GumboBC

Haslett was on 4th down on 4 tonight. For those of you that missed it, here is a recap.

On Sullivan -- Does not have a weigh problem. Said big guys gain some weight in the off-season. Will be fine when training camp gets here.

On Cie Grant -- Will be the starter entering training camp. Said he was one of the most instintive linebackers he has ever seen. Once the fans see him on the field they will understand why the coaching staff is so high on him

On Darren Howard -- Was their best defensive player. Not going to be traded. Are trying to get him signed long term before the start of the season. Can never have too many pass rushers

On Will Smith. Will not play linebacker. Will be used at end with Howard moving to the inside.

Mel Mitchell -- Is 100% healthy and running full speed. Great competetion between Mel, Tebucky, and Bellamy.

On Aaron Brooks -- Said made good progress last year. Had 3 to 1 TD to interception ratio. Had problems fumbling the ball last year. Fumbles aren't as bad as ints. Said ints are result of not reading defenses properly. Said both fumbling and ints are bad, but fumbling is easier to correct. They are going to put more on Brooks shoulders this year. They are going to really stretch the field this year.

Said he does not care who plays in certian positions. Point to the depth and competition and said they will put the best eleven on the field.

Said they are going to open the offense up. They will use more single back sets. Could see some 2 TE sets. Used FB 38% last year. Fullback will be used less this year.

Edit -- Said in the past they have used preseason to evaluate players. This preseason will be different. They know this year what they have for the most part and they wouldn't play vanilla in the preseason this year. They will use preseason to be in regular season form come opening day. He's looking foward to the first game against Seattle. Will be a good test. Likes the fact that the first 2 games are at home.

P.S. -- Two players that Haslett is extremely high on are Cie Grant and Donte' Stallworth. I've heard Haslett talk good about players in the past put he is REALLY HIGH on these two!!



[Edited on 17/5/2004 by GumboBC]