2017 NFL Preseason Thread: Ki-Jana Carter edition

kind of an adjunct to the receivers argument - there are only two active players on the career rushing list top 25- AP and Frank Gore. Six Qbs in the top 20 and Esiason, Kreig and Vinny Testaverde aren't going to be in Canton unless their car breaks down.

 

No.
Best blocking WR in the history of the game. But No one employs a WR to primarily block.
He's a lock for the Steelers ring of honor, but I can't see getting into Canton w/o a ticket.

 

Okay. I thought they were comparable. Ward has a second Super Bowl ring. Boldin has better overall statistics.

 

Patriots go Led Zepplin on the NFL and buy a pair of planes for team travel.
$10 million for a pair of 767s.
Patriots Become 1st NFL Franchise to Buy a Team Plane

 

You think Ward, and/or Boldin should be in?

 

Cleveland Indians did this nearly 30 years ago.

 

Not really, but I think they are close. I have no problem if either gets in. I also have no problem if neither makes it.

 

I can see arguing against him bc his totals in receptions, yards and TDs are in the mid teens and lower among career leaders. He's borderline, but he has this in his favor: Super Bowl MVP, smiling after every play ("He's like a kid out there!"), winning multiple SBs for the Steelers, reputation as the best blocking receiver of all time (which helps bc he was basically a slot receiver who did not stretch the field).

My hunch is that he will get in, though he might have to wait a while.

Boldin will probably get in, too, though I have a feeling he'll be more easily forgettable once he retires. Ward has remained visible with the TV gigs, and that helps I think, though it shouldn't.

 

The fact that Ward made the top 26 in his first year of eligibility basically says he is getting in somewhat soon. But.....the glut of first-time eligibles coming really hurts Ward. If this was four or five years ago they'd put him within a year or two of being eligible. Now there are so many about debut that he's one of those guys, rightfully so, that will feel the pinch. Ward feels like a 2020/2021 guy after T.O., Moss and Bruce get in and he's battling Torrey Holt for the top receiver not in slot.

 

Not a bad debut for Deshaun Watson. Unlike, Steve Mariucci, I'm not yet sold he's going to be a franchise QB.

Hackenberg is struggling with the Jets. He's a 2-picks-a-day steady in camp and reportedly can't bring the team out of huddle formation to well enough to suit the coaches.

 

Savage looked good with the first unit. I keep hearing all this great stuff about Watson, but I still wouldn't be shocked to see Savage taking the snaps when the season starts.

 

I think that makes the most sense for the Texans too. Unless Watson is overwhelmingly better in practice, you should probably roll the dice with Savage and see what you can get from him for the first couple games. You can switch to Watson at some point if Savage flounders.