That and it is completely true. It's the same for every team, if Welker were a black dude he'd be just another receiver, because he's white he's like some kind of Super Hero or something.
It's true because little, white guys don't generally make it in the NFL. It's about being the "unlikely candidate" fighting against the odds. It's less about race, than about rooting for the underdog. Joe McKnight, however, has had no reason to fail (not that he has yet, or will). But since it's been brought up... that's the difference...
And to add to the original topic of the thread... I don't think we've seen enough out of McKnight to say either way, whether he was a good or bad pick. His offseason/preseason was less than impressive (to say the least), but this last game vs. the Bills showed what I think we've all felt/known for some time: the talent is there. He just needs to keep his nose to the grindstone and continue to build on his momentum...
Joe McKnight is just as small as those "little white dudes". If McKnight were white he'd have tons of people rooting him on, in the same sized body. Instead he's had people hating on him almost since day 1. Woodhead who did absolutely nothing for us was getting blown all over Jets Nation.
McKnight has done more on ST and in his one start than Gholston has in his whole career. That progress and future potential is well worth a 4th round pick.
Or it was the fact that Mcknight has an assload of talent, was named high school player of the decade and went to one of the best college football programs in the nation and underperformed, then showed up to training camp out of shape, while Woodhead went to a D3 school and was undrafted, got signed, got injured, got cut, got back on the practice squad, got cut, and is now a major factor But you're right It has gotta be about race There are tons of people rotting for Legarrette blount even though he is a total asshole. People were rooting for Myron Rolle because of his situation too. People love an underdog regardless of race
Okay- That was just one example, any little white dude that gets a shot 9 times out of 10 has tons of fan support. Davone Bess and Wes Welker had very similar years stats wise, but is Bess praised and sucked off in the media like Welker? Not even close.
How did McKnight underperform at USC? In three seasons at USC: He had a career YPC of 6.3. He had 15 total offensive touchdowns. As a junior, he rushed for over 1,000 yards playing in a crowded backfield. He was an impact return man. I've said this before in other threads, but I'll say it again: he was the #1 running back on a team with some of the best running back recruits in the country on it's roster. To me, that says a lot. McKnight fell in the draft because he had a horrible attitude his entire career. I don't know why he's like that. Part of it has to do with how easy this game has been for him his entire life. It seems like he's been humbled though.
Oh I didn't realize that Wes Welker gained all this praise for his work this year lol Why even compare the 2? Welker got notice for having 3 straight 1000 yard seasons and because he is on a perennial playoff contender in addition to the fact that he is an underdog story. Get back to me when Bess is on Welker's level
Was Welker prasied in Miami when he was playing on an irrelevant team or did he start getting praise when he went to NE and played on an undefeated team?
If you put Bess with Brady and Welker with Henne he would be. Get back to me when you understand that.
Idk man. I would think being labeled HS athlete of the decade and being dubbed the next Reggie Bush would produce more than 15 total touchdowns in 3 years. He was also a preseason Heisman favorite but he got nowhere close to that. What great running backs were holding him back from doing more at USC?
Does that matter in the slightest? You know damn well the average fan doesn't stop to think about stuff like that Nobody cares who would do what if they were in what other situation It needs to happen before people care
I like what McKnight brings to the table, and have been in support of him, but one game in week 17 against the bottom of the barrel has not convinced me of anything with this guy. He's fast, raw, and has a tendency to run into the backs of his blockers when the hole closes. He didn't show me top end speed but he had a decent burst and also didn't fumble - he had 2 hands on the ball quite often. He is definitely developing quickly as a STs player, reminiscent of Brad Smith, and I think he may end up being a solid 3DRB if he has good hands in the NFL out of the backfield. But I think he should belong to Mike Westhoff for the entire 2011 season. But that Buffalo game was our 5th preseason game. Let's see if he can make a contribution in the postseason.
Forget it, lets keep this thread on track I don't want to derail this thread with a pointless debate.
