McCardell takes on task of developing Devin Thomas, Malcolm Kelly

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by The Goat

Dude you seem to drastically undervalue Thomas' pure athletic ability. I think I remember from the beginning you took to Kelly over the Michigan state product, but honestly we've all watched Thomas do some pretty impressive shit on the field now (once he gets the pigskin in his hands). He fights for yardage like a hungry SOB.

I'd like to think McCardell's hands on approach and emphasis on hard work will make Thomas a significantly better route-runner. I think that's the key. If he learns to create separation consistently we'll have a monster at WR, no?

I honestly have no idea what awesome/impressive things you are referring to. Thomas' entire career has been the TDs he scored in that Saints game. Overall, a great 60 minute performance, but not one play that I would say reminded me of something that Brandon Marshall or Roddy White could do.

I don't need/want flashy highlight reel type plays from my receivers, I just want them to be productive more than 1-3 games out of a season.

They still have time to get it turned around, but anyone who is expecting some sort of insane breakout this year from either Thomas or Kelly probably isn't basing it off either assessment of physical talent or prior production.

Honestly, the best thing at this point is that Kelly/Thomas stop getting mentioned together as a duo, and one clearly separates himself from the other this season. If that can happen this year, maybe we can get a 2011 breakout season (there of course will probably be some signs at the end of this year, not unlike Miles Austin or DeSean Jackson at the end of 2008 -- this after one guy separates himself from the other).

If neither guy can get 35+ catches or 400+ yards this year, it's probably time to cut bait with both of them at the end of the year.