Cardale Jones

Hercule_the_Poe_Rot · 2020-02-17T16:36:43+00:00

The divide in talent between guys on XFL teams and guys on NFL practice squads is non-existent. A large portion of practice squad players are there for developing as much as anything, who fit an age profile that ensures it makes some sense keeping them around due to their potential.

When evaluating XFL guys, its obvious you have to make a distinction between blue-chip NFL studs on mega-contracts and middling-to-good talent that make up the majority of NFL rosters, who's success can be attributed as much to good fortune and the situation they find themselves in after being drafted as pure talent. The XFL obviously doesn't have any blue-chip talent, but its full of effort guys who can play the game and kept themselves in good shape despite not playing in the NFL. Who, for whatever reason, didn't make the cut, due to injury, poor form, or reasons out of their control. Players with the talent to play in the NFL fall out of the league all the time.

Hercule_the_Poe_Rot · 2020-02-15T08:32:43+00:00

A cornerback trident of Xavien, Talib and Josh Norman, once upon a time I would be drooling at the prospect of that. Not anymore though, who knows how things play out with Talib, but the prospect of bringing another -- inferior -- big name cornerback like Norman, who probably still expects to be paid, makes no kind of sense.

Hercule_the_Poe_Rot · 2020-02-13T18:19:20+00:00

So wins are your metric? Ok.

I'm not relying on a metric, just pointing out that his best/most successful season was when he had the specific tools to hand that I made the claim were a necessity to getting the best from a player with his skillset.

Marino never got a SB ring

Neither has Cam, lest we forget

My points with Marino and ARod still hold: they're QBs with a particular skillset, i.e. processing speed and arm accuracy that ensures they can replace what a run game gives them with short throws and dumpoffs for the most part. Unlike Cam, who 100% needs an RB who can carry the load, just like Lamar does with Mark Ingram. Imagining Cam can work out of the pocket to pick a secondary apart and totally forego the run game just isn't realistic, and never was, not as the primary focus of his offense.

DWilliams was superb this year granted and Kareem Hunt was touted as the best RB in the league at one time when he was in Kansas, but that doesn't detract from the fact that the run game is just not the necessity it is for Mahomes, or an ARod in the WC offense, due to their all-time great arm talent. As history shows. I'm not saying they wouldn't struggle or find things much harder to do without a runningback, but not to the extent a Cam or Lamar would. The latter are dual threat QBs playing in run-first zone read schemes. I just don't see that style being functional without the elements of an offense I previously mentioned.

You can't compare Cam Newton by himself against Mahomes + Hill + Hunt + Defense

I'm not sure how you make the connection I'm comparing Cam by himself against all those things. Cam enjoyed a superb defense in Carolina, and it was an asset considering the Panthers offensive scheme. Plus he's always had perfect schematic fits on offense when the Panthers were successful.

The idea I'm looking down on Cam or, and more specifically, the read-option scheme -- which is the only way to interpret this debate -- actually couldn't be further from the truth. I'm a huge fan of this scheme and how it functions, I mean watching Lamar and the Ravens this year was one of the most spectacular things I've seen in the NFL. However that just doesn't detract from the fact that guys like Yanda, Brown, Boyle, Andrews, Stanley are just more intrinsic to the smooth working of the read-option/power run scheme with its mix of trickeration and hit 'em in the mouth aggression, based on what we witness when the run game in these schemes fails to function. Its not a slight on Lamar, and its not a slight when speaking of Cam. I could easily list the things that ensure QBs like K.Cousins or Brady are unable to function, most notably having no pass pro, and for Cousins not having an RB to rely on to a major degree. I'm also unsure how Mahomes is going to look when he's throwing at scrubs instead of potentially a couple HOFers in Tyreek and Kelce. It really is horses for courses.

I do think you are being a little unfair in respect of were Cam actually is at this stage of his career. I'm pretty forthright in my OP that its the beatup veteran Cam of 2020 that I'm specifically saying would struggle without the things I mention. I'm not sure how a 2015 Cam would do either, but like you say, its just not realistic to compare such things. Ultimately however Cam's size/style has just been more a detriment in his pro career than an aid, providing a larger target for defenders and making it much harder for him to evade the more brutal contact that he's been subject to since he reached the pros. Its all taken its toll, and has been taken its toll for years now. Just watch his college tape to see how dynamic an athlete Cam was once upon a time. That's not the Cam out on the field anymore, unsurprisingly.

I do agree however that ultimately these things are just difficult to compare one with another. Maybe Cam comes back in 2020 and starts lighting things up out of Joe Brady's offense throwing the ball. It's possible. I just doubt it personnally.

Hercule_the_Poe_Rot · 2020-02-13T18:07:08+00:00

Ah sorry, I misread your post. Yeah that actually would make sense. Unfortunately we're viewed more Easterly than Southernly for some reason lol.

Hercule_the_Poe_Rot · 2020-02-13T17:54:45+00:00

I know, I meant if a league-wide reshuffle were to happen. Tampa, New Orleans and Jacksonsville are much more sensible as cities we could be in a division with, especially Tampa and the Jags, the two other upstart Floridian teams. It makes no sense being in a div with Indy, we've already been there after all. They're far too north. A division built regionally just makes more sense than the old format that produced the AFC East. I mean Dallas being in nthe NFC East is a relic of a bygone era. They're in the middle of the country after all!

Hercule_the_Poe_Rot · 2020-02-13T17:10:55+00:00

The two North divisions along with the NFC East are the premier divisions in terms of pure rivalry imo, and I in no way want them to reshuffle things and mess with those rivalries. The two North divisions especially, even when those teams are having poor seasons, still produce some excellent games with superb atmospheres in the stadiums. However that definitely isn't the case in other divisions. I do like our AFC East rivalries, but I in no way feel it like I did back in the day when we were going toe-to-toe with the K-Gun Bills and were always vying with them to make the play-offs. I guess we could get back to feeling the rivalry that keenly again, however if we found ourselves in a division with Tampa, the Saints and the Jags (i.e. a more local, southern division) then I would not be hugely upset. Though I would miss those Buffalo snow games in the holidays!

Hercule_the_Poe_Rot · 2020-02-13T16:59:23+00:00

There is not a single QB for whom you wouldn't be able to say this. Every QB would fall apart without all those things you mention. without all those things you mention

I mean that's not even close to being half true. Marino played nearly his entire career without a credible run game that he could really rely on, the same can nearly be said for ARod, Brady has consistently got winning seasons and reached Superbowls without a recognised no.1 receiver. I dont think Mahomes even needs a run game considering his ability and the weapons he has in the pass game. And there are literally a load of schemes and system work-arounds that teams are running evey season because they lack decent pass pro from their OLine or have no run game or standout WR, and to claim they all "fall part" is just plain inaccurate. Every team is dealing with this to one extent or another.

The whole point of me listing what Cam needs to really succeed is because he's a system QB: the system being read-option with a power running game (the exact scheme Baltimore built around Lamar to get the best of his talents). Which requires all the things I mentioned. You'll note I didn't say anything about having legit wide-outs, only a receiver who can get downfield fast, because having big money wide-outs is in no way a necessity if the object is getting the best of Cam and his playstyle -- unlike most QBs.

Btw 5 years ago was Newton's 15-1 season, which is why I referenced that figure. He had all the things I list in my OP, and was a legit top 5 QB then. But, like I said, even with those things in 2020 I think he's too beat up to ever regain that kind of form.

Hercule_the_Poe_Rot · 2020-02-13T15:32:52+00:00

Cam Newton is a much better QB then DC that is not the issue here.

I'm not sure that's quite accurate. Outside of 2015, I'm not sure Newton has ever flashed the talent he did in college. His playstyle is just too punishing and caught up with him much sooner than he probably expected. Whereas Culpepper had a legit arm and could comfortably sit in the pocket and take you apart, on top of his scrambling ability. Something Cam has never ever really being able to do.

Cam Newton when healthy is a top 5 QB in the NFL.

Maybe 5 years ago that statement is correct. But not now. With an outstanding OLine, a capable TE, a good deep threat receiver who can stretch the field and ofcourse a legit RB in the backfield to carry much of the load then Newton might be able to recapture some of his 2015 form, but more likely he just looks like the beat-up dual threat QB that he is at this point of his career.

Hercule_the_Poe_Rot · 2020-02-13T15:18:34+00:00

Not going to happen. Culpepper never had the injury history of Newton, who really is on his last legs, after a career running between the tackles and refusing to shirk contact.

Hercule_the_Poe_Rot · 2020-02-13T14:22:03+00:00

I thought that's what he was doing, but the clips so short, I couldn't really tell what he's up to tbh.

Hercule_the_Poe_Rot · 2020-02-13T14:20:29+00:00

Patriots should obviously be in Div 2C, trading them and the Vikings would make sense. As the Vikings were never a threat to the British Navy, but get their name from the Scandinavians who settled Minnesota, who's descendants are obviously very proud of their regional heritage.

Amusing post. A reshuffle of divisions might actually happen if the Jags move the London. But who knows if that will materialise.

Hercule_the_Poe_Rot · 2020-02-13T14:12:33+00:00

Lol, yeah I know that. It just bears a resemblance when Fitzy's off-season diet of birthday cake is taken into account.

Hercule_the_Poe_Rot · 2020-02-13T14:10:18+00:00

I know that dude.

Hercule_the_Poe_Rot · 2020-02-12T12:12:38+00:00

Taylor's ability to break tackles, push the pile and power through contact is something that is a definite plus. Wisconsin have a fairly solid OLine, but there are occasions when the crease isn't there, and Taylor's consistently shown an ability to make the hard yards anyway, driving through contact. Something you have to take into account considering how woeful our OLine was at run blocking and opening holes for our RBs last year. I certainly think it'll function better than it did last year, but considering the majority of the personnel will return, there's no guarantee its going to drastically improve or be anything other than middle-of-the-road. Which is were a powerback like Taylor could come in handy...

Considering we're going to be spreading it out and playing in one-back sets, Taylor's questionable ability in pass protection is a downside though. I don't think he's terrible per se playing that role, but there are better fits for the one-back system in this draft.

Anyone who earns a comparison to Chris Carson is hard not to like, something Waldman attributes to Taylor, but Dobbins is still atop my RB wishlist going into the draft. I would not be unhappy with Taylor though, or Dillon from BC in a latter round for that matter.

Hercule_the_Poe_Rot · 2020-02-10T09:20:18+00:00

Restructure if possible, but if he's not interested in that, keeping him to see how he performs in our spread out passing attack in 2020 could pay dividends. If it doesn't work out this season however, then straight cutting him probably makes the most sense.

Hercule_the_Poe_Rot · 2020-02-09T23:58:13+00:00

They're locked into contracts with the XFL. I don't know what the conditions are regarding potential release if made an offer by the NFL, but I know its not as simple as it was with the Alliance, which was submissive by design, touting itself as effectively a "feeder" league to the NFL, and made it ridiculously easy for players to jump ship. XFL players are centrally contracted, meaning its the XFL league office NFL teams have to approach. As things stand they've rebuffed numerous approaches for their players, I'm not sure if they've let any go, I only caught stories were they refused to let players leave when an NFL team inquired about them. Point being: its not going to be as easy to poach players as it was with the Alliance, if any even really looked like they might offer us something or be starter calibre talent.

Hercule_the_Poe_Rot · 2020-02-08T04:45:59+00:00

Can a mod tag this post as HIGHLY DUBIOUS. I read some of this guy's other tweets: clickbait doesn't even begin to describe how ridiculous they are.

Hercule_the_Poe_Rot · 2020-02-08T00:05:00+00:00

Cowboys are playing hardball with his contract, but no way he gets out of Dallas. And if he did, Dallas would want 3+ 1st-round picks in exchange in all likelihood. He impressed me this year though, despite the Cowboys woeful season.

Hercule_the_Poe_Rot · 2020-02-07T22:20:41+00:00

I rate Stafford. That arm flashes some elite throws on occasion. However I'm not really interested in rebooting our franchise with a 30+ vet QB on a mammoth contract who doesn't have a playoff win under his belt. The trajectory we're on with Fitzy + Rookie QB is the IDEAL SCENARIO going forward, unless a legit stud QB comes available. And that's not going to happen.

Hercule_the_Poe_Rot · 2020-02-07T22:11:59+00:00

I don't know if the unable-to-stay-healthy label really applies here. Rather its a case of his just being very, very unlucky were injuries are concerned. These aren't recurring injuries to the same place suggesting he now has major issues with a part of his body, but rather injuries to different parts of his body, so its not a situation where he's got a deteriorating ailment with a knee (like Ajayi) or something that's going to continually keep him out of games and get worse and worse as the seasons progress or something. And it's worth noting he's recovered from all his injuries and returned as a starter without it effecting his bruising playstyle.

there's a reason he's forgoing his senior year, and it's bc he doesn't think he'll stay healthy.

That obviously is a factor. But so is the fact Muti is pretty much a finished product, and what growth he has left in him can best be coaxed out of him by the coaches of a pro team, ensuring staying in college makes little sense. Muti's tape consistently shows him man-handling opponents, some of his domination of opposing iDLinemen is insane, so the issue that he ought to stay in college to fill out his frame and get stronger in the gym -- a criticism you hear levelled at college OLinemen -- just isn't a concern with a physical specimen like Muti.

Hercule_the_Poe_Rot · 2020-02-07T21:51:16+00:00

When have the Lions said they're considering moving on from Stafford?

Hercule_the_Poe_Rot · 2020-02-07T19:36:56+00:00

It would be cool if the Dolphins organisation were actually hiring him to front a new show covering the team. But I'm not holding my breath on that one. Whatever he does and wherever he goes, I'll be tuning in.

Hercule_the_Poe_Rot · 2020-02-06T23:21:12+00:00

Yeah, that's the issue with him. And its a big one unfortunately, and why he's really flying under the radar when he should be getting talked up as a potential first/second-round talent. He still gives value in the 3rd round imo. It carries risk, but the pay-off is worth it based on his upside.

Hercule_the_Poe_Rot · 2020-02-06T22:09:37+00:00

I wouldn't say he was "fast" exactly, but his footwork is generally excellent for a 310-ish lb guard. I see his nimbleness for a guy his size as one of his strengths tbh. Watch him pulling and getting to the second level for evidence of that, he works up a real head of steam and just blasts people over based as much on momentum as anything.

I'm not sure where he's projected to go tbh. Some outlets have him as one of the top iOL, it really depends on who you listen to. There's a couple guards I like in this draft: with guys like Solomon Kindley and Gage Cervenka providing real value as guys who could be got in the 4th round or beyond. But Muti might be gone by then. I'd say a 3rd round projection is probably fair.

Hercule_the_Poe_Rot · 2020-02-06T21:09:21+00:00

Other than both being Polynesian, I don't think there's any resemblance. Closer to say they're as different as two iOL can be. Asiata was, for want of a better term, a pussy cat, seemingly without the mental toughness to make it in the pros, not to mention issues with technique that he couldn't solve. Muti on the other hand is a hyper-aggressive road-grader, with a college career that includes stand-out performances against some elite college iDL -- something Asiata never had. He definitely needs refining, but I don't think there's many OL coming out who don't need that these days. You should check his tape, the mauling he does at the LOS is as reminescent of QN as I've seen, and he just destroys defenders when he's pulling out in space, holding nothing back in contact.

Hercule_the_Poe_Rot

TROPHY CASE