09-29-2016, 02:50 PM
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#1
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1000 Posts +
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Fairbanks, AK
Posts: 4,431
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Re: Kenny Vaccaro says it's time for the Saints defense to take ownership of its situation
Originally Posted by Utah_Saint
And Keenan Lewis.
Should the same standards apply to all players on the roster?
Keenan played 6 games last season just like Ellerbe. I guess the old saying "you can't make the club if your always in the tub" only applies sometimes.
[I]And where's Stupar? He looked great in coverage and stuffing the run during the preseason...[I]
That's a good question. He's been active on each game day but he's only played 10 total snaps in the three games. PFF has him graded poorly (50.3) but still miles ahead of Laurainitis (33.5). Apparently he's keeping Anthony company on the bench while they learn how to get trucked in the middle linebacker position from a true veteran like Laurinaitis.
There's no way the coaching staff can be satisfied with Lauraintis's individual play. We've all seen how bad it is. PFF ranks him 79th out of 80 linebackers. They have got to change things up. If they don't feel Anthony is ready to call this defense by week 4, then that's on them. It's Joe Vitt's job to get him ready. It's not like he's some rookie free agent. He was a first round draft pick for Pete's sake. Let Laurinaitis coach them up in practice if that's what they're trying to do but injuries to the defense overall can't account for how bad his individual performance has been over the last 3 games.
Anthony looked like a sixth grader trying to play with the highschoolers on Monday night. I watched him exclusively on many plays because I was trying to figure out why he's not on the field more. Now I know why but I'm left wondering why he's playing that poorly?
Back on point, I absolutely respect Kenny's statements. I can only hope that the leftovers the Saints are playing with have enough talent and grit to rise to the challenge and bailout the water on the sinking ship.
In regards to Ellerbe, Lewis, (and Armstead?); one NFL GM once said "Injured players get injured." It's a simple statement but it rings true. A guy can have all the talent in the world but if he only plays 1/4 of the season, does it benefit the team that much?
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