Re: If we could just have our Starting core...
 

Giants are 5-1 with a hell of a defense. Steelers just beat the Bucs. Jets defense and special teams are playing fine. Saying all that to say. If you know your job your responsibilities in and out you have done your job add some execution in there of course. Tyrann missed tackles are not due to not enough contact. When there are guys with same training camp time making plays. Justin Simmons, Derwin James, marcus Williams etc.... know your job do your job. Can't so your job if you don't know it. Knowing half the battle now the other half is recognizing and applicating. I understand for rookies but for Veterans...naw I'm not giving them that. Sean left a void that DA isn't qualified to fill unfortunately the Saints are going to be impacted the most

Re: If we could just have our Starting core...
 

No argument. Just like Vets Kamara and Ingram shouldn’t fumble.

I guess the only diff is maybe not having practice together as a unit (offense or D) makes players sloppy. Your point is well taken though.

Re: If we could just have our Starting core...
 

Totally disagree. It's common knowledge that the medical staff has the ultimate say and total veto power these days as to any player returning to play regardless of injury. Why would any player refuse to play when fully cleared by the medical staff? Especially a player like Thomas that is so driven to be the best? It makes no sense. Not to mention that many players have some sort of incentives built in to their contracts. Not playing costs them money.

And don't forget that the Saints front office shared with the Saints beat writers that Thomas' turf toe injury was on about a four week recovery window. That will be after this coming week at best.

Re: If we could just have our Starting core...
 

It's getting closer to a Penning return it seems.

Re: If we could just have our Starting core...
 

All of what happens, or is written about what happens, or speculations about the quality of the field at any given stadium is separate from the basic question. Is it the players Decision or the teams? The truth is some of each of course.

If player X is questionable for team A, then the Decision on if X plays (assuming X is outside of the earlier mentioned QB/concussion subgroup) depends on many variables: player’s health, team record, depth at position, etc. I’d hope we agree on this, right? For example the need for a guy at say 65% to return for a 5-1 team that is getting by at WR is different than a 2-4 team that is playing undrafted guys. Agreed?

So, in the Saints case, knowing they have receivers out, and knowing Thomas is paid to be a top WR, and knowing the team needs to win and the playoff window is closing, I do not believe the Saints staff is telling Thomas to sit while Thomas is saying, “No, I can play!”.

Re: If we could just have our Starting core...
 

As you point out the circumstances come into play.

If the medical staff says the player doesn't play then it matters not what the coaches or the player wish. Everyone should agree that's a given.

If the medical staff gives a full go then it falls on the player and the coaches. In this case I can't imagine any player saying they don't want to play. I can see a coach wanting additional practice .. possibly.

If the medical staff gives a conditional go, as in the player can play but there is the chance of reaggravating the injury I can see the coaches considering the circumstances. Let's say it was a critical game such as clinching a playoff berth or an actual playoff game I can see the coaches asking the player to play. I seriously doubt any player would say no. If the game was not critical I can see the coaches making the decision to hold out the player regardless of what the player wishes.

Then there's the case of the medical staff giving a conditional go, as in the player can play without chance of further aggravation but there will be pain to play through and/or painkilling required. This is the only case I can possibly see the player making the final call. Once again, however, it is very hard for me to believe any player that is motivated enough to want to be great their whole life would refuse to play under these circumstances.

I have had the opportunity to know several athletes in several different sports over the years and I can honestly say that I do not believe any of them would refuse to compete if it was at all possible. It is so contrary to their basic mindset.

In addition, what the player is getting paid should not be part of any of the decisions, nor do I believe it comes into play beyond the minds of fans.

Re: If we could just have our Starting core...
 

Just out of curiosity I put this question out to a few of the Saints beat writers, Boston.

"I have heard it suggested that Michael Thomas is able to play but chooses not to play. What are the possibilities of this being the case?"

Here's the first response:


Ross Jackson
@RossJacksonNOLA
Replying to
@AsylumGuido
That's not the case.
2:14 PM · Oct 19, 2022
·Twitter Web App

Second response:

@AsylumGuido
·
20m
Replying to
@RosvoglouReport

I have heard it suggested that Michael Thomas is able to play but chooses not to play. What are the possibilities of this being the case? I myself can't see this being the case.

Chris Rosvoglou
@RosvoglouReport
Replying to
@AsylumGuido
I highly doubt that
2:27 PM · Oct 19, 2022
·Twitter Web App

Re: If we could just have our Starting core...
 

At current pace , we're slotted for the #5 pick in the next draft which now belongs to another team. If we don't trade the rights to SP for multiple number 1s, what do we have to look forward to in a rich 2023 QB draft?

Re: If we could just have our Starting core...
 

The 37th pick ?

Re: If we could just have our Starting core...
 

I think Michael Thomas wants to play, Dennis Allen wants to lead, and Mickey Loomis wants to have the cap space to improve the team. But I prefer replacing them all with individuals who are more likely to achieve those wants.

The people on hoarders want to have a clean house. But they also want to hoard. We need to stop hoarding injured players and poor leaders and clean house.