CGI_Ram said:
We all want improved play at WR.
"Sam needs weapons" is a common theme around here.
But; out of the same mouth we are saying we want Gibson and Amendola back. That does not compute! Are we suggesting just give Steve Smith's roster spot to a draft pick and the WR problem is fixed?
I like Gibson but he offers nothing dynamic (speed, size, etc.) that can't be filled in other ways AND with cheaper commitment cap-wise.
We got Givens. We got Quick. We got Pettis.
Amendola brings something different to the table than the above... so maybe he's back? Otherwise; new blood please.
My view is that while Sam needs weapons, it doesn't mean you get rid of players that have produced. Gibby may not be the fastest (were Rice or Bruce?) but he runs good routes, gets separation, and does some good things with the ball in his hands, all while being covered by the opposition's best corners - and we played some damn good ones.
As much as everyone wants Pettis to be that guy, what has he done that would really indicate he is better than Gibson? Because he's two years younger and has "potential"?
Yes - I would like both DA and BG back but the problem with DA is likely going to be that his salary demands will outweigh his value to a young team like ours.
We need weapons. And Gibson IS a weapon. No he's not a #1 target. But give him someone on the other side that teams have to game plan for and put their best corner on, and the guy will give us a consistent 800+ per season as the #2. Take away the Bruce/Holt years. When have we had that? How many consistent contenders have more than that kind of production from their #2?
I'm not comfortable with Givens as our only semi-proven weapon plus a couple rookies and BQ who is all promise, and Pettis who gets almost NO separation from my recollection. Think about that. Givens with his 700 yards, BQ with his 150, Pettis with his 260. Add in a couple other receivers that are VERY unlikely to make a real impact in their first year, no SJ to pick up the blitzer, and, though I hate to say it, you have an offense that actually IMO steps us backward.
I don't see us going after a high profile FA - maybe I'm wrong there. So what that leaves us with is trying to find two receivers in the draft who can make an immediate impact. As good a talent evaluator as Snead seems to be, do you really see that happening?
Keep Gibby and you can go after a 2nd real TE, and one other receiving threat if you like. Bolster the O-line and suddenly, you have time for the receivers to get open, Sam can make his progressions, and we are no longer in a position of burning through receivers in a constant search for THAT guy.
