Jackofalltrades

What kind of empirical data would adequately represent values that are subjective in nature? I agree he didn't give any support to his claim but I fail to see where empiricism plays a significant role. How do you empirically validate things like football IQ, instincts, leadership, etc? You could rely on stats but unless you have a standard and exhaustive means of analytics that doesn't mean much either. Example, RB is supposed to run through the A gap but Star closes the gap forcing the runner to look outside where he meets the DE, who do you credit with that tackle? What if on tape it looks like it was designed to go to the A gap but was indeed a counter, can you even make such a determination without knowing the play that was called?

That's why I love football, it takes all 11 guys on the field. If Cam isn't a freak that play never happens. If Smith doesn't embarrass a trio of defenders Cam goes down well short of the goal line. If Olsen misses his block then the play never gets back to the line of scrimmage.

I don't disagree with any of that. I guess my concern is wasting him. It's a trade off either way. On one hand we gamble on a rookie and have the resources to build around him though with the significantly higher risk of said rookie underperforming. On the other hand you sell the farm for a guy who's young but proven but can't build around him because of the cost of getting him. In either camp your relying on luck. Luck Watson assimilates to the new system with new players and coaches with superior skill players but deficient protection and subpar D. With a rookie you can given him better protection but that in no way guarantees he'll be able to play in the NFL. For me the best course was someone like Stafford or Wentz who allowed you to both upgrade at QB and continue to work on other areas of the roster, mainly OL. Alas, that ship seems to have sailed. There may be a few other possibilities along those lines where you can try to win now, still draft your QB of the future and not give up a lot of draft capital. Wishing does no good but I would have loved to see what Cam could have done with someone like Brady as OC.

I don't see the value in an elite QB with no supporting cast. Yes they can elevate the play of their teammates but I'm doubtful we have enough pieces to keep him upright. We had an elite QB in Cam and while we made it to the Super Bowl we didn't win it and his tenure here was marred by inconsistency. Because of both his style of play and a sub-par OL he got beaten up and "ruined." Watson doesn't have the size and stature advantage that Cam had. If we had either a decent OL or the money to build one I'd be far more willing to gamble on him. I do think Watson is an elite QB and I'd love to have him here, but given the lack of talent and the constraints of our current salary commitments I don't think it makes sense to give up so much. I don't know that he is special enough to overcome all the obvious obstacles. I don't have faith that we could keep him healthy long enough for such an investment to pay dividends.

I hate it but it makes too much sense. Doesn't matter how talented you are if you can't get on the field. Add in the cap hit and it makes this a no brainer. I wish him nothing but the best...so long as he leaves the division.

That seems a little premature.

He definitely deserves some of the blame, but you make it seem like he was the one holding them back. Seems to me that falls on the owners for a ridiculous history of bad decisions at the top.

Yeah, Stafford has been the problem. They’re probably the worst team in the history of the NFL, go through HC’s like Marshawn goes through Skittles, have had just a couple of viable offensive weapons and a poor OL for the last several decades, but Matt is definitely the reason they suck.

I’d rather have him than Watson just because of the cost. You don’t have to mortgage the next 2-3 years but can still have some capital to add other pieces. I love Watson, but the price I’ve seen speculated is insane. Matt’s used to shoddy OL but at least he’ll have options at the skill positions.

I love Watson and the thought of him coming here makes me giddy, but man it's going to be expensive.

Good news for him.

Proehl is a huge asset and I see KG paying huge dividends. I like that he's extremely driven but remains humble. The thought of him realizing his potential with KB and Funch is exciting.

Hell yes.

Yes please.

This.

Love.

Woooooooooooo!

So damn hot.

I'm so giddy right now, it's ridiculous.

Falcons best DT is out today, bodes well for our run game.

Man, wtf.

Need to generate a pass rush and cover these damn receivers.

Let's Go PANTHERS!!!

DEFENSE!!!