What if Devin Thomas Jason Avant?

[Skadden]

*The title should read: "What if Devin Thomas were back playing defense against Jason Avant?" D'oh.

Why is that we've got shrimpy DBs back playing prevent when we know that the Eagles have to pass into the end zone? Other teams like New England put in people like Randy Moss, who not only has the height but the hands to defend against jump balls in the end zone. Say what you want about Devin Thomas, but he's got the height, vertical leap, and athletic ability to defend against a pass like the one Avant nearly pulled down. Why he wasn't in there was a mystery.

Of course, had Carlos Rogers been able to clamp down on a pass that went through his hands, the game would've been over very quietly. Ditto for C-Los on a pick he should've grabbed on Romo against the Cowboys. But that's another issue for another time.

[HailToTheRedskins14]

I really wouldn't go so far to say it's a mystery why we didn't put in a WR who can't get on the field other than special teams on the last play of the game on a side of the ball he has likely never played.

[flexxskins]

I don't understand your thread title. But, your quote poses a good question.

[Dan T.]

Let's hire Anthony Mix as a Hail Mary defense specialist!

[flexxskins]

I really wouldn't go so far to say it's a mystery why we didn't put in a WR who can't get on the field other than special teams on the last play of the game on a side of the ball he has likely never played.

Why? He would be there just to jump, catch or slap the ball away. He's not being asked to run routes.

[flexxskins]

Why do people get off on discreding perfectly valid questions so much around here? Wow.

[Dan T.]

I think other teams do that - using tall WRs on D in those Hail Mary situations. Not a bad thought, actually, but they should practice it a bit during the season so that it's not totally foreign to them when they do go in during a real game.

[LD0506]

Why do people get off on discreding perfectly valid questions so much around here? Wow.

Some people like talking with others, some people like talking at others. Always was, always will be.

Kinda thought it was an interesting question myself.

[THEREALTOR1]

I'd say that's a good question. Somebody should email it in to 980 or 106.7, or possibly into Matt's blog.

[HailToTheRedskins14]

I wasn't trying to discredit the question.

What happens if DT is in and they make that catch?

[flexxskins]

If Kelly wasn't hurt, I could see us putting both him and Thomas back there for just such a situation.

[Probos]

I suppose in situations like that it wouldn't be bad to use Devin, especially since he only returns kickoffs at this point.

[4thHanson]

Coaches put guys like Randy Moss and Calvin Johnson on to defend hail mary's because they are really good at going up and getting the ball. I haven't seen that from Thomas. He has shown some ability to make plays after the catch but going up and jumping over guys to get the ball isn't something I've seen from him.

[flexxskins]

If you weren't trying to discredit the question then why did you respond to the quote?

[Dan T.]

Speaking of WRs playing DB, remember wide receiver Troy Brown of the Patriots? He started playing some nickel back for them in 2004 because of a bunch of injuries, ended up playing 9 games as a nickel and had 3 INTs. Pretty amazing, since I don't think he played DB in college at all. It was kinda weird seeing number 80 covering guys in the defensive backfield.