Ryan Clark has lost starting job in Pittsburgh

[djnemo65]

If we hadn't let Clark go in the first place we would be 11-2 right now.

I don't really think that; but it seems like many people on this board do, seeing as how so many members are wont to link our defensive struggles to Clark's absence (as opposed to with the horrid performances of the players who are still here). This is a defense whose issues go far deeper than the loss of a mediocre safety.

[jbcjr14]

Well according to Carlos Rogers its the pass rush that is the problem. Hehehehe.

[skinsguy]

I don't believe people are necessarily saying that adding Ryan Clark back in would be the answer to our defense's problems. However, I think the little things that he did to contribute last year to our defense could've been used this year!

[celts32]

I would love to put Clark and Smoot back in our secondary next year.

[jsarno]

It's wishful thinking, but didn't Clark sign a long term deal with the Steelers? Meaning he will not be cut, but have to accept his new role as a backup. So we would need to trade for him, and we don't have anything they would want other than a draft pick. So are we willing to give up a 1st or 2nd rounder for him...no.

[hooskins]

Originally Posted by jsarno

It's wishful thinking, but didn't Clark sign a long term deal with the Steelers? Meaning he will not be cut, but have to accept his new role as a backup. So we would need to trade for him, and we don't have anything they would want other than a draft pick. So are we willing to give up a 1st or 2nd rounder for him...no.

But see that is where you are wrong, the Skins are always willing to give up first rounders....

[jsarno]

Originally Posted by hooskins

But see that is where you are wrong, the Skins are always willing to give up first rounders....

Sad, but true.
I hope we don't make that mistake again.

[Longtimefan]

Originally Posted by djnemo65

If we hadn't let Clark go in the first place we would be 11-2 right now.

I don't really think that; but it seems like many people on this board do, seeing as how so many members are wont to link our defensive struggles to Clark's absence (as opposed to with the horrid performances of the players who are still here). This is a defense whose issues go far deeper than the loss of a mediocre safety.

I'm interested in seeing where Clark's progression in the league is in a couple more years. Some are always more than ready to heap a great deal of praise on players who sometimes have a few good games, or maybe one good season. I believe in reserving evaluation of a player until he has proven over a period of time, on a sustained basis that he's NFL caliber. The way our defense played this year, I don't think any one player would have made that much of a difference. While I believe in giving credit where it's due, Clark did have his moments last year, but there were doubts about him being a long term solution. Of all the players that have departed over the last few years and gone to other teams, I can only think of two that are playing at a reasonably high level with their new team, and that's Champ Bailey, and Antonio Pierce.

[djnemo65]

Originally Posted by Longtimefan

I'm interested in seeing where Clark's progression in the league is in a couple more years. Some are always more than ready to heap a great deal of praise on players who sometimes have a few good games, or maybe one good season. I believe in reserving evaluation of a player until he has proven over a period of time, on a sustained basis that he's NFL caliber. The way our defense played this year, I don't think any one player would have made that much of a difference. While I believe in giving credit where it's due, Clark did have his moments last year, but there were doubts about him being a long term solution. Of all the players that have departed over the last few years and gone to other teams, I can only think of two that are playing at a reasonably high level with their new team, and that's Champ Bailey, and Antonio Pierce.

What about defensive player of the new millennium Walt Harris?

[Longtimefan]

Originally Posted by djnemo65

What about defensive player of the new millennium Walt Harris?

Walt is an age, and injury factor. He's a typical example of what I'm talking about. He's had a few games where he has excelled, but how good has he been on a sustained basis?