In-Game Personnel Decisions

[skinzplay]

This isn't a thread about whether we need a new structure to the front office, or whether we need a real General Manager; we've certainly had plenty of those and they've provided for some good reading and interesting debate.

I'm a bit curious and concerned about two of the in-game personnel decisions made by the coaches, and would like to address a few and have you guys share your thoughts.

Pearson Prioleau

Just like Ryan Clark, Prioleau is great in run support, but is a MAJOR liability against the pass. Rest assured that whenever he is in the game, teams will seek to exploit that reality. Is it ego on the part of Gregg Williams? Is he thinking that his system is so sound that he can plug in anyone familiar with it and make it effective? I think Prioleau should be relegated to special teams duty or cut.

James Thrash

Few players work harder and are more dependable than #83. It is clear, though, that he poses absolutely no threat whatsoever in the passing game. Opposing teams can put a safety on him and not have to worry about any adverse effects on any given play. It baffles me that he continues to see so many snaps at wideout, while both McCardell and Caldwell only watch from the sidelines. Contributions on special teams should not equate to playing time on offense; not sure if that's the rationale, of course, but I cannot think of any other reason that Thrash would get so much playing time. Like I said, I admire his work ethic, but the reality is that he wouldn't even make the roster of most teams in this league as a wideout, yet he gets a lot of snaps for us.

[Xameil]

This isn't a thread about whether we need a new structure to the front office, or whether we need a real General Manager; we've certainly had plenty of those and they've provided for some good reading and interesting debate.

I'm a bit curious and concerned about two of the in-game personnel decisions made by the coaches, and would like to address a few and have you guys share your thoughts.

Pearson Prioleau

Just like Ryan Clark, Prioleau is great in run support, but is a MAJOR liability against the pass. Rest assured that whenever he is in the game, teams will seek to exploit that reality. Is it ego on the part of Gregg Williams? Is he thinking that his system is so sound that he can plug in anyone familiar with it and make it effective? I think Prioleau should be relegated to special teams duty or cut.

James Thrash

Few players work harder and are more dependable than #83. It is clear, though, that he poses absolutely no threat whatsoever in the passing game. Opposing teams can put a safety on him and not have to worry about any adverse effects on any given play. It baffles me that he continues to see so many snaps at wideout, while both McCardell and Caldwell only watch from the sidelines. Contributions on special teams should not equate to playing time on offense; not sure if that's the rationale, of course, but I cannot think of any other reason that Thrash would get so much playing time. Like I said, I admire his work ethic, but the reality is that he wouldn't even make the roster of most teams in this league as a wideout, yet he gets a lot of snaps for us.


I actually wondered the same thing a few times, but I also wonder if maybe it's just because those are the offensive packages we have in for those games. We'll probably see more of McCardell against the Eagles or Cowboys, and Thrash back to 3rd down receiver.

[#98QBKiller]

I have no idea why we don't see more of McCardell.

[skinzzfan25]

Thrash is by far the best run blocking WR on our team. And with no right offensive line, that's probably why your seeing him flank out there more. Along with Cooley lining up on that side.

[whatmeworry]

I really don't see why people are constantly dumping on Thrash. He gets open and the few times he's thrown the ball he holds onto it.

[Popeman38]

Did you ever consider that maybe Prioleau was the lesser of the two evils? Say you insert Torrence instead, and he gets trucked in the run game. Isn't it more important to make a team one dimensional? If we shut down the run game, and force a team to pass, doesn't that make them easier to beat (see the Detroit game)?


As for Thrash, he was a key third down receiver last year. Maybe he has better chemistry with #17 than the guys they brought in off the street a month ago?