The potential upside of Bob Sanders is rather significant, and is well worth the risk (assuming a very low incentive based contract). With LT his potential upside really aint much. Not to mention while lacking superstars @ safety, we do have some solid depth. Ihedigbo, Smith, Leonhard, Lowery, Pool (im assuming one of these guys would be gone if we signed Sanders) At HB what do we have ready to contribute ? Greene, and not really much else. McKnight is likely still a project, and as we saw from LT he stumbles down the stretch. Plus Sanders if he pans out could be a jet for another 4-6 years. LT on the other hand is DONE no matter what after this year. Id love LT to get his ring with us, but its really hard to justify him getting 2.5 million As for those playoff numbers 70% of them were with a top offensive line playing against one of the worst rush defenses in the nfl. Its also worth mentioning in the most important game of the season (AFCCG) LT was aving 1.8 YPC, vs Greene avging close to 6.
That tells you bullshit this idea is. Only read the first line. He wants to replace LT with KS while LT. He had 34 carries even behind an injured Jahvid Best. Something tells me Lions preferred an injured RB over KS. Id rather have LT catching passes than KS trying to get 34 carries over 16 games.
If u think KS is going to make a mil or less, then you are mistaken. KS is good, but LT is still better. Who would you rather have? LT, who would be fresh through out the game as the 2nd RB, or KS who would be in the same spot? My choice is LT. He makes plays. He can catch and he can miss a few defenders every now and then. KS is not an ideal pass catching RB. LT wants the ring while K$ will try to make a few bucks. You still think McKnight is a project? Yeah, the last game against Buffalo wasn't exactly the best indication, but that was really the only chance he got in the year. To me, McKnight will be ready this year. Either way, we can't bring in KS and bury McKnight in the depth charts.
Kevin Smith was aving 40 receptions in his first 2 years (and had 50 more recieving yards than LT last season than LT did this year) Thats why its so attractive. Young stud who can catch really well and was only a 3rd round pick in 08. Didnt really get much action last year since detriots backfield is really fricken crowded, and they dont really "need" him around with Best and Morris.
Kevin Smith is more than adequate at passing catches for a HB. (he had more rec yard last year when he was a starter than LT did this year) I dont think hes going to be making under a million a year, but he absolutely could be signed for comparable money to what LT is. His upside is by far higher, and hes done it all behind detroits PUTRID offensive line. Yeah I understand that as of right now it looks like LT is coming back, but this move seems so much smarter, especially looking forward
How can you "assume" a very low incentive based contract when he had multiple teams interested in his services and signed quickly with the Chargers? Also, like I said, I wouldn't be so sure the upside is tremendous with him so eager to sign quickly and with few teams looking at players right now. He's either going to get hurt again, or San Diego is going to ask him to alter his playing style to drop the injury risk. Bob Sanders playing less physically and more in coverage is no Bob Sanders I'd want on this team. Three of those guys are free agents, including Smith and Pool. We don't have solid depth until we re-sign players. LT stumbles down the stretch when he's forced to carry too much of the load. With McKnight taking carries from him (and signaling a commitment to bring LT back means you can bet your ass McKnight and Greene will be training with him this offseason), LT has plenty left to help this team...and that includes over the next few months. Keep thinking that Sanders is going to magically turn in 4-6 healthy years after he stayed healthy for 1 of his first 6 seasons. Kind of hard to bounce it outside with Woodley and Harrison. There's a reason why Greene was more successful, and it has everything to do with his style as a RB and his ability to get past that first hit. LT fits in well with zone blocking, but not against a team like Pittsburgh. If you'd like to play the game of narrowing numbers down until they fit your point, go ahead, but it's weak. If we ditch LT this offseason, we should be looking at a veteran who can definitely contribute for the season and/or we should be looking to draft a RB. I don't want someone who failed to even draw an original round tender because his team likely thinks he's a perpetual injury.
Detroit's backfield is "really fricken' crowded"? Best is fragile, which leaves Morris with Ian Johnson and Aaron Brown. That's crowded!?! If Smith is so great, they don't want to commit $1.1 million to him next season or attempt to at LEAST deal him for a late round pick? Are they that afraid he'll be left on their hands at the end of the day?
Correct me if 'I'm wrong but im pretty sure Smith was injured last year and put on IR. And the year before that very talented just has problems staying on the field.
yeah, smith tore his acl in his left knee at the end of the season 2 years ago. i don't think he was 100% at the start of last season and then he injured his thumb or something and went back on ir. it doesn't really have to do with the super studly detroit backfield or anything. the guy's just been hurt for a bit. he had a good rookie season, but he's not a beast or a stud by any means. lt's coming back so whatever though.
