Pro Football Weekly (Not PFT)

[General Chaos]

Whispers: 07/09/07

Even though the Cardinals love his potential, we hear it would be a big mistake to automatically assume 2007 second-round pick Alan Branch will now play the most prominent role inside on the team’s D-line, with undersized Kendrick Clancy having been released in early June after refusing to take a pay cut. Truth be told, another product of the University of Michigan, second-year pro Gabe Watson, appears to be just as much in the mix as Branch, heading into training camp. By all accounts, Watson has made a concerted effort this offseason to get into better shape — he had shed at least 38 pounds the last time we checked — after displaying a sometimes suspect work ethic in his rookie campaign. Don’t rule out both of them being on the field at the same time on occasion, with Branch moving outside.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Well, Branch has at least tried to learn the DE side of the 3-4 playbook, as well as the NT.

Time will tell if we see both Watson and Branch on the field at the same time.

 

[Goldfield]

Two big boys. Like it.

 

[Mitch]

Thunder and Thunder!

 

[JeffGollin]

Brnnng!!!! (Or whatever a buzzer sounds like)

I challenge PFW's assertion that Gabe Watson's work ethic last season was in question. Admittedly when he was signed, there were predraft rumors (similar, incidentally, to those about Branch) that questioned his work ethic.

But I don't recall any negative comments about Watson's rookie year performance (although I guess some might rightly or wrongly assume that his off-season weight loss automatically suggests he was too heavy a year ago).

I do think of both former Wolverine DT's as 2 guys cut out of the same cloth. (The main difference at this point is that Gabe has one year worth of pro experience than does Alan). I'm optimistic about both of them.

Here's a question for us to ponder - Although the buzz of late has both of these guys playing NT in a 3-4, what would be the benefit or disadavantage of lining these two tree trunks next to one another at the two DT positions in a straight 4-3?

 

[BigRedRage]

I challenge PFW's assertion that Gabe Watson's work ethic last season was in question. Admittedly when he was signed, there were predraft rumors (similar, incidentally, to those about Branch) that questioned his work ethic.

But I don't recall any negative comments about Watson's rookie year performance (although I guess some might rightly or wrongly assume that his off-season weight loss automatically suggests he was too heavy a year ago).

I do think of both former Wolverine DT's as 2 guys cut out of the same cloth. (The main difference at this point is that Gabe has one year worth of pro experience than does Alan). I'm optimistic about both of them.

Here's a question for us to ponder - Although the buzz of late has both of these guys playing NT in a 3-4, what would be the benefit or disadavantage of lining these two tree trunks next to one another at the two DT positions in a straight 4-3?

When we first picked branch I was envisioning either:

Chike, branch, watson, berry

or

Chike, branch/watson, dockett, berry. Branch and watson alternating field work. Either way would be run stuffing heaven.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Here's a question for us to ponder - Although the buzz of late has both of these guys playing NT in a 3-4, what would be the benefit or disadavantage of lining these two tree trunks next to one another at the two DT positions in a straight 4-3?

Advantages: We would have two players in the middle of the field that could be considered "2 gappers."

Disadvantages: It leaves Dockett/Smith/Berry/Okeafor whoever they decide to bring on the pass rush. We haven't seen Dockett/Smith get up the field and generate a pass rush consistently, and we do not know how much Berry/Okeafor have left in the tank.

In theory, as long as their stamina is up, it should work just fine.

 

[cardsfanmd]

I dont expect to see the two of them on the field together much at all. You have gotta keep in mind that these guys are over 300 hundred pounds. There is no way they can perform at a high level all game. I'd prefer to have one of them on the field playing at 100% than the two of them out there at 50% on tired wheels. I would switch them every two or three snaps and just have them line up together when we are in short yardage/goalline situations. The two of them coming at at any guard/center combo in the league on fresh legs all game would be devastating IMO.

 

[BigRedRage]

hah, imagine our goalline with the both of them in the middle so QB sneaks are impossible.

 

[seesred]

THe problem with switching them every few snaps, is that the guys are running off the field. For these two that takes some stamina. Now after a time out, stop in play that's when I would make the switch. Wow are they to awaesomw dudes or what? We are set on the line if they can stay healthy and active for at least 5 years.

GBR
40

 

[Shogun]

I never expected Branch as the NT anyway. I still think that he'll push Antonio Smith.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

I never expected Branch as the NT anyway. I still think that he'll push Antonio Smith.

Isn't Smith playing the LE? Branch played RE in college. Not that it matters all that much right now, but it is important to note.

 

[Shogun]

Isn't Smith playing the LE? Branch played RE in college. Not that it matters all that much right now, but it is important to note.

Nope, Smith's expected to play on the right. Dockett has the LE position locked up.

 

[BullheadCardFan]

hah, imagine our goalline with the both of them in the middle so QB sneaks are impossible.

I would really like to see that formation ...