Comments on: O-line Is Cause For Concern, GM Smith Too

By: Keenan Jones

Keenan Jones — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 22:54:00 +0000

Clarified indeed. And quite well I might add. You’re right, the sure things is much more assuring than the “wait and see” approach. Can’t argue with that.

By: LukeNSims

LukeNSims — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 20:13:00 +0000

I don’t think it’s time for Gene to be fired. I also think he did a good job at other personnel moves, but Khan wants a winner. You can’t blame a GM for injuries, but not getting a replacement better than Guy Whimper (who he extended) at right tackle for the oft-injured Britton is a risky move. I am hesitant to say Rackley will be a good starter until he shows it. I was highly unimpressed with his play last season – even though he showed development as the year progressed. I am not a fan of John Estes and think that Bradfield will forever be a man kept around for depth. Gene and I disagree and he’s in charge of the team, but if we see 35+ sacks on Gabbert the Khan may start to see things the same way I do.

Smith has built a solid (very solid) team through the draft, but I think he’s too hesitant to add big, expensive pieces that could outplay his cherished draft picks and start for years to come. Sometimes getting a known commodity is better than hoping that someone reaches their potential. That’s more my point here. I think we have a lot of guys with potential but not enough of a “sure thing” in the guys expect Monroe, Meester, and Nwaneri. The depth and other positions (Britton when injured…he’s usually excellent when healthy) do not impress me thus far.

I’m not advocating for Smith being fired. I am saying his seat could get hotter if this wager doesn’t turn out in his favor.

Hopefully I clarified? Your points were very well put and well received.

By: Keenan Jones

Keenan Jones — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 19:47:00 +0000

I don’t agree with the premise of this article in regards to GM Gene. He addressed the depth on the o-line where he could with Estes, Baldridge, Bradfield, Spitz, Brewster and Whimper. Saying GM Gene’s job should be in jeapordy for the current situation with the injuries, is like blaming him for the injuries occuring. I don’t agree with that approach at all. Also, Rackley wasn’t drafted to be depth, but to be a starter. So I doubt Gene would’ve went out and got a high priced free agent such as Carl Nicks to replace. How is he expected to develop into a starter? If he doesn’t play as one. While Nicks would’ve been an instant upgrade, Rackley has the upside to develop into a very good starter in his own right. Considering the only injury that is expected to last for a long time, is Estes, I don’t see what the big deal is right now. From the current outlook, the starting lineup of Monroe, Rackley, Meester, Nwaneri and Britton will be ready to go.
Excuse my defensive stand here, but everytime someone offers a reason to fire GM Gene, it’s rarely a legit reason, which is my take on the reason offered here. I’ll always be in support of Gene as long as this team is getting better, which is what it has been gradually doing since he’s took over as GM.