Middle Linebacker
 

I just read that the Titans have released their middle linebacker and leading tackler for the past two years. His name is Randall Godfrey. Does anyone know anything about this guy? Is he someone worth looking into? Looking for some thoughts from you guys on this as I feel we STILL NEED a middle linebacker.

Middle Linebacker
 

Call him. Call his agent. SIGN HIM..............TODAY!!!!!!

Middle Linebacker
 

Initial word is that he already has a meeting with Jacksonville set, and Seattle has also shown interest. He\'s coming off a severe ankle sprain, that has limited his play time the past two years. Despite that, this was one guy that I never heard might be cut, and I guarantee he won\'t stay cut for very long.
All in all, I\'d love to see the Saints show some interest, but the voice in my head tells me that from everything that I\'ve read and heard, they are sold on Ruff. He better show something this fall...

Middle Linebacker
 

Loomis was asked about the MLB problem and Godfrey last night on Buddy\'s show.
He said the only people who think we have a problem at MLB are those who don\'t really know how good we are at that position. The coaches love our MLB unit.

Do you think he\'s just blowing smoke?

Middle Linebacker
 

That\'s also Loomis talking, which means, as far as talking about talent, he regurgitates everything that is fed to him by the coaches/scouts. He is not an evaluator of talent, he is a money man.

Middle Linebacker
 

So by what I\'m reading here is that the Saints have no interest in LOOKING at this guy???? That\'s crazy. An ankle sprain isn\'t anything to be overly concerned about. Ruff may end up being a pro bowler (yea right) but we could still look into this guy as depth at the position or possibly a better MLB. We have cap money what\'s up with this????

Middle Linebacker
 

It may just be a smokescreen. We may be on the phone with his agent right now, begging!

Middle Linebacker
 

I would like to see them sign him. This is the caliber player everyone here was waiting to be cut. Loomis comments are smart ... you don\'t want to look desperate and have a players agent run up the cost on you.

Godfrey has been a solid player for Tenn. Obviously not a franchise guy but a player who will play consistently at above average. He would be one less player on defense the coaches would have to spend alot of time with ... they could focus more attention on the younger guys and develop them quicker.

Middle Linebacker
 

I agree with most of the posts here on this. I heard it was a microfracture in his ankle. He had surgery this past off season to fix it. A very good middle man on running downs but lacks speed for coverage in passing situations.

Middle Linebacker
 

Sounds like we already signed him. Only his name was Ruff.

[Edited on 19/6/2003 by tweeky]

Middle Linebacker
 

Only difference is Godfrey is proven.

Middle Linebacker
 

With all of this said what\'s the knock on him? I understand Tenn cut him to gain cap room. Does anyone know his age or how long he has been in the league? I\'ll admit I don\'t know much about him personally but I have heard that he is an \"above average\" middle man which is what we need. Hopefully Tweeky is right and this is all just a smoke screen coming from Loomis and we are currently sending the saints private jet loaded out with our best saintsations to bring in for a look see. All that I have been able to find out he sounds better than Ruff.

Middle Linebacker
 

B&B is right. Godfrey has proven what he can do. As far as Ruff he might be just as good but with all things considered I\'ll take the proven commodity.

I would hate for the Saints one missing peice to the puzzle be at middle linebacker this year and know we let Godfrey get away........

[Edited on 19/6/2003 by BillyCarpenter1]

Middle Linebacker
 

He\'s 30 years old. He\'s played roughly seven years. When he is on his game he is better than average, but just a hair short of stardom.
EDIT: Tennessee\'s reasoning for cutting him is that they could sign three players with the money they would save from cutting him. I get the feeling that they didn\'t want to, but did not have many choices. I personally, would have cut George. The guy is overrated, and is too easily shaken by defenders. And I know his cap hit is huge, though not sure as to the exact amount.

[Edited on 19/6/2003 by BlackandBlue]

Middle Linebacker
 

Facts are:

1. We need a proven middle linebacker.

2. Godfrey is a proven middle linebacker.

3. If the Saints do not do everything in their power to sign this guy, I will be mad.

Middle Linebacker
 

Billy, again, said exactly what\'s on my mind! If this guy is all that I am believing he is and the saints don\'t make the necessary effort and he gets away then I too will be mad!
I\'m just too sure that once Loomis and company read that Billy and I will be mad they will quickly sign this guy.
Serriously though, we have cap room. Why not spend the money or atleast some of it and get this guy. If Ruff beats him out in an open competion during training camp...so be it. Now we have a reserve \"PROVEN\" MLB to spell Ruff. It also just might keep this guy from going someplace else like say maybe Tampa?????
It looks like a prospect that\'s worth looking into. I sure hope someone is listening.

Middle Linebacker
 

I have seen him play for the Titans a few times and he is an excellent middle linebacker. He is all over the ball. Godfrey would be a major aquisition for the Saints this off season. If they do not at least talk to him, I would be very disappointed.

Middle Linebacker
 

Ther it is...three of us who will be mad! That should scare the hell out of the saints front office!

Middle Linebacker
 

don\'t get too excited guys

he\'s only been able to start 5 games in the last 2 years? that sounds more serious than a microfracture to me, the saints won\'t look at this guy because he\'s a 2 down run stuffer, we\'re looking to get faster remember not bigger and slower

i\'m not saying he\'s not a solid player but they don\'t have a vick or a mcnabb in the afc south, besides i\'m sure he\'s asking way too much for loomis\' taste

i would be surprised to see the saints pursue this guy and i\'m not sure he would be an upgrade if we did

Middle Linebacker
 

I keep hearing everyone talk about how slow Godfrey is , I thought one of his strengths was is speed?




PERSONAL
Godfrey, born April 6, 1973, was a USA Today and Super Prep magazine first-team All-America, as well as Class MAA all-state and all-south first-team after leading Lowndes County High in Valdosta, Ga, with 111 tackles, six sacks, two interceptions and four passes broken up as a senior. He also lettered in track and was the basketball team\'s MVP. While attending Georgia, the Consumer Economics major was a volunteer speaker at Barrow Elementary School in Athens, Ga., educating children on the importance of interrelation of fitness and education.


Pro Career
When the Dallas Cowboys drafted Randall Godfrey in 1996, they were looking for an aggressive linebacker that could provide depth in the linebacking corps and contribute on special teams. Godfrey provided more than depth as he earned the starting strongside linebacker job midway through his rookie season . With his ability to cover [b:e42e06511e] running backs and tight ends in pass patterns [/b:e42e06511e]and fill rushing lanes, he has not relinquished the strongside spot since. Godfrey\'s physical and active style of play fits the Cowboys defensive scheme, and Dallas coaches keep raising the bar of expectations they have for him. He has started the last 38 straight games on the Dallas defense, and his experience, aggressiveness and athletic ability have made him a player who might be able to move into the middle linebacker spot on the Dallas defense.

Middle Linebacker
 

I agree that godfrey is a above average MLB, but the guy have a serious problem of staying healthy. The saints should just stick with their guns and play with the guys they have unless a every down MLB become availabe.

I bet alot of guys will be surprise how well Darrin Smith play the MLB, but I think he well play better than most MLB in the league this season. Darrin still have more than enough speed, knowledge, and leadership to be the starter.

Middle Linebacker
 

I just wanna see Ruff play 3-5 games. The coaches aren\'t totally blind and apparently they are very pleased with him. He\'s a question mark right now, but so many in our defense are and I\'m giving him the benefit of the doubt for now.

Middle Linebacker
 

Hell, I used to be fast too. But that was 75 or 80 lbs and 4 knee operations ago. :D

Middle Linebacker
 

It\'s not like Godfrey is 2-days older than dirt.....

Middle Linebacker
 

We should talk to this guy\'s agent right away , he only had injury problems last year, before that he was an ironman.He can still play and is character wise just the kind of guy we need here. He was a leader on his teams, many of his teammates can\'t beleve he is gone and are pissed about it.

Here is what ESPN had on his release

Godfrey won\'t be jobless for long

By Darrell Trimble
NFL Insider
Send an Email to Darrell Trimble Thursday, June 19
Updated: June 19
10:55 AM ET

After the Tennessee Titans released linebacker Randall Godfrey in a cap-related move, it didn\'t take long for his phone to start blowing up. Teams in desperate need of linebacking help, like the Packers and the Seahawks, called immediately. Other teams, like Jacksonville and Philadelphia, decided that their units weren\'t so good that they couldn\'t add a former second-team All-Pro player to the mix.


Godfrey

Godfrey was cut despite taking a $2.5 million pay cut in February to stay with the team, a move that had some Titans disgusted, but Tennessee\'s loss could be another team\'s gain. Godfrey missed eight games last year due to an ankle injury and was fairly productive on a gimpy knee in 2001. However, it was three years ago that he distinguished himself as an extremely effective middle linebacker.

The Titans added Godfrey as a free agent in 2000, and they got more than they bargained for. Coach Jeff Fisher praised Godfrey, calling him an \"emotional leader and an inspirational leader\" for his defense. The former Bulldog set career highs in tackles (121) and interceptions (two), and was a force, leading the Titans\' defense to a No. 1 ranking, ahead of the record-setting Baltimore Ravens.


At 30, he\'s not past his prime and should he remain healthy there\'s no reason to think he can\'t regain the form that made him such a force three years ago. Godfrey will work out for the Jaguars today at Alltel Stadium.

\"It\'s a chance to take a look at a talented individual,\" Jaguars senior vice president Paul Vance told the Florida Times-Union. \"We\'ll see how it develops. He obviously was a very good player before he was injured.\"

The Jaguars have done their best to improve their shoddy defense, signing Hugh Douglas and linebacker Mike Peterson, who is slated to start in the middle. Godfrey would move to the strong side, the position he primarily played as a member of the Dallas Cowboys. With that trio, along with holdover Donovin Darius, the Jaguars would have some quality defensive players.


Another reason the Jaguars desire Godfrey is the flexibility he gives them. Peterson has never been a middle linebacker on a full-time basis. If he should falter, Godfrey could shift to the middle and Peterson could slide back to his outside spot.

Godfrey might sign quickly with the Jaguars because it\'s close to his hometown of Valdosta, Ga., and because he would get to play against the Titans twice a year.

Godfrey would also be an asset in Green Bay and Seattle; neither team in set in the middle. The Packers have rookie Nick Barnett slated to be their starting inside backer, and on the outside they have the solid Na\'il Diggs and the injury-prone Hannibal Navies.


In Seattle, Godfrey could perhaps make the biggest impact. The Seahawks have Isaiah Kaczyvenski, Orlando Huff and rookie Solomon Bates as the candidates for starting middle linebacker. But if they could nab Godfrey, he would team with Anthony Simmons and Chad Brown in Ray Rhodes\' new defense, and the Seahawks could make a huge improvement.


All these scenarios depend on Godfrey staying healthy, but that shouldn\'t be a problem. Before last season he had missed only two of a possible 96 games.

Middle Linebacker
 

The local news in Philly is that the eagles are very interested in him and are trying to get him in for a try out. I\'m not saying this is \"the guy\" for us but we should should atleast take a look at him. Ok so he has had some injury problems the last year or so but Ruff was beaten out of a starting role by a rookie. Ruff may work out fine and Smith may end up a pro bowl mlb for us but if this guy doesn\'t cost too much why not look at him? We NEED someone to do what everyone is saying this guy does, cover running backs and tight ends. He obviously has some speed to be able to do that. Stuff the run for two plays and shut down the screen or a tight end dump off pass force a punt. Sounds just too good to me!

Middle Linebacker
 

Lets face it, our coaches probably know more about what they have at MLB than we do.

If they sign this guy, we were all probably correct about this position being a weakness.

If they don\'t sign this guy, we may have something special at MLB that will surprise us all.

If the coaches think its a weakness, the answer is shopping his services right now.

Middle Linebacker
 

ruff was not beaten out of a starting job by a rookie... he lost his job when the chargers signed perinnial pro-bowler donnie edwards

Middle Linebacker
 

Speaks the truth, he does.

Middle Linebacker
 

Four teams scheduled visits with Godfrey only hours after he had been cut, the one team he has visited (Jags) has already begun contract negotiations with him. Thats whats other GM\'s and staffs think of this guy. Godfrey can play both middle and outside LB and play them both well. Aside from his skills he has been a leader and very well regarded presence in the locker room on every team he has been on. Plus he is a player now looking to prove himself to the league. This is just the kind of player we need in here now. With the youth we have on this team Godfrey\'s leadership and playmaking ability are just the ticket. Regardless of the optimism one may feel for Ruff ,Godfrey would make us a better team. At worst he would bring competion and depth across the wholeLB corp, at best he could provide so much more. We are in better cap shape than any of the other teams talking to him now, of course I do not advocate us jumping into a blind bidding frenzy,but how can we let this pass without a try?

Middle Linebacker
 

saint5221, that is exactly what I have been saying. We have cap room and a need to fill. Starter or back up we could use either and this guy fills the role. I do not understand why we haven\'t at the very least tried to bring him in for a look see.

Middle Linebacker
 

As active as Haslett and Co. have been in going after free agents and considering that linebacker was a need going in to the off season, it seems out of character that they aren\'t at least talking to this guy.

I hope they go after him.......but who knows.

I see no advantage for the Saints to keep any negociations a secret, so it makes me think they aren\'t intrested.

Middle Linebacker
 

Here\'s a decent mew article on Orlando Ruff.....


http://www.thenewsstar.com/html/880A...5230A4308.shtm

Middle Linebacker
 

Encouraging:
Haslet coached against this guy when he was a DC with pittsburgh.
If anyone knew his talents, is Haz.
Make me think the coaches think he\'s not an upgrade over what we already have.

Middle Linebacker
 

The Titans loss should be the Saints gain! Last season, Jim Haslett signed Brian Cox to become a leader in the locker-room and a threat on defense, and it didn\'t work out...he needs to sign Godfrey if he wants what he wanted in Cox, because Godfrey is a player

Middle Linebacker
 

You\'re all exactly right... BillyC we actually completely agree on this...

Of course, why didn\'t we look at Quarrles... or Claiborne... or any of the plethora of other linebackers that were FAs this season that are all arguably better and more PROVEN than Ruff?

It\'s amazing to me that in January I started screaming about the MLB spot and everyone agreed... then right around the draft, when I said that we hadn\'t done enough in FA... especially at MLB!!!!... I got slammed... now everyone is on the MLB band wagon again...

There is no good reason this guy should not get an offer from NO...

Middle Linebacker
 

The only reason I can think of is that they\'ve blown their wad on FA linebackers already. They\'d have alot invested in a position that can\'t accomodate that number of bodies.
If you go to the store to buy bread and it\'s all gone and you settle for buns, do you let the buns go stale just because they have bread the next day or do you eat the buns first and hope they have bread next time?

Middle Linebacker
 

Me - I go get bread... but that\'s me... then I try to make cheese buns... ;)

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I got bred once! :(

Middle Linebacker
 

what wrong with a little breeding, joesam?