Defensive Gurus...Neiko Thorpe?

[Snaggletiger]

After Saturday, you may be convinced I'm smoking teh cracks when you read the following.  But, trust me, I never break out the pipe until after 5:00..on Tuesdays...uuunnless it's my birthday...oorrrr, I'm stuck in traffic.

I really believe Neiko Thorpe is going to be one of the top corners in the league by next season. Yes, they threw at and burned the guy numerous times Saturday, but I noticed something.  It looked like virtually every time someone caught a pass on him, he was in perfect position. He just didn't finish, for lack of a better term.

Conversely, the few times they tested McFadden, a grizzzzzled veteran, not only was he in position, but was able to "Chicken fight"...push his body into the receiver...time his jump correctly in order to make the play.  I think this comes strictly from experience.  I recall McFadden being put in the Vanderbilt game late a few years ago.  They F'n torched his ass long..twice.  Now, that ain't happenin'. You see him making that little tug on the arm and that perfectly timed leap into the body of the receiver to screw it all up. 

I can recall 4 passes specifically where I saw Thorpe in perfect position, but he just couldn't do any of the above, which in my mind, is more than half the battle.  It's one thing to be able to run, back pedal, cut and be in position. It's another altogether to have the experience and presence of mind to do those little things that finish the play.  I have never played DB anywhere other than David Dunbar's back yard and I certainly don't know how to coach the position.

Does anyone see the same things or do you just think Thorpe is teh sux?  Anyone play the position? Input from the "Experts"? 

[Kaos]

He is much better looking than Julio Jones.

[Argo]

He is much better looking than Julio Jones.

Bullshit.  Julio has knocked down way more passes than Neiko.

[wesfau2]

I think you're right about him.

Fast, strong kid.  Just needs some seasoning.

[Kaos]

I think you're right about him.

Fast, strong kid.  Just needs some seasoning.

I suggest McCormick's.  Never go with the store brand. 

Signed,
Jeff Dahmer

[wesfau2]

I suggest McCormick's.  Never go with the store brand. 

Signed,
Jeff Dahmer

Nah...national muddled-tasting garbage.

Go regional...local is best.

But who am I to question a connoisseur?

[Snaggletiger]

Nah...national muddled-tasting garbage.

Go regional...local is best.

But who am I to question a connoisseur?

Definitely local.  The Cellar gourmet butcher and wine shop here has some dust....all you need.  I always dust my meat first.

[War Eagle!!!]

Back on topic...I agree HB. He was always in position without really getting "beat". A couple of those plays were just perfect execution. The fade route down the sideline comes to mind. Mallett couldn't have gone over and handed the ball any better, and when that happens, you can't defend that play...no matter who you are. If the ball is another 6 inches shorter or a yard longer, it's incomplete...

[Godfather]

I always dust my meat first.

Doesn't that make Mrs. Birdman cough?

[Snaggletiger]

Doesn't that make Mrs. Birdman cough?

You gotta' actually get some in your mouth for that to happen.

[jadennis]

You gotta' actually get some in your mouth for that to happen.

I bet #4 and #8 would oblige.



As for Thorpe, yeah, it was maddening to see him right there, apparently in position, yet not come up with a play to break it up.  However, looking back, you're right, it's encouraging to see him in position and not running onto the picture 3 seconds after the WR already has the ball.  He'll be good.

I also think Bates is a year or two from being Eric Berry (minus the BS Heisman hoopla). 

[AUTiger1]

I bet #4 and #8 would oblige.



As for Thorpe, yeah, it was maddening to see him right there, apparently in position, yet not come up with a play to break it up.  However, looking back, you're right, it's encouraging to see him in position and not running onto the picture 3 seconds after the WR already has the ball.  He'll be good.

I also think Bates is a year or two from being Eric Berry (minus the BS Heisman hoopla).

Agreed on Thorpe.

Bates = Rosegreen reincarnated ?

[jmar]

All I know is the defense cannot tackle even when they are in position and opposing receivers run open as in an A-day game where everyone looks like a champ.