Starting DT: Griffin and ?

[offiss]

Originally Posted by joecrisp

Given Griffin's size (6-3, 300), it seems like they would need to stick a bigger guy in there to cover the 0 and 1-techniques. Haley's size (6-4, 325) would seem to make him a more viable candidate for that role than Noble (6-2, 304) or Salave'a (6-3, 295).

I know that the 1-technique is not entirely about size, but it certainly does help. Noble for instance, is not the biggest DT out there, but he has been known in the past as a guy who can capably fill the 1-gap and take on double-teams. However, Noble's knee injury, combined with his smaller size in comparison to Haley, lead me to believe Haley should be the guy alongside Griffin.

I also expect Williams to keep a steady rotation going along the line, with Wynn and Daniels often lining up at the DT spots, depending on the situation.

I'm pulling for Salave'a to make a name for himself as a key reserve along the D-line. Hopefully, his reunion with Williams will lead to good things for him and the defensive line.

Haley was my vote, I will also add this, his play toward's the end of last year was impressive, he didn't have the sack's, but he was penetrating into the backfield, I was wondering where he came from? I was kind of surprised he hasen't been more talked about as a starter, I thought I heard something a while back about him not being able to hold up all season, he defiently has the size we are looking for, I think he will be the guy, although we will probably see a lot of guy's get playing time on the D-line.

[SmootSmack]

I don't think Noble will be ready by the start of the season so I'm going with Haley. If I remember right he played most of last season with a broken thumb and considering that I don't think he did all that bad.

I think Matty is right though that Daniels could play a lot of DT as well. Not only to put both Upshaw and Wynn in there at DE but also when they ocassionaly put Washington or LaVar up on the line as well

[JWsleep]

Great post, Joe.

It would be great to see Noble out there and healthy, but my guess is that wont be for a while yet, if ever. I'll go with Haley, and let's hope it holds up!

[MTK]

Originally Posted by offiss

Haley was my vote, I will also add this, his play toward's the end of last year was impressive, he didn't have the sack's, but he was penetrating into the backfield, I was wondering where he came from? I was kind of surprised he hasen't been more talked about as a starter, I thought I heard something a while back about him not being able to hold up all season, he defiently has the size we are looking for, I think he will be the guy, although we will probably see a lot of guy's get playing time on the D-line.

I think you may be thinking of Bernard Holsey there offiss, Haley was banged up late in the year and didn't play much.

[offiss]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

I think you may be thinking of Bernard Holsey there offiss, Haley was banged up late in the year and didn't play much.

No, I was defiently thinking of Haley, but my timing is probably off, it could have been mid way through the season, or toward's the end, I am not really sure, I just remembered him standing out, and your probably right, I was hoping to see more of him late in the season and he had an injury prob. I was disapointed at the time I didn't get more of a chance to see him play.

But thank's for keeping an eye on me Matty!