Big Blue Huddle

Quote from: GloryDays on September 01, 2023, 08:40:54 PMA lot of work and effort; however, your rankings on most positions are off or at least subject to debate.
For example, somehow you think Zack is better than Jones. I totally disagree and I am not in the minority. Or our WRs all last or 3rd in the division, or Thibs being last!!

In point of fact, you are in in the minority, if you believe DJ is currently better than Dax:

Daks NFL accolades:
2× Pro Bowl (2016, 2018)
Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year 2016
AP Offensive Rookie of the Year 2016
Walter Payton Man of the Year 2022

DJs NFL accolades:
None to date...

PFF has Dak #10 and DJ #18:  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-quarterback-rankings-all-32-starters-2023-nfl-season
NFL News has Dak #10 and DJ#18: https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-qb-index-ranking-all-32-teams-primary-starting-quarterbacks-at-the-end-of-th
Sportsnaut has Dak #11 and DJ#13: https://sportsnaut.com/nfl-qb-rankings/
CBS has Dak #9 and DJ #17: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/top-10-nfl-qbs-of-2023-afc-reigns-supreme-as-jets-aaron-rodgers-joins-chiefs-patrick-mahomes-other-stars/

*this was the top 4 Google results ("NFL current QB rankings"); I searched two pages of rankings, I couldn't find a single one that suggested DJ was better than Dax. 

Concerning WRs, I would love to hear your rationale for ranking Hodgins over CeeDee, MCLaurin, or Brown. Equally interesting would be your rationale for placing Smith, Dotson or Cooks below Slayton.  I'm a huge Thibs fan; yet, you would have to be a huge homer to suggest he's better than Micah Parsons or John Sweat.  If Thibs produced a double-digit sack season and made a PB, we would sing his praises.  Well, Sweat accomplished both feats in 2021/22 and Parsons is on a torrent HoF trajectory, which leaves Sweat.  I gave Sweat and Thibs the same score; yet, the ranking goes to Sweat as he's been better than average for multiple seasons. 

Quote from: Slugsy-Narrows on September 01, 2023, 07:21:27 PMNo way Hurtz is a 5  sorry!  Don't see it

He has/had a great line and better than avg WRs.

Hurtz is Prescott of a few years ago.

Watch long term as the line declines so will Hurtz.

You must know something the Eagles don't as they just awarded him a monster contract with $220M guaranteed...he was a legit MVP candidate.  He was also a Pro Bowler in his first full season as a starter with no offensive weapons; he literally accounted for 70% of the offense and was the primary reason the Eagles made the playoffs.  The notion that Hurts is a byproduct of his offensive line and wr is simply not shared by the Eagles management or objectionable data...

For the last two years, I have tried to evaluate individual talent of each NFC East roster to objectively predict thier final NFC East rankings.  Below is my latest effort.  Each player is given a score (1 through 5) and ranked from 1-to-4 based on a relative comparison with thier NFC East Counterpart.

* Note – 1st and 2nd year players are ranked based on objectionable data and potential to achieve PB/AP statues.

Rankings:
5 = All Pro (top 5 at position)
4 = Multi Pro Bowl (top 10 at his position)
3 = Average
2 = Below Average
1 = JAG
 
QB
- Hurts (5.0) – Hurts was a viable MVP candidate until getting injured last year; he's a 2x Pro Bowler and class of the NFC...clear cut #1
- Prescott (4.0) – He edges out DJ (for now) as his accolades clearly place him above DJ as this point.  Dax's a 2x Pro Bowler who's consistently a top 5 passer.
- Jones (3.75) – Above average QB who could be top 3 in a weak NFC QB class.
- Howell (2.25) – no comment required...he's a distant fourth...
 
RB
- Barkley (5.0) – When healthy, he's the best in the division, especially with his improved pass blocking.
- Pollard (4.0) – He's quietly been Dallas best Rb for multiple seasons now; he can run and catch the ball well; in fact, the gap between Pollard and Barkley is not as wide as you think.
- Robinson Jr (3.5) – 3d round pick who returned from a gunshot wound to have a decent rookie campaign; he's a bruiser/savvy runner who typically falls forward for positive yards.  He's not overly fast, but has good twitch and innate abilities to find holes.
- Swift (3.5) – Good RB who can catch the ball; however, in 3 years, he's never played a full season
 
WR1
- AJ Brown (4.5) – Big/Fast multi PB and AP WR...he's clearly the best in the division
- Terry MCLaurin (4.0)– Grossly underrated WR...he's played for bad QB in all 4 seasons, yet has managed to eclipse the 1K yard barrier in 3 of 4 seasons; his rookie season he was 40 yards shy, despite playing in just 13 games
- CeeDee Lamb (4.0) - Eclectic WR who had monster 2022...he could be the Divisions best WR by seasons end; McLaurin gets the bump over CeeDee as the forms has played with an PB QB, while the latter has been saddled with below-avg signal callers
- Isaiah Hodgins (2.75) – I like Hodgins; he has good size, hands and knack for finding open holes in zone coverages.  Yet, there's a Giant (see what I did there) between the Giants WR and their division foes
 
WR2
- Devonta Smith (4.0) – Electric/game-changing WR who despite playing at 170lbs has proven durable.  He could be the Eagles best WR by seasons end
- Jahan Dotson (3.5) – Had a fairly successful rookie campaign, despite playing in just 12 games and multiple below-avg-qbs.  This 1st Round pick has explosive speed and good hands.
- Brandin Cooks (3.5) – Cooks has been a good WR for 9 seasons now, accumulating 6x 1K rec yard seasons during that period; however, he'll be 30 years old this year and playing for 5th team in 9 years.
- Durius Slayton (3.25) – Fast WR who will consistently give you 700+ yards a season; he drops the ball too much and is what he is at this point...
 
WR3
- Michael Gallup (3.25) – When healthy, Gallop has #2, if not #1 wr abilities; however, that's been the issues over the last 2 years...he's rarely healthy.  Regardless, he's till has more abilities than the traditional #3 Wr.
- Curtis Samuel (3.0) – A 6 year veteran, Samuels has quietly had a good career; at 5,11/195 lbs, he's a prototypical slot WR.  He has good hands and finds area in the zones; however, he's not electric and won't get a lot of YAC yards.  He is a solid pro who adds value to the lineup
- Parris Campell (3.0) – Campell was did little during his first 3 seasons, having only amassed 34 catches/360 yard.  Last year he was given a chance to start and responded with 63 catches for 623 yards. Parris is extremely fast (4.3) and athetletic; however, he doesn't run the entire route tree; his production has yet to match his athletic abilities. 
- Wuez Watkins (2.75)  – A 2020 6th round pick, Watkins has blazing speed (4.35) but doesn't run very crisp routes.  He's solid #3 options, having amassed 1,107 in two years as starter.  Last year he was a bit of disappointment as his speed didn't translate to production. 
 
TE
- Dallas Goedert (3.75) – Goedert is an NFL Top 5 TE who blocks as well as he catches; at 6'5/260, he's effectively another T with soft hands – his 77 PFF grade is a reflection of his all-around abilities.
- Darren Waller (3.75)  – Waller is the best catcher of the group, but is 3 years and 2 injuries removed from his former top-tier status.  At 31, he's unlikely to capture his former elite pass catching status; he's also a below-average blocker, who's more WR than TE, which is reflective of his 72 PFF rating.
- Luke Schoonmaker (3.0)  – Although Jake Ferguson (2021 4th round pick) is listed as their starter, the Cowboys did not spend a 2nd round pick on Schoonmaker for him to sit on the bench; he's big (6'5/250) with good speed and hands, who can also block.  He was a difference-maker for Mich and in 2-years, could be the divisions best TE; however, he needs to earn it first...
- Logan Thomas (2.75) – Avg TE who can block and catch; however, he has issues staying healthy
 
LT
- Andrew Thomas (4.75) – Has over taken Tyron Smith mantle as the division's best LT; Thomas is an excellent pass-protector and good run-blocker who is rarely penalized...he earned his 2d team AP status
- Jordan Mailata (3.5) – At 6'8/370, Mailata is a monster of a man, who has better fluid movement than you would expect.  However, his very good 77 PFF rating is more of a byproduct of his overpowering run blocking than pass-protection.  Concerning the latter, he does struggle to get out of his sets and establish himself, which resulted in 6 sacks allowed and 7 penalties.  Still, make no mistakes, he's been a very good LT for 4 years now...can't believe he was a 7th round pick.
- Charles Leno Jr (3.5) –Another former 7th round pick, who's had a very good 9 year NFL career with a PB to his credit.  He slowed a bit last season but is still a very effective LT.
- Tyron Smith (3.0) – I absolutely hate placing this future HoF in this spot; how, he has significant back issues and hasn't played a full-season in 7 years; even when he did play last season, he was a shell of his former self.  Still, despite playing in the NFL for 12 seasons, he's just 32 years old...you just have to wonder who much his body can stand...
 
LG
- Tyler Smith (3.5) – A massive G who was Dal 1st Round pick last season, started all 17 games.  Showing versatility, he was forced to play LT last year with Tyron Smith injury.  He filled in admirably, but struggled with speed rushers, which resulted in a NFL leading 13 penalties and 6 sacks allows.  Still, for a Rookie player who played out-of-position, he had an effective rookie campaign, as indicated by his 72 PFF rating.  Returning to this natural position (assuming T. Smith stays healthy), he's poised for a really good 2d season.  Dallas just has a knack for drafting OL....
- Landon Dickerson (3.25) - Is a big, imposing Guard who's a crushing run blocker and effective pass protector. This 2021 former 2d round pick has a chance to be a really good G, but he must reduce his NFL leading 14 penalties.  Still, he only allowed a single sack in 1,100 snaps.  He's good, but needs to improve to climb this list. 
- Ben Bredeson (2.75) – Below avg-starter who won't embarrass you.  I suspect the Giants will look to upgrade this position in 2024; until then, Bredeson is their best option.
- Saahdiq Charles (1.50)- Another big Guard who struggled last year in limited snaps, which is reflective of his 44 PFF rating. A backup prior to this season, the Commanders are hoping their former 4th round pick develops into an effective starter, which seems unlikely.
 
C
-  Jason Kelce (5.0) – Is a future HoF and still the class of the division, and NFL.  At 35, he showed no signs of slowing down, as indicated by his 1st Team AP selection and 89 PFF rating.  In short, in the NFL East, there's Jason Kelce and everyone else....
- John Michael Schmitz Jr (3.5) – Although he hasn't played a single snap, I'm giving him the #2 rating based on potential, and because the other 2 Centers are average to below-average starters; JMS has legit potential to be more 
- Tyler Biadasz (3) – A 4th round pick out of Wisconsin, Baidasz has been an effective C.  At 6'3/320, he's bigger than your prototypical center and struggles to in this sets, which results in him getting beat, or needing help in pass protection.  He is an effective run-blocker though.
- Nick Gates (2.75)  – Gates is scrappy, but doesn't have the physical gifts to be a +run blocker or pass protection; concerning the latter, he uses positioning, vice strength, which proves effective to preventing sacks, but often leads to him allowing push from the middle of the pocket.  His consistent high 50s and low 60s PFF rating are well-earned...
 
RG
- Zack Martin (5.0) – Another future HoF who is still playing at an elite level; last year, he made 1st Team AP team...his 6th.  Until proven otherwise, he's the gold standard. The talent gap between Martin and everyone else is massive!
- Cam Jurgens (3.0) – was Phili 2022 2nd round pick and was drafted to play center; however, Kelce keeps kicking-out All-Pro seasons; so, Jurgens will play out-of-position this season. At 303lb,s he's lite to play the RG; although, he has really good speed for pulls, which Phili likes to employ.  Simialar to JMS, he gets the #2 ranking based on potential, and because the other two RG are below AVG.  Seriously, there's Martin and everyone else...
- Mark Glowinski (3.0) – A quality pro, who will never be more than an avg-to-slightly-below-avg player.  He won't embarrass you and provides quality play.
- Sam Cosmi (2.75) – A 2021 second round pick, Cosmi was originally drafted to play RT; however, while out with an injury, the Commanders got better play from career journeyman Andrew Whyle, and elected to keep the latter at RT.  This year, Cosmi will get a chance to play G. He has the tools to be really good; however, he's yet to realize that potential.
 
RT
- Lane Johnson (5.0) – At 33, Johnson produced another First-Team AP performance and made his 4th Pro Bowl!  He's remains one of the NFL's best RT.
- Terence Steele (3.25) – A quality, albeit unspectacular T, Steel was an UDFA who endured to a terrible rookie campaign to punching well-above his draft status last season.  His quality 74 PFF rating is reflective of his 2022 efforts.  He also provides depth as he's played both Left and Right tackle.  An improving player, he gets the nod over Neal.
- Evan Neal (2.75) – There's no sugar coating this, Neal had a terrible rookie campaign, giving up 7 sacks and 7 penalties in 800 snaps.  He has the physical tools to be the divisions best RT; however, until he displays it, he's below Steele.  Seriously, his 44 PFF rating was well earned; yet, Tackles, more than most positions, take time to develop....I believe Neal will be the divisions best RT in a few years.
- Andrew Wylie (2) – Career journey...JAG
 
Offensive Rankings
Eagles                 #1=6; #2=3; #3=0; #4=2
Cowboys             #1=3; #2=3; #3=4; #4=1
Giants                 #1=2; #2=2; #3=5; #4=2
Commanders      #1=0; #2=3; #3=2 #4=6


*The Eagles have 6 of the NFC East best players at thier respective positions

Average Offensive Player Rankings

#1 PHL  3.9
#2 DAL  3.6
#3 NYG  3.4
#4 WFT  2.7


LDE
- DeMarcus Lawrence (4.0) – Age is beginning to catch up with this 10-year vet, and he's only had 2 double-digit sack season; his last was 4-years ago.  Still, he's among the league leaders in pressures and his 78 PFF rating and Pro Bowl selection are nothing to sneeze at; he's still the best DE in the division, at least for one more year.
- Brandon Graham (4.0) – It's hard to believe, but Graham is entering his 14-season; yet, he's still putting up Pro Bowl numbers, including 13 sacks and an 89 PFF rating.  He does not play every down, and his more of situational pass-rusher these days.  Still, he's a very good LDE.
- Chase Young (3.25) – After winning DRoY and earning a PB selection his rookie year, he's done virtually nothing.  In fact, he's only played in 11 of 34 games and has nowhere near the burst he once had.  He gets a slightly above average rating based on potential, which could fall to below average next season.
- A'Shawn Robinson (2.75) – Career Journeyman who won't offer any dynamic play, but maybe an effective end in a 3-4 Def; he'll be ask to fill his gap, an control the edge, which his size may allow him to do.
 
LDT/NT
- Dexter Lawrence (5.0) – Absolute stud player who's been good since his rookie season; now, he's top 5 at his position.
- Daron Payne (4.0) – Pro Bowl Tackle who recorded 11 sacks last season; however, he's a better pass rusher than run-stuff, which accounts for his 63 PFF rating.  Lawrence is clearly better...
- Jalen Carter (3.25) – Was the #9 overall pick this draft; he was an absolute stud at Georgia, whose game projects well into the NFL.  It stinks that Phili was able to add this top 10 talent to their roster; still, hasn't played a down in the NFL to project a near PB-type rating
- Johnathan Hankins (2.25) – Was once a good DT; however, in his 11th year he's on his 4th team in as many years and hasn't recorded a sack in over 3 seasons.  His well below-average 40'ish PFF ratings are indicative of his current standing.  He's the clear cut #4 here...
 
RDT/RE
- Jonathan Allen (4.5) – Equally adept at stopping the run and pass-rushing, he's a pro-bowl DT who easily top 8 at his position.
- Leonard Williams (3.75) – Continues to be a good DT who can also play End; IMO, some fans overvalue his abilities. Regardless, he's a good player.
- Fletcher Cox (3.0) – Enter his 12th season, Cox is no longer the perineal AP/PB player that he was three years ago. Still, he recorded 7 sacks; yet, clearly doesn't have the stamina to play at a high level on every play. I suspect this may be his last season.  Also, listing Cox as the "starter" seems more like a curtesy at this point in his career; Milton Williams will continue to get more snaps than Cox.  The former is a 3rd Round pick, who has shown more abilities than Odighizuwa.
- Osa Odighizuwa (3.0) – Entering his third season, this 2021 third round picks has shown some flashes, but still struggles to generate persistent pressure, consume blockers and hold the edge.  He's improving, but still well behind Sweat and Williams here...
 
RE
- Micah Parsons (5.0) – In his first two seasons, he's putting up better numbers than LT and the late, great Derrick Thomas.  He can stay healthy, he has a legit chance to win an NFL MVP...he's that kind of unique talent.
- Josh Sweat (4.25) – A former 4th round pick, Sweat has developed into a very good DE, who possess really good speed and bend, which resulted in 19 sacks and PB honors over the last two seasons.  Despite only weighing 250Lbs, he can also effectively hold the edge.  His 87 PFF rating is not an aberration...he's good!
- Montez Sweat (3.75) – Is a fringe PB player, who consistently generates pressures and is better against the run than people realize.  His 86 PFF rating and objectionable stats suggest this is the best RDT/RE in division.
- Kayvon Thibodeaux (3.75) – Despite some fans suggesting otherwise, Thibs had a sensational rookie season, leading all rookies in pressures, making the PFWA All-Rookie Team, generating 50 Tacks/4 sacks, 1 TD and was personally responsible for 2x Giant wins.  He's on a Pro Bowl player track.
 
WLB
- Bobby Okereke (3.25) When the Giants signed him, you would have thought Okereke was a Pro Bowl type player.  He's not; instead, he's a good player who make sa ton tackles, which are mostly chase-town tackles beyond the LoS.  He's also very athletic and can cover; however, he absolutely struggles disengaging from blockers and/or holding the PoA.
- Leighton Vander Esch (3.25) – Started his career on a tear; however, injuries robbed him of his AP trajectory.  Today, he's still a better than average LB who had a combined 90 tacks and 71 PFF rating. 
- Zach Cunningham (2.75) – former 2d round pick, playing on his 3rd team in 6 years.  At 6'3/230, he has prototypical LB size and is HIGHLY productive against the run, accumulating 163 tackles in 2020; however, he struggles in space and is absolute liability in the passing gain.  As run defender, he's above average; yet, when factoring his pass coverage and zone awareness grades, he average or slightly below.
- Khaleke Hudson (2.25) – In his 4th season, this 5th round draft pick is finally getting his chance to start; expectations are not particularly high.
 
MLB
- Cody Barton (3.0) – A former 3rd round pick of the Seahawks, Barton finally got a chance to start; he took advantage of this opportunity compiling 136 total tackles. He was a solid, albeit unspectacular pro last year. 
- Nakobe Dean (3.0) – A 3rd Round pick last year, Dean was limited to special teams; also, at only 6'0/220, he lacks prototypical MLB size.  He gets a chance to start this season...
- Damone Clark (2.75) – Was Dallas 5th round pick last season; he had a very average rookie campaign last season.  He has a chance to develop into an above average center; however, for now, he's a tick below.
- Micah McFadden (2.75) – Ditto Clark; with the exception that McFadden doesn't have the size to play a true ILB role.  His upside maybe limited.
 
SLB
- Haason Reddick (4.5) -  A former 1st Round Pick with superior speed and instincts has been an NFL top 10 LB for 3 straight seasons, accumulating 38 sacks during that period.  Reddick is a disrupter and team leader.  He's clearly the divisions best LB earning a PR and 2d Team AP selection last season.
- Jamin Davis (3.25) – Taken #19 overall in the 2021 draft, Davis has great size (6'3/240), which he combines with 4.46 speed; last year, he led the Commanders with 104 tackles.  His rookie year was somewhat stifled as he was forced to play out-of-position (MLB); still, his talent started to show last year when he returned to his natural OLB role.  Despite his physical prowess, he still finds himself out-of-positions...he must do better at reading his keys and stop relying solely on his physical gifts.  He has PB potential; however, at this point, that's all it is...
- Azeez Ojulari   (3.00) – The Giants 2021 2d round pick, Ojulari is superior pass-rusher, when healthy, but an absolute liability in the run and pass defenses; for the former, he often negates his run contain responsibilities to take bad angles that increase his sack probability, which IMO were the impetus of his 58 and 62 PFF ratings.  His value is solely as a pass-rusher, which has benefits in a 3-4 scheme; still, he's nowhere near Reddick's stratosphere and overvalued by fans who simply look at his sacks, without considering the other elements to his game.
- Devin Harper (2.25) – Continuing the trend of young SLB, Harber was taken in the 6th round in the 2022 draft.  Unfortunately, he ruptured his Achilles tendinitis in October and was placed on IR.  Currently, he's a complete unknown.
 
LCB
- Stephon Gilmore (3.75) – In his prime, he was one of the best CBs in the league, having amassed 5 PBs and 2 AP honors.  He's not that far removed from his last PB season (2022) and can still play at a high-level, as indicated by his 80 PFF rating; still, he's 32 years old and his last two teams have only felt comfortable investing in single year contracts. At some point, his play will drop off, which could happen at any time.  Still, at 6'1/200lbs, he's a physical CB who excels at jamming WRs and has fantastic hand placement.  Despite his age, he played in 16 games last season on a bad Ind team...
- James Bradberry (3.50) – Entering his 7th season, JB is still a very good CB capable of playing man-to-man; however, he does give up a lot of deep passes.  He's also very effective against the run...BL: He's still a very good CB, which his 74 PFF rating accurately reflects.
- Kendall Fuller (3.50) – Underrated CB who's had a good, albeit unspectacular 8-year career.  Fuller is tough, and durable; in 8 years, he's missed more than 3 games only once.  He's also leads the secondary in tackles, acquiring 407 tackles to go along with 14 Ints. Despite playing for 7-years, he's just 27 and still very effective, as indicated by his 77 PFF rating.
- Adoree Jackson (3.50) – Adoree has always been a good CB, who you can count to miss between 6 and 7 games every year.  He's also fails to generate many int; in 6 years, he has just 3 Ints.  Still, when he plays, he's a good cover man who despite weighing just 185 lbs, isn't afraid to mix it up with WRs and take on much bigger RBs.  His 72 PFF rating accurately reflects his value; Bradberry and Fuller get nods over Jackson due to availability; although all three have similar abilities.   
 
RCB
- Travon Diggs (4.50) – Entering his 4th season, Diggs is widely renowned for being one of the NFLs best cover-corners, having amassed into 17 Ints, which he parlayed into 2x PB and 1x First Team AP awards.
Diggs is long, smooth and has exceptional closing speed; this cemented his 5 year/$97M contract, making him the NFLs highest paid CB.  Still, he's not perfect...he's at best and average run defender who doesn't always mix-it-up.
- Darius Slay (4.0) – 10-year veteran coming off his 5th Pro Bowl season.  Like Gilmore, he's 32 years old and have to anticipating diminishing abilities at some point; still, he has a very productive 2022 and remained a top 10 NFL CB.
- Emmanuel Forbes (3.25) – The 2023 #16 overall pick, Forbes is long and lean CB who runs well; he also has great twitch, but doesn't slide particularly well. At just 165 lbs, durability and run defense could be an issue at the NFL-level.  Regardless, this is a well-rounded CB equal capable of playing man or zone.  Like Banks, we just don't know....
- Deonte Banks (3.25) – A fantastic man-2-man CB with impressive speed and length; despite his superior athleticism, he plays an aggressive-style, press-corner game.  He must improve his awareness to play off man coverage schemes to become a Pro Bowl type CB.  The skies the limit for this kid; yet, at this point, we just don't know.
 
SS
- Kamren Curl (3.50) – a 7th round pick in 2020, Curl has been punching above his draft status for two years now.  At 6'2/200, he has good speed and is a + tackler.  Switching between S and FS, he's put together 3 +seasons, accounting for 270 tackles in just 37 games.  He's also rarely out-of-position and keeps the play in front of him...his 83 PFF rating was well-earned; although, I don't believe he has the physical gifts to be a perineal PB player, he is maturing into a really good player.
- Terrell Edmunds (3.25) – Played his first 5 years in PIT, and now makes the switch to Phili.  To date, Edmunds has been a very good pro, who's a good tackler and rarely out-of-position...he's not a game-changer, just a good pro, with good size/speed (6'1/220 w/4.4 speed).  His 70 PFF rating reflects his better than average performance.
- Jayon Kearse – (3.25) – Is entering his 8th season; Kearse is an old-school physical safety. At 6'4/215, he's an imposing figure in the back 4; he also plays well close to the LS and is an effective run-stopper/tackler. However, he's never been particularly fast (4.62) and does allow defenders to get behind him; he also doesn't play the ball particularly well in the air.  Still, he's a + safety and solid pro player, as his 70 PFF rating would indicate.
- Jason Pinnock (2.75) a 2021 NYJ 5th round pick, he played sparingly during his rookie season; mostly on ST. He was waived after just one season, when the Giants claimed him.  Pinnock started 5 games for the Giants last season and did well enough to earn a chance to start this season.  He has ok size (6/205) and speed; however, he lacks the twitch to be anything more than a good player.  He starts for the Giants until/unless, they can find an upgrade.
 
FS
- Xavier McKinney (3.25) – Most of McKinney fanfare comes from the 2021 season, where he recorded 5 Ints and 93 tackles; however, he regressed last year, which could be a byproduct of an ill-timed hand 'injury.'  Regardless, when he did play, he was often out-of-position and grossly misdiagnosed plays.  I believe that was the impetus for his PFF rating drop from a very good 75.4 to a well-below-avg 57.  He still has all the physical tools to become a PB/AP status; however, he must do better at diagnosing plays, stop taking terrible angles and finding himself out-of-position.  Today, he's got a ways to become a top-tier safety.
- Donovan Wilson (3.25)  – Entering his 5th season, this former 6th round selection had an impressive 2022 campaign, where he compiled 5 sacks, 2 FF, 1 Int and 101 tackles.  Prior to 2022, Wilson was primarily a backup and ST Player.  His 2022 efforts earned him a 3 yr/$21M contract extension.
- Darrick Forrest (3.25) -   a 2021 5th round pick, Forrest is another player punching above his draft status; for a FS, he's a blazer, possessing 4.4 speed, which he uses to close on deep-balls.  Last year, he recorded a pro-bowl like season (4 Ints, 2 FF, and 88 tackles), despite starting just 11 games.  A backup when the season started, his game was so good, he was promoted over Bobby McCain late in the season. However, until I see a repeat season, I cannot elevate him over other FS.
- Reed Blankenship (2.75) – A 2022 UDFA, Blankenship was forced to start 4 games for Phili, where he surrounded just 6 passes and accumulated a 75 PFF score.  Blankenship is particularly big (6/203), or fast (4.55); yet, he has good instincts and is a good tackler.  He played well enough last year to earn a starting position in 2023.

Eagles                 #1=1; #2=6; #3=3; #4=1
Cowboys             #1=4; #2=2; #3=1; #4=4
Giants                 #1=3; #2=1; #3=1; #4=6
Commanders      #1=4; #2=2; #3=1 #4=4

*The Cowboys have 4 of the NFC East best players at thier respective positions

Average Defensive Player Rankings

#1 PHL  3.47
#2 WFT  3.40
#3 DAL  3.38
#4 NYG  3.36

Overall Rankings

#1 PHL 3.7
#2 DAL 3.5
#3 NYG 3.4
#4 WFT 3.1

BL: The Eagles still have superior talent and should win the division; However, the Giants have significantly closed the talent cap with the Cowboys and may threaten them for second place in the division.  The Commanders still have a lot of work to do.

Quote from: bighitterdalama on April 19, 2023, 06:28:40 PMHey Steve. No worries; I made the arrangement as from The Big Blue Huddle. I presently I do not use Venmo or Apple Cash. Instead, perhaps a small donation to a local animal shelter?

Done. I made my donation here: https://www.hsppr.org/donate/

Thank you for doing this for us!!

Quote from: Sem on April 18, 2023, 07:39:10 PMFor those of us that would like to share in the expense of the flowers, @bighitterdalama do you use either Venmo or Apple Cash? I'd like to help, and I'm sure others would as well.
[/quotes]

I ordered some too but would still like to contribute to Chris. Just need a Venmo or Zelle info

Quote from: LennG on April 14, 2023, 05:31:15 PMLenny,

  I just saw that people can go to DolbyBlaisSegee.com the funeral home  to see his obit

Beth  😊

Thank you, Lenn

Quote from: LennG on April 12, 2023, 01:31:36 PMSadly, I just heard from Beth, Jim's daughter, that he passed away this AM. He didn't suffer and was in no pain. They are in the process of making funeral arrangements.

It is truly a very sad day.

Lenn,

Thank you for sharing.  It will seem empty around here without Jim's forecast.  If possible, would you mind sharing the funeral home?  I'd like to send flowers; I didn't know him as well as you, but we had several things in common ( Mainers, AF , etc..). Conversely, if BBH was planning to send something from all of us, I'd love to contribute via Vemo, PayPal, etc.  Whatever I can do...

This place just won't be the same without Jim

I'm thankful that such a fine man got so many good years. Thinking of his loved ones...

Wow...I would have never recognized him, Jolly! BTW, I'm in my 40s, but he's one of my favorite actors of all time too. Mississippi Burning, Bat21, Unforgiven, The Firm and Crimson Tide are some my all-time favorite's because of Hackman.   

Quote from: TDToomer on January 23, 2023, 09:07:15 PMReminds me of Gettleman looking at the film of the one game where Eli looked incredible after taking over after the 2016 season and declared that he had many years left in him.

Yep, it was the Phili game.

Quote from: Gmo11 on January 23, 2023, 08:38:40 PMI'm wondering if the Vikings defense is all time terrible though. I knew they were bad but after the performance against a talented group in Philly maybe the Giants and specifically those WRs weren't as great as they appeared in that game.

I do wonder why Jones didn't run more against Philly. Designed or otherwise. It was clear that anything else he was doing wasn't working.

9 QB enjoyed 300+ passing yards against Minn, including K Murray, M White and M Jones.  Heck, the latter 2 put up 370 and 380 passing yards. Some fans absolutely viewed the Ind and 2x Minn games a vacuum. I doubt the Giants will...

Quote from: GordonGekko80 on January 22, 2023, 12:25:27 PMThe problem is this: You can Franchise Tag the player, will cost you roughly 32mm in Cap space. And it's not to say that the player will sign the tag. He can sit it out if he wants (unlikely though with these numbers).

But if you were to draft a player or sign one from Free Agency, it would be much harder as either you don't know how the player will develop (draft) or he will cost you a ton of effin money (FA). Unless you are happy with a Tannehill type of player, which we already have inhouse.

So, in some way, we are married to the player...

I don't use the word stupid much, but it would be stupid to not play one year for $32M/yr.  Regardless of the next contract you sign, you're never going to make that money back.  The $32M is fully guaranteed; if anything, DJ should pray for tag as it's the aperture to maximize your salary...the Kirk Cousins model.

Quote from: MightyGiants on January 22, 2023, 12:27:47 PM@TrueBlueFan @Rambo89 @GordonGekko80

This is not a rhetorical question.  Can any of you remember when franchising a QB for one year proved to be a good thing?

Rich, the sample size is pretty small; however, have you considered the reverse?  Specifically, how have franchisees performed after giving thier QBs multi-year lucrative deals, based on one (or two) good (not great) seasons.  Below is a list of the top 12 highest paid QBs, putting the QBs north of 37 aside, those teams that issued large contracts to non top 8 QBs haven't done well at all.  Id prefer the Giants avoid becoming Minn, Tenn, Raiders, etc, which is why I think the franchise tag makes a lot of sense.   

Aaron Rodgers
Russell Wilson
Kyler Murray
Deshaun Watson
Patrick Mahomes
Josh Allen
Derek Carr
Matt Stafford
Dak Prescott
Kirk Cousins
Jared Goff
Carson Wentz
Matt Ryan
Ryan Tannehill
Tom Brady

Quote from: Ed Vette on January 16, 2023, 11:37:30 AMHe really broke out last 5 games this season. Very encouraging.

Ed, do you account for the opponent?  I think it's fair to note his only 300+ yard passing games was against the NFLs 31st ranked passing def.  For context, this team had allowed 9x 300 yard passers, including K. Murray and M. White.  The other game was against the NFLs second worst team.  None of this is meant to detract from DJs wonderful performances; however, I don't believe the last 5 weeks is an indication DJ should get the same contract as Allen, Mahomes, etc.  I believe the Giants will look at his season in the aggregate; this includes if he throws 4 picks against Phili.  The latter shouldn't reduce his contract offer as yesterday's performance shouldn't increase it.

Rich brought up some GREAT points against the franchise tag; however, I firmly believe this is the best COA moving forward.

On an unrelated note, is anyone concerned about the type of offense DJ runs?  The Giants run their QB...A LOT; DJs a tough SOB, but I don't like the increased percentages of him being injured.

To be clear, DJ was amazing yesterday and I couldn't be happier for him and his family!  Despite his play, I don't envy the Giants and the decision they have to make. 

Quote from: MightyGiants on January 13, 2023, 03:20:12 PMMatt,

I think QB is a unique position in some ways.  While I appreciate that it's been done this way, I am not a big fan of keeping a QB on a year-to-year basis.   One prove-it year is reasonable, but after that, you need to crap or get off the pot (as they say).  So either you commit to at least 3 more years (4 is more likely) or move on from the guy. 

If you tag Jones, I think you are sort of hamstringing him a bit in terms of leadership.  On top of that, you are sort of leaving your team in a state of flux.   Personally, I would prefer to see the Giants let Jones walk and start their replacement efforts than keep him around on another 1-year deal.

Rich,

Good perspective on the negative byproduct of a franchise tag; indeed, if leadership isn't truly committed, neither will they players DJ seeks to lead.  Still, I'd advocate for the franchise tag, vice 4+/$30M plus year deal.