Jeff Duncan answers question on Cie Grant/Courtney Watson
 

I had a chance to aske Jeff Duncan a question. Thought I'd pass this along.....

GumboBC: Can you tell me who has the inside track on winning the MLB position between Cie Grant and Courtney Watson.


Jeff Duncan: It's going to come down to Watson and Grant. Ruff doesn't have a shot. He's a good guy but he's not fast or rangy enough to fit with the new 'tweaked' scheme the defense wants to use this year. They want speed and more speed at linebacker. Watson will have to prove in camp he's physical enough to stick his nose in against the run. If he can do that, he'll has a good chance to win the job because Haslett says he has the best acumen of any rookie he's ever coached. Grant then would be ticketed to the weak side spot where he would eventually be groomed to replace Rodgers. But don't write off Grant just yet. He has a lot of strong supporters on the staff and in the front office and no one questions his toughness. He's a head-hunter. If the staff likes the way both players look in camp, then Ruff's roster spot could be in jeopardy. If not, Ruff will play in short-yardage and goal line. Hope that helps.

Jeff Duncan answers question on Cie Grant/Courtney Watson
 

Now if Hodge or Allen develop like they should, we might have a pretty decent unit.

Maybe not the Dome Patrol yet, but at least it appears they\'re headed in the right direction.

Jeff Duncan answers question on Cie Grant/Courtney Watson
 

Forget bout Hodge. The guy is scared of contact. I would try to trade him cuz we don\'t need him

WLB -- Derrick Rogers, Darrin Smith

MLB -- Cie Grant, Courtney Watson

SLB -- James Allen, Roger Knight, possiblity Cie Grant

Jeff Duncan answers question on Cie Grant/Courtney Watson
 

I think that Darrin Smith, though he has had some good days with us, is as done or more than Ambrose or Bellamy - at least they\'ve still got some speed. I\'m guessing that unless we need him for the sake of smarts and leadership, he\'ll be lucky to make the team.

bking218, you don\'t think that Ruff will make the squad?

Jeff Duncan answers question on Cie Grant/Courtney Watson
 

GUMBOBC thread: According to Jeff Duncan on Cie Grant & Watson


\"If the staff likes the way both players look in camp, then Ruff\'s roster spot could be in jeopardy\".

I personally believe he should make the team for insurance in case of injury to the lb position.

[Edited on 8/7/2004 by bayouking318]