Who's Next????
Posted: Fri Jul 28, 2006 7:24 pm
The Leos were struggling and suddenly Young was gone, followed by Warren. It would appear that football strategy was not producing winning efforts and the creation a winning atmosphere was not being accomplished.. without a strong message to the players in terms of releasing players. The way the players were dispatched also sent a strong message. How it is being interpreted over the long run will be interesting.
The Leos may not need to release any more players this season. However, should the Leos falter again it would appear that this method of motivation may become a pattern.
So, if the Leos falter who could be next?
Some thoughts are:
Otis Floyd: The new leader of the Leos linebacking corps.. Floyd is in his option year...could he be singled out? The Leos know they have a lot of linebacking depth. However, it will likely be the off-season and Floyd's contract demands that determine his future.
Chris Wilson: His sack production has been dismal, he is easy to run against, and he get's caught slanting down on play action. He could be a candidate. The Leos have always loved his potential...how long they will wait is the big question. Whitney Bell awaits his opportunity.
Kory Banks: He's still the best cover halfback in the league but he has had his struggles in playing some of the zone defences the Leos like to run. He makes a lot of money and he hasn't created the turnovers the Leos were hoping for. They saw Banks as a shut down halfback who would add a new ball hawking spirit to the pass defence. He could feel more intense heat if things go awry.
Carl Kidd: Kidd seems to be a favorite of Ritchie even though his play doesn't deserve it. His special teams ability is a major reason he is still out there and if that slips he could feel some heat. The Leos can't keep a talent like Johnson off the playing field forever.
Jason Jiminez: Jiminez has been a big upgrade over Mantyka from last season with Mantyka severely restricted by his brace. However he has been outshined by Murphy and has made a couple of errors even though his overall play has been very good. He occupies an import spot on the offensive line and the pressure will be constantly on him.
Ryan Thelwell: The smooth Ryan Thelwell has been injured a lot this season. As a Canadian receiver with experience the Leos need him...for this year at least. He's a favorite of mine and will play this season and perhaps even next but he will be under heavier pressure next year.
Ryan Phillips: Phillips was so good as a rookie, taking on some of the best receivers in the league.. but he hasn't been as impressive as the Leos nickel back. He will come under more scrutiny.
Mark Washington: Washington's improved play over the last two games has been dramatic. He's a very good tackler. However he is getting older and has struggled with coverage up until the past two games. However he always says the right things. Wally and Ritchie see him as their kinda guy and is not someone who will ever get into Wally's doghouse. He'll likely play all season and will be reassessed next year.
T.J.Acree: Acree's days are numbered and will be back on the practice roster once Clermont returns unless he really does something to impress in the next few weeks. The Leos need a speedster as their import reciever in this position once Clermont comes back.
Kelly Bates: Kelly was under pressure at training camp and won the battle over Rasouli. As a Canadian guard he would not be released and would remain on the active roster but he will need to continue to play well or still could lose his starting assignment to Rasouli.
Lyle Green: Lyle Green has been misused, underappreciated, and has always kept his mouth shut. He is in a good spot right now due to his experience, his knowledge of the offence (they've actually been using him sometimes in the bunch formation as a change up in the two back set due to his recieving skills) and no back up import tailback. Green can play tailback as can Norha until the Leos look at other imports. Green should be fine this season but the Leos decision as to whether they want to go with a big blocking fullback for Smith rather than the versataille Green will likely be made next year.
Any thoughts? Additions? The Leos players must be asking the question...."Who could be next"???
The Leos may not need to release any more players this season. However, should the Leos falter again it would appear that this method of motivation may become a pattern.
So, if the Leos falter who could be next?
Some thoughts are:
Otis Floyd: The new leader of the Leos linebacking corps.. Floyd is in his option year...could he be singled out? The Leos know they have a lot of linebacking depth. However, it will likely be the off-season and Floyd's contract demands that determine his future.
Chris Wilson: His sack production has been dismal, he is easy to run against, and he get's caught slanting down on play action. He could be a candidate. The Leos have always loved his potential...how long they will wait is the big question. Whitney Bell awaits his opportunity.
Kory Banks: He's still the best cover halfback in the league but he has had his struggles in playing some of the zone defences the Leos like to run. He makes a lot of money and he hasn't created the turnovers the Leos were hoping for. They saw Banks as a shut down halfback who would add a new ball hawking spirit to the pass defence. He could feel more intense heat if things go awry.
Carl Kidd: Kidd seems to be a favorite of Ritchie even though his play doesn't deserve it. His special teams ability is a major reason he is still out there and if that slips he could feel some heat. The Leos can't keep a talent like Johnson off the playing field forever.
Jason Jiminez: Jiminez has been a big upgrade over Mantyka from last season with Mantyka severely restricted by his brace. However he has been outshined by Murphy and has made a couple of errors even though his overall play has been very good. He occupies an import spot on the offensive line and the pressure will be constantly on him.
Ryan Thelwell: The smooth Ryan Thelwell has been injured a lot this season. As a Canadian receiver with experience the Leos need him...for this year at least. He's a favorite of mine and will play this season and perhaps even next but he will be under heavier pressure next year.
Ryan Phillips: Phillips was so good as a rookie, taking on some of the best receivers in the league.. but he hasn't been as impressive as the Leos nickel back. He will come under more scrutiny.
Mark Washington: Washington's improved play over the last two games has been dramatic. He's a very good tackler. However he is getting older and has struggled with coverage up until the past two games. However he always says the right things. Wally and Ritchie see him as their kinda guy and is not someone who will ever get into Wally's doghouse. He'll likely play all season and will be reassessed next year.
T.J.Acree: Acree's days are numbered and will be back on the practice roster once Clermont returns unless he really does something to impress in the next few weeks. The Leos need a speedster as their import reciever in this position once Clermont comes back.
Kelly Bates: Kelly was under pressure at training camp and won the battle over Rasouli. As a Canadian guard he would not be released and would remain on the active roster but he will need to continue to play well or still could lose his starting assignment to Rasouli.
Lyle Green: Lyle Green has been misused, underappreciated, and has always kept his mouth shut. He is in a good spot right now due to his experience, his knowledge of the offence (they've actually been using him sometimes in the bunch formation as a change up in the two back set due to his recieving skills) and no back up import tailback. Green can play tailback as can Norha until the Leos look at other imports. Green should be fine this season but the Leos decision as to whether they want to go with a big blocking fullback for Smith rather than the versataille Green will likely be made next year.
Any thoughts? Additions? The Leos players must be asking the question...."Who could be next"???