🏈 One Position You Are Least Concerned About?

[ColAngus]

ILB.

 

[JoshB]

When it comes to the official depth chart we'll see three listed if they follow the same routine as last year.

It's safe to say we'll see a combination of these four; Dieter, Ridley, Stewart, and Foster. Ridley will be there. I suspect Dieter will as well just like Mullaney was last season. You say Foster? Maybe. I do wonder if you're following the "Foster narrative." I doubt we'll see much difference in the numbers of snaps at the end of the USC game.

The question that needs answering is who are the other two. I'm not as interested in who gets the official start as much as I'm interested in the six man rotation. After all, that is the offense.

** Foster narrative:

I heard one of the talking heads on ESPN say "Foster was the leading receiver before he was injured last season." That's just not true. Stewart had more receptions and more yards than Foster. I suspect Fosters sticks out because he had the lone TD reception versus Wisky ... but I'm just speculating here.

Here's where I also get lost. If we're looking at Stewart versus Foster, and we see Stewart had better numbers than Foster before he was injured ... then take into account Stewart has 3/4 of a year more experience—on the playing field—than Foster ...

But, we're supposed to expect Foster to overtake Stewart on the depth chart? Hey, you may be right. The thought leaves me shaking my head a bit ... doesn't pass my logic test.

That Foster "Narrative" is pretty clearly pointing to the fact that Foster was being looked at as the top guy at receiver when he went down, which he was. Regardless of catches, yards, etc. (its not like there was many of those to go around at that point in the season anyway).

And again, from another thread, I dont think many people look at Foster as "overtaking" Stewart. Like you even said, there are going to be three (you could even argue four) guys that will be considered starters.

As far as the six man rotation I would say, IMO, it will be Ridley, Stewart, Foster, Dieter, Sims and Kief. Xavian Marks has been playing with receivers and running backs since the spring so I would think they have plans to uses him in some form this year to utilize that speed.

 

[ElephantStomp]

I'm not concerned about any position.

If we aren't successful it'll be because of lack of leadership not from not having the best players and coaches

 

[TerryP]

That Foster "Narrative" is pretty clearly pointing to the fact that Foster was being looked at as the top guy at receiver when he went down, which he was. Regardless of catches, yards, etc. (its not like there was many of those to go around at that point in the season anyway).

So, what does it take to be considered the leading receiver? The number of receptions and yards don't come into play?

People are calling Foster the leading guy—like you just did here—and yet we can't make a judgment based on the numbers? IF Foster isn't leading in yards, isn't leading in catches, how is he the leading receiver? Hell, if we take catches he's the third leading receiver. While Ridley had the most catches, he had the fewest yards (largely due to where he was playing, IMO.)

It really doesn't matter in the end. Like you, I see this as a six man rotation and that's what I'm watching. Starts? That means as much at the WR package as it does on the back seven on defense—it'll change weekly depending on the package and opponent.

I mentioned earlier if we see Ridley in that starting three (along with Foster) that likely means Ridley is changing positions. He'd likely end up where Stewart played a lot last year which means Stewart is sliding back inside (slot.) So, where does that leave Dieter?

#BamaProblems

 

[Crimson&WhiteGecko]

OJ Howard at TE.

CNS has stated several times OJ hasn't been utilized like he should have & publicly rebuked himself for this. Should be a FUN season to watch at TE, provided no injuries.

 

[JoshB]

So, what does it take to be considered the leading receiver? The number of receptions and yards don't come into play?

People are calling Foster the leading guy—like you just did here—and yet we can't make a judgment based on the numbers? IF Foster isn't leading in yards, isn't leading in catches, how is he the leading receiver? Hell, if we take catches he's the third leading receiver. While Ridley had the most catches, he had the fewest yards (largely due to where he was playing, IMO.)

It really doesn't matter in the end. Like you, I see this as a six man rotation and that's what I'm watching. Starts? That means as much at the WR package as it does on the back seven on defense—it'll change weekly depending on the package and opponent.

I mentioned earlier if we see Ridley in that starting three (along with Foster) that likely means Ridley is changing positions. He'd likely end up where Stewart played a lot last year which means Stewart is sliding back inside (slot.) So, where does that leave Dieter?

#BamaProblems

When we are talking Week 3... no stats don't really mean a whole lot, especially when there wasn't even a starting QB figured out yet.

I said Foster was the leading guy when he was hurt last year, he was the "go to" receiver at that point. Going into the Ole Miss game Foster had eight catches for 99 yards and 2 TDs. Stewart had 10 catches for 65 yards, no TDs. Ridley had 7 catches for 59 yards, no TDs. Please explain how Ridley had "more catches" than Foster?

That early in the season Foster was the guy being looked at as the go to receiver and running all those deep route that Ridley eventually would run. I dont see anyway claiming Foster is or will be the "top guy" this year. It's pretty obviously Ridley. Stewart and Foster will be the next two in line but they probably will end the season with the same number of snaps and probably even targets so I dont see your contention for people putting Foster next to Stewart in the rotation.

"If" we see Ridley in the starting three? Really man? I think we all know that is not an "if" lol It leaves Deiter playing slot along with Stewart and I'm sure Stewart will play outside at Foster's spot plenty as well. We've already both said this would be a 5-6 guy rotation but I have no qualms saying that I think the top three targets will be Ridley, Stewart and Foster.

The real question, IMO, isn't who is and isn't going to be the starters. It's is there enough balls to go around? Ridley, Stewart, Foster, Deiter, Sims and probably even Kief would all start at the majority of schools around the country. Throw in OJ Howard into that equation and someone like Xavian Marks or even Joshua Jacobs? That's a load of talent right there. Unless the QB, whoever that ends up being, completely melts down and just plays horrifically I don't think we have much chance of seeing a 400 carry running back this season.

 

[UAgrad93]

This could be the year that if you are a WR and you get targeted, you better make damn sure you catch it!! We are deep at the skill position and then when you factor in TEs, you drop a couple. Your ass will be digging splinters out of your ass until it is mop up time and you have to stalk block for 15-18 straight run plays!!!!