from Zuttah. He's always been in the convo and has gotten the most reps at the position. Jensen may have ran 2nd team reps, but Urschel has gotten the game time reps and have gone up against starting caliber DT/NT's, Jensen has not. It would make sense for Urschel to get the starting nod at Center rather than Jensen. 

    As far as Lewis goes, I assumed that you meant that a rookie isn't always the best answer to OL issues. Shifting all over the OL is tough for anyone, doesn't matter if you're a rookie, not even Yanda is perfect at RT. If he was, I promise you that where he would be right now. 

    Also, Zuttah doesn't have the highest cap number. His dead money isn't going to kill you so him losing the starting job has nothing to do with cap number. He's also a guy who can be shifted to LG, where he played in Tampa. There's plenty of flexibility that you can have with Zuttah is you choose to keep him on the bench.
    I certainly think Zuttah is walking on thin ice right now, but if someone were to start I don't see why Urschel shouldn't be in the conversation. He's gotten significantly more reps at C and has gone against more quality competition and who I believe to be the better pass blocker. 

    What's even more damning for Jensen's pass blocking limitations is that he lost the starting LG job to Alex Lewis. Jensen started the remaining five games last year at LG and has the most reps there. It wouldn't seem to make sense how Jensen was beat out by Lewis unless it was for his pass blocking, where Lewis excels out. 

    Jensen never took reps at LG during camp, so when did this competition take place?  He was moved over to Center right off the bat.

     

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  15. Posted · Report post

    35 minutes ago, Ravensfan23 said:

    I wouldn't be surprised if Jensen is starting at Center after the bye at some point. I understand Zuttah not losing his job in camp, but it's proven that he's not playing well right now and Jensen has held up better and better with each game. I think Zuttah will get 1 more shot vs the Steelers and see how he does with the oline at full strength. But him getting dominated and pushed back into the QB isn't gonna cut it. 

    I would have spent the entire bye week getting Jensen up to speed at Center with line calls and adjustments. As a fan i'm ready to move forward with Lewis, Jensen and Yanda in the interior. Just gotta make sure Yanda is good to go. 

    My guess is he's already there.  He was second on the depth chart for C, so my bet is he's ready.  Besides, they cannot have any coaching during the bye week, if I remember correctly.  I would be surprised if Stanley is back this next week, though.  I had heard, I think from Filmstudy, that he suffered a setback prior to the game last week which stopped him from playing.  I hope he's ready.

    We cannot afford a poor showing by the OL next week.  Our hopes for a decent season start with beating the Steelers at home next week.

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  16. Posted · Report post

    16 hours ago, PurpleCity5 said:

    I don't think his pass blocking is as good as you would hope it to be. If it were than he certainly would be starting at the moment. No way Zuttah would still be out there if Jensen's pass blocking capabilities weren't as good or at the very least a fraction worse. I don't see how Lewis can be brought into the argument, he's showing what you would like to see in a rookie and is shifting all over the offensive line. How would Ryan Jensen play if he were the new kid in town? Stanley is also a rookie and is a good solution to our LT problem. As BmoreBird22 said, rookie Cs are actually doing well coming out of college. I think its a good time to get one. 

    Also, I don't think Jensen wasn't given the opportunity to win the starting job. He should have been with Zuttah not being the clear answer at Center. He did rework his deal, but there were questions over whether he was going to remain on the team. 

    I would also point out that Jensen hasn't even played at Center much. We've seen him mainly at LG; it's Urschel who has been playing Center. So in all honesty, I don't think it points to him to be a sure thing there.

     

    Jensen ran as the second team center for a majority of camp.  Jensen has been shifted all around the offensive line as well.  Check back at his second year.  He missed his rookie campaign with a broken foot.  He was cut, and had apnea issues early in his second year.  He fought his way back to the active roster at the end of that year.  Last year he started 5 games.  He even played Tackle vs. Saints, I believe in the pre-season game in 2015. 

    I bring Lewis into the discussion because its indicative of what happens when you shift someone all over the line (just like Jensen has and continues to be) and get marginal results early in their playing career.  I believe Alex will develop very well, but he's having some understandable struggles. 

    Zuttah wasn't going to be beat out by a ERFA making 660K this year.  He's being paid to play, and unless he was just flat out horrible, he wasn't going to be supplanted in the last year of his contract.  Just a financial fact. 

    I believe Jensen will be tendered and hopefully retained.  I think he's earned a shot now to start at Center.  Zuttah is not keeping the center of the pocket clear, and his opposition isn't going to get any easier the remainder of this year. 

     

     

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  17. Posted · Report post

    18 hours ago, PurpleCity5 said:

    I disagree, I think we need a Center next year. Zuttah is not playing so well and we need someone who can pass block in the middle. I don't think Jensen's strength is pass blocking. I think he's a good run blocker but above else he's not a good pass blocker. 

    I really think we will pick a center, I know this isn't the strongest draft class in the world but center is a need and I don't think we're going to find one via FA as the center class there is even worse. 

    I don't think you can rely on Jensen, if he wins the job then that's good, but I don't think Jensen is a good enough reason to not go after a center. LG is also a huge need. I honestly wouldn't be suprised if we go full Dallas Cowboys and draft a LG and a C back to back. EXP: We pick a complete stud in Quenton Nelson from Notre Dame with our 1st pick, and draft Pat Elfiein out of Ohio State in the 2nd round. You'll have a young but talented OL who can protect Joe for the next 5 years. 

    I think his ability to pass block isn't as bad as some think or perceive.  The distance for contact with the DL is shortened when playing center.  Many folks thought AQ Shipley couldn't be relied on.......seems to be doing just fine in AZ.  I would say Jensen is better than AQ. 

    I love the premise of the "new kid in town" is always the better answer.  How is that philosophy working in Alex Lewis? 

    Jensen is 25 and in his 4th year.  I'll trust him more than any green rookie right now at C.  I'll trust him more than Zuttah right now as well.

    It will be interesting to see if the coaching staff / FO believes he deserves that opportunity.

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  18. Posted · Report post

    On ‎10‎/‎23‎/‎2016 at 0:09 AM, AppStRavenfan said:

     

    I doubt Zuttah is going anywhere, we currently have no clear backup at center - we have guys like Urschel who can step in in a pinch but Zuttah has regained his form the past couple weeks and he's our best option there until we draft and develop someone to take over. I'm still skeptical if Urschel is our long term solution there, I think he's our long term guy at LG when Lewis is moved to RT.

    Jensen will compete and likely win the starting C position.  He is an ERFA this year and will be an RFA after the season.  He is the clear backup, IMHO.  Urschel will return next year on his last year of his rookie deal and will back up the position.  Don't think we need to draft a C this next year.  2018, yes.

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  21. Posted · Report post

    9 hours ago, terrynjulia03 said:

    I'm sorry but many teams go through a whole plug and play on the OL, and they don't play nearly that bad. The Jets lost Mangold early, and still didn't play that bad. This is directly on Juan, you've had 2 weeks of this, and even prior they looked off. If you can't get your players to stop making stupid penalties and even when they get it right they still are horrible than you need to go do something else, because you're time is over as a coach. 

     

    Speaking of OL woes. We know that Lewis is not a LT and hoping Urschel would be the next C after getting rid of Zuttah just isn't happening. Maybe it's Jensen. 

    Jensen spent most of his pre-NFL life at Center.  With Yanda's return, and Stanley's return on the horizon, I think it's time to give that a try.  He looked pretty good in his last two outings, and I don't think he'll get caved into the pocket as much as Zuttah seems to. 

    On the other hand, if anyone watched the Seahawks-Cardinals game........THOSE are horrible O-lines. 

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  24. Posted · Report post

    7 minutes ago, PurpleCity5 said:

    Wagner is not on the injury report and Stanley is back to health. Having those two with Lewis at LG should help out the pass blocking a ton.

    I think the right side of the line will be more effective Sunday with Wagner back.  Stanley - Lewis - Zuttah - Jensen - Wagner  should be the starting lineup.  Not too bad!!

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  25. Posted · Report post

    2 hours ago, GrimCoconut said:

    I agree on Lewis at RT. It seems to be the clear solution, but we never know since right now Lewis is still at LG as far as I know if Stanley returns. I suspect that will continue. KO wasn't all that good at RT but was OK, but he lit it up at LG. I wonder if Lewis is the anti-KO where he was OK at LG but lights it up at RT? I think we'd like to upgrade but upgrading a center is easier said than done and isn't likely we just cut a guy because we want to upgrade. I think that's a common misconception. Also, I'm not sure we want the turnover, either. It would be different if we have the LG position set, and if we decide to keep Lewis there then maybe this move makes sense--cutting Zuttah. You'd want to keep as much continuity on the interior OL as possible. You wouldn't want to start a new LG and a new C because that could be disastrous. I think pass rusher is also likely in FA, but I think that largely depends on Suggs and Dumervil's future. We need a youthful and explosive pass rusher not necessarily experience. 

    Yeah. I think we'd love to upgrade Zuttah, but it's easy to say we can upgrade a center but the question is whether or not that's as easily done. We've tried to get a player of Matt Birk's quality for years. It's just not simple. I think we're likelier to draft a center to play guard or to learn behind Zuttah than simply cutting Zuttah. It can happen, though.

    I don't think anyone thinks we need a new starting LG but we definitely need depth and a potential starter since Jensen and Urschel would both be approaching the end of their rookie deals.

    Jensen isn't on his rookie deal any longer.  He's a ERFA this season, and will become a RFA after this season.  I think he'll be given the shot at being our starting Center next year.  I actually believe he plays his best football there.  We'll see what happens.  Urschel will get his shot at the starting LG next year.  I cannot see them taking a pass at either and letting them go.  But a strong draft at both positions next year is needed for another G/C. 

    It will be interesting to see if they tender Jensen, what round they place on him, and if they'll be able to retain him.  He keeps starting and continues to pick up his play, someone may come knocking.

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