Make the cuts and add some depth...

[724Skinsfan]

My only thought on Rocky not making a immediate or earlier impact is maybe they didn't want to rush him onto the field after his (shoulder ?)surgery. Give him a plenty of time to heal and learn the defense. I doubt having him play any more would have resulted in 4 or 5 more wins.

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by 724Skinsfan

My only thought on Rocky not making a immediate or earlier impact is maybe they didn't want to rush him onto the field after his (shoulder ?)surgery. Give him a plenty of time to heal and learn the defense. I doubt having him play any more would have resulted in 4 or 5 more wins.

Man, in today's league the trend is increasingly toward 'right now' or your first year is your year. From coaches on down to the players. The thing that happened to Mora and Green, that's about to be the standard for coaches. Three years and let's sit down and talk about your job buddy. Seriously. Same with players. The pressure is enormous on QBs coming out of college to step in and play. Thank God for the year Jason sat on the bench, because he'll be okay. But look at how many rookie QBs were/are starting now. I think it's unprecendented.

My point is, you can no longer hold a guy on the bench until he learns the system. Those days are quickly evaporating. The NFL is progressively moving into the 'now' like never before. Rocky came out of system that plays a Pro style defense and they competed against college teams that gives Pro style looks, if you will. The kid drafted behind him came from a much smaller program, and yet is making impact. Even if you don't want them starting, pe se...you have to let them take their lumps.

This is where I feel Gibbs failed the team this year. It seemed like he didn't step in and say hey, how come this kid or that kid isn't playing? Week after week he had to dance around questions about why Rocky isn't playing. I honestly think the kid can play.

Bill Parcells had two rookies starting last year. This year, one of them is in the Pro Bowl!