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Why Rafael Bush is not an upgrade over Thomas DeCoud

Why Rafael Bush is not an upgrade over Thomas DeCoud - The Falcoholic

When multiple outlets reported that the Atlanta Falcons signed New Orleans Saints backup safety, and restricted free agent, Rafael Bush to an offer sheet, I was expecting to hear (or read) an outcry of disappointment from Falcons fans after the glaring need was fulfilled by a J.A.G. (just another guy) from the heated rivals.

Instead, what ensued was akin to a scene out of The Twilight Zone. Fans everywhere were rejoicing at the potential signing as though the team landed the No. 1 safety prospect in free agency in Jairus Byrd.

Nope.

That dubious distinction actually went to the Saints (ironic, huh?) when many fans acted as though landing Byrd was a foregone conclusion for the Red and Black. Not only didn't Atlanta not land the apple of its eye, it also failed to land: Louis Delmas (Miami Dolphins), T.J. Ward (Denver Broncos), Donte Whitner (Cleveland Browns), Antoine Bethea (San Francisco 49ers) or Chris Clemons (Houston Texans)—who were all sweated heavily by fans on social media and by writers like yours truly.

One name I purposefully left out was former Saints' starting safety Malcolm Jenkins, who is not only a better player than Bush, but is also a scheme-specific fit having been a corner through college and at the beginning of his pro career.

Jenkins was actually one of the first safeties signed by the Philadelphia Eagles. Fellow long-time starter Roman Harper was also snapped up by the division rival Carolina Panthers.

Now keep in mind the Saints already possess one of the brightest young stars at safety in second-year man Kenny Vaccaro. Now that he's teamed up with Byrd, on paper, they have one of the top-five duos in the league.

Bush, at only 26 years old, could've been promoted to starter after the departures of Harper and Jenkins. That is if the staff felt as though he was worthy of being a starter on the No.-4 ranked defense in the league.

Instead they signed Byrd to a billion-dollar contract (well it seemed like it!), decided to stop wasting Vaccaro's talents as a hybrid nickel corner/safety (as first suggested by your's truly) and tendered Bush at a low-level—leaving the Falcons to scour the rummage.

And fans, as we always do, are left to pretend like we wanted Bush all along like he's the primary piece to some master plan. Most fans link his signing to a theory that the Falcons will now trade up to draft uber-hyped defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.

As if signing the fourth-string safety from another team somehow justifies anything dealing with the draft. I hate to break it to you; signing Bush should make you even more eager for the brass to go after Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix (Alabama), Calvin Pryor (Louisville), Lamarcus Joyner (FSU) or Jimmie Ward (Nothern Illinois).
Ordinary Skill Set

I have a unique perspective on Bush after having covered the Saints for another platform last season. Unlike many Falcons fans, I had the opportunity to watch every single snap Bush took from preseason until the conclusion of the playoffs. After writing over 100 articles on the team, I came to the conclusion that there was a reason why Bush was fourth on the depth chart for New Orleans. Some are under the impression that Bush was a starter for the Saints as they spend a great deal of their time in a three-safety set under coordinator Rob Ryan.

Nope.

Jenkins, Vaccaro and Harper were the original triple threat until an injury to Harper (third game of the season) allowed for Bush to grab a bigger spot in the rotation. Harper ended up missing seven games so Bush received a significant amount snaps in his stead.

I surmise that Bush is a decent player if his role is minimized like it was in New Orleans. But counting on him to be a starter, while passing on some of the uber-talented prospects in this deep draft, is borderline insanity. He can provide quality depth, but is not a front line player on a team with true championship aspirations.

Rest of article with pics and analysis...

Why Rafael Bush is not an upgrade over Thomas DeCoud - The Falcoholic

Re: Why Rafael Bush is not an upgrade over Thomas DeCoud

Interested to see how he handles the potential starting job, with the lack of QB pressure they get.

Re: Why Rafael Bush is not an upgrade over Thomas DeCoud

+1 & good read.

With the likes of Green Bay, New Orleans (twice) & pass happy Detroit on the dirty birds schedule, we will find out soon enough how he does as a starter.

Good luck Bush.. you will need it.

Re: Why Rafael Bush is not an upgrade over Thomas DeCoud

It is kind of hilarious how they're going on about Rafael Bush as he's one of the top safeties in the league. I really like the guy and I strongly believe the Saints are making a mistake by letting him go. But come on. He's not going to turn your secondary around.

Re: Why Rafael Bush is not an upgrade over Thomas DeCoud

He wasn't good enough for the Failclowns to keep him originally but now he's good enough to be their starter? This won't go well and I'm gonna love it.

Re: Why Rafael Bush is not an upgrade over Thomas DeCoud

Looks like we matched LOL!!!

And the Falcons take another pointy toed boot right in the nutz.

We matched to keep him our 3rd/4th safety and the Falcons just lost what they thought was their starter at safety. LOL!!!

Can this off-season get any better?

Now we'll hear that he was never gonna be their starter anyways so no big deal!!!:lolup:

Re: Why Rafael Bush is not an upgrade over Thomas DeCoud

Because he will not play for the Falcons? I'm guessing here

Re: Why Rafael Bush is not an upgrade over Thomas DeCoud

The meltdown over at the Falcons board is already in full-on epic mode.

Re: Why Rafael Bush is not an upgrade over Thomas DeCoud

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack Vegas (Post 587395)

The meltdown over at the Falcons board is already in full-on epic mode.

:rofl: below

Quote:

Posted Today, 03:43 PM
win/win situation for the Falcons. Either we get Bush or push Saints closer to salary cap edge. Dimitroff wins again.

Re: Why Rafael Bush is not an upgrade over Thomas DeCoud

Quote:

Originally Posted by |Mitch| (Post 587398)

:rofl: below

When will these mouth-breathers realize that THERE ARE NO SALARY CAP CONCERNS AS LONG AS LOOMIS IS IN CHARGE. Jesus, every single off-season we're supposedly screwed because of the salary cap. Is that how pathetic things are in Atlanta now that all they can really celebrate is the Saints cap situation supposedly being bad?!

Re: Why Rafael Bush is not an upgrade over Thomas DeCoud

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisXVI (Post 587402)

And for Dimitroff to supposedly win again is assuming he has won once, we are what 15-3 against the Falcons since '06 with a SB win?

Re: Why Rafael Bush is not an upgrade over Thomas DeCoud

Quote:

Originally Posted by |Mitch| (Post 587398)

:rofl: below

Dumbazz Dimitroff should have signed Malcolm Jenkins anyway- not Bush. How much pure flop can this guy do? I mean just fail. Thank God we got Tyson Jackson locked up on day 1 though. I bet the offer sheets were raining down on that guy like Pacman Jones in the strip club.

:rofl:

Re: Why Rafael Bush is not an upgrade over Thomas DeCoud

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisXVI (Post 587402)

I don't know how Loomis does it, but you gotta hand it to him. He is a good GM.

All you can do is just tip your hat to him.

Why Rafael Bush is not an upgrade over Thomas DeCoud

Quote:

Originally Posted by |Mitch| (Post 587405)

And for Dimitroff to supposedly win again is assuming he has won once, we are what 15-3 against the Falcons since '06 with a SB win?

They're going into the draft needing to solve their O-Line, pass rush, safety and tight end issues all with rookies... Good luck with that! I think Dimitroff could end up being a lot closer to the hot seat than people realize if this upcoming season doesn't come with any postseason success.

Re: Why Rafael Bush is not an upgrade over Thomas DeCoud

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisXVI (Post 587410)

Everyone knows that this is Dimitroff's last chance as well as Pioli's and Mike Smiths. The only reason TD and Smith weren't fired is because of the 5 winning seasons we had before.

Re: Why Rafael Bush is not an upgrade over Thomas DeCoud

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisXVI (Post 587410)

but yet they get a B- from Walter: :rofl:

Quote:

Atlanta Falcons: B- Grade
Thomas Dimitroff is often aggressive in free agency, and this spring wasn't any different. The Falcons paid lots of money to three new players, all of whom will help bolster the trenches in some fashion. The big name was Paul Soliai, who will be a great force inside. Jon Asamoah, meanwhile, will help upgrade an offensive line that was in shambles last year.

What's important is that the Falcons are bringing back most of the members of their defense. In fact, the one big-name defender who's gone is Asante Samuel, and he was banged up this past season. Tony Gonzalez has departed as well, but Atlanta couldn't do anything about that. His replacement will have to be drafted.

All in all, this was a decent offseason for Atlanta, though I think Dimitroff overpaid for some players; namely Tyson Jackson.

UPDATE: I'll have an update here for the Devin Hester signing once financials are known.

NFL Free Agent Grades:
Corey Peters, DT, Falcons (re-sign) - A-
Jonathan Babineaux, DT, Falcons (re-sign) - B+
Joe Hawley, C, Falcons (re-sign) - B
Paul Soliai, NT, Dolphins - B-
Devin Hester, KR, Bears - B-
Jon Asamoah, G, Chiefs - C+
Tyson Jackson, DE/DT, Chiefs - C-

here's ours:

Quote:

New Orleans Saints: B Grade
The Saints went on a cutting spree to open the offseason. They dumped Will Smith, Jabari Greer, Lance Moore and Roman Harper, and then they traded a declining Darren Sproles for a fifth-round pick. All of this was done to retain Jimmy Graham, who was franchised. The Saints were also able to sign Pro Bowler Jairus Byrd and retain Zach Strief, but New Orleans overpaid for both players.

In summary, the Saints had a pretty mediocre offseason. They bolstered their secondary and were able to keep their top weapon, but they lost depth and hurt themselves financially down the road with some bad contracts.

Update: I've upgraded New Orleans' mark for the Champ Bailey signing, which was a quality move.

NFL Free Agent Grades:
Champ Bailey, CB, Broncos - A-
Jairus Byrd, S, Bills - C+
Fifth-round pick for Darren Sproles - C+
Zach Strief, OT, Saints (re-sign) - C-

Re: Why Rafael Bush is not an upgrade over Thomas DeCoud

Quote:

Originally Posted by |Mitch| (Post 587414)

but yet they get a B- from Walter: :rofl:

Yeah I never understood why people have been saying the Failclowns had a good offseason... They need O-Line and pass-rush help the most so they sign a guard who was benched last season and 2 run-stopping D-Linemen. Not to mention signing 2 kick returners. So now they have tons of needs to fill going into the draft and that's considered a great offseason?!

Re: Why Rafael Bush is not an upgrade over Thomas DeCoud

I certainly hope the falcons take a safety at 7. If they leave a top prospect tackle like Matthews or pass rusher like Barr/Mack on the board to take Clinton-Dix or Pryor it wouldn't break my heart at all.

Re: Why Rafael Bush is not an upgrade over Thomas DeCoud

Quote:

Originally Posted by saintsfan403 (Post 587439)

They've screwed themselves now that they have major needs at too many positions that they'll have to fill in the draft. But hey, at least Dimitroff gave elite QB money to a noodle-arm who doesn't make players around him better LOL. God bless Loomis!

Re: Why Rafael Bush is not an upgrade over Thomas DeCoud

I want Barr DE/OLB HE MAKES FAST PEOPLE LIKE NOT FAST!

Re: Why Rafael Bush is not an upgrade over Thomas DeCoud

With no glaring holes, we can go BPA...which is the best feeling on draft day. Especially with such a deep draft. Loomis is the man!

Re: Why Rafael Bush is not an upgrade over Thomas DeCoud

Quote:

Originally Posted by CheramieIII (Post 587443)

I want Barr DE/OLB HE MAKES FAST PEOPLE LIKE NOT FAST!

I think we take Dee Ford, we'd have to trade up for a shot at Barr

Re: Why Rafael Bush is not an upgrade over Thomas DeCoud

He really played hard in the Philly game.

Re: Why Rafael Bush is not an upgrade over Thomas DeCoud

Anytime opposing fans are dancing because our "cap is stretched", just remember, its not how much you spend, but who you spend that money on. I trust our front office more now than any time in our history.

Btw, we may not have "glaring holes", but we need a Center, WR, CB & LB. Depth at a couple of spots would be nice too. But again, Loomis has earned everyone's trust, so I'm never worried. In fact, I kick back & grab some popcawn & watch the man work his magic. Brilliant.

Re: Why Rafael Bush is not an upgrade over Thomas DeCoud

Quote:

Originally Posted by |Mitch| (Post 587445)

I think we take Dee Ford, we'd have to trade up for a shot at Barr

Being on the West coast I got to watch a good amount of Barr's games and I am not impressed. His measureables are great and the guy stood out at times but if he played in the SEC I think he would be slightly above average. IMO he is another overrated PAC10 player, and this comes from a USC fan lol.

I hope they take Barr and pass on Mack.

Re: Why Rafael Bush is not an upgrade over Thomas DeCoud

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4thqtrsaint (Post 587563)

Before the Champ signing I thought we needed a CB as well but I don't think that's the case now. I think Champ is good, but the signing means the FO and staff sees the potential in White. IMO Champ will start this year but he was brought in to coach White (who was a safety in college). White plays coverage well, his biggest fault is not adjusting/playing the ball when it's been thrown; this is a coach-able mistake.

Re: Why Rafael Bush is not an upgrade over Thomas DeCoud

You might be right about Corey White, but again, we could add some depth.

Re: Why Rafael Bush is not an upgrade over Thomas DeCoud

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackangold (Post 587602)

Corey White never played safety at Samford.