Pleased with the focus on DL now

With all of the hand-ringing about the OL without Unger and a WR, I have thought that DL depth was a huge issue for this team.

The starters on paper are fine as well as Hill. Beyond that, totally unproven. They need to get back to having a great rotation. It's possible that Marsh, Scruggs, and seemingly Williams can step up but that's a huge leap forward from what they have shown.

Adding some immediate help at DE and DT is a welcome site.

Bring it. Few vets for non guaranteed contracts and draft a few mid round guys and let the competition for a roster spot begin.

OL becomes less of an issue with Richardsson, Graham and Lynch

Opponents will need to respect the middle of the field, split out TE and a star receiver. Quick passes / runs against 6 players in the box will buy less pressure on the line.

Of course if they can't hold 3 players back then definitely an issue...

My thing is that cable can create workable Olinemen from 5-7th rounders.

Post JGtrade we need DLine depth. We need another MONSTER leo so we dont have to have avril over there so much. Remember when him and bennett lined up next to another? Nothing could stop them.

We need more Big guys, Im down for williams back, but also we need a starter quality depth past hill. And we never know mebane might be in his last hurrah from age,injuries or cap casualty.

our motto is always compete and we need it on the D

mikeak":e1hkrahb said:

OL becomes less of an issue with Richardsson, Graham and Lynch

Opponents will need to respect the middle of the field, split out TE and a star receiver. Quick passes / runs against 6 players in the box will buy less pressure on the line.

Of course if they can't hold 3 players back then definitely an issue...

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I agree with Graham (quick passing game) and Lynch (tackle breaking machine) covering up our blocking deficiencies. But Richardson has done nothing yet and is still recovering from a 2nd ACL tear.

Wilson, as the most elusive QB in the league, also greatly compensates for poor blocking.

Yes RW compensates

IMHO we win the Super Bowl with Richardson. He played great at the end, snatched balls out of the air and was becoming a go-to receiver. Graham will help that even more

Don't get me wrong - I still think we need OL help just not as desperately as before Graham

mikeak":3cyurd39 said:

Yes RW compensates

IMHO we win the Super Bowl with Richardson. He played great at the end, snatched balls out of the air and was becoming a go-to receiver. Graham will help that even more

Don't get me wrong - I still think we need OL help just not as desperately as before Graham

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Richardson had trouble creating separation all year. Maybe I am wrong, but I doubt he would have made much of a difference against that New England secondary. I hope he comes back strong mid-season and improves in all areas of his game.

I still have hopes for P Rich but calling him a star receiver is a bit much.

Always thought Cassius Marsh can be a cog in our defense for years. A shame he got injured last season though. High hopes for him this season.

What i don't understand is why we're bringing people like Chris Canty and Anthony Spencer in, but haven't resigned Kevin Williams. Yes, I know they play different positions, but Williams is solid depth and versatile. He also proved himself last year.

DL depth is an issue, and signing Williams is an immediate fix.

mikeak":n0gq0skr said:

OL becomes less of an issue with Richardsson, Graham and Lynch

Opponents will need to respect the middle of the field, split out TE and a star receiver. Quick passes / runs against 6 players in the box will buy less pressure on the line.

Of course if they can't hold 3 players back then definitely an issue...

Click to expand...

Less of an issue, but still an issue. Saints had Graham but lack of a complete OL hurt them. Exhibit A: Trading Graham for Unger and the equivalent of a second rounder.

Hendo66":2pf1cnoz said:

I still have hopes for P Rich but calling him a star receiver is a bit much.

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I have little doubt his star would burn bright if he could just stay healthy. That seem to be the big IF though.

hawknation2015":3shbkppx said:

mikeak":3shbkppx said:

Yes RW compensates

IMHO we win the Super Bowl with Richardson. He played great at the end, snatched balls out of the air and was becoming a go-to receiver. Graham will help that even more

Don't get me wrong - I still think we need OL help just not as desperately as before Graham

Click to expand...

Richardson had trouble creating separation all year. Maybe I am wrong, but I doubt he would have made much of a difference against that New England secondary. I hope he comes back strong mid-season and improves in all areas of his game.

Click to expand...

Richardson was making the kind of catches that were bouncing off of Kearse and Willson's hands. I'd say that's open enough for me. He's a difference make in our offence, and can only improve.

GLio14":3h2lo1no said:

Always thought Cassius Marsh can be a cog in our defense for years. A shame he got injured last season though. High hopes for him this season.

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I think of Canty and Spencer as injury and developmental insurance. Kind of like Antoine WInfield. Sign them and keep them in case the young guns aren't ready, but if the competition is even close, you let the youngs guys have it,

Both players are 10+ year vets on the wrong side of 30 with their best years long behind them.

Hawks46":163qst3j said:

What i don't understand is why we're bringing people like Chris Canty and Anthony Spencer in, but haven't resigned Kevin Williams. Yes, I know they play different positions, but Williams is solid depth and versatile. He also proved himself last year.

DL depth is an issue, and signing Williams is an immediate fix.

Click to expand...

Has Williams decided whether he wants to continue playing? He may not be ready to make that decision yet.

Regardless, the Hawks have holes on the DL that they need to fill.

It could be that the Hawks have told Williams to hang tight before signing.

We also have Dobbs Cohen and Tukuafu as UFA.

According to this thread, there is an offer on the table for Williams to come back after he cleared waivers. He might be available for depth, camp foder, whatever this year.

Not that Williams Steve.

I hope they bring Dobbs to camp. He looked like he has some game....

Williams was a late signing last year and he'll be a late signing this year. He will only want to play for a contender, so his potential teams list is limited too.

I hope the Hawks bring him back, he was a great depth piece, a leader, and I want him to have another shot at a ring. For some reason I felt really bad for him the most after the Super Bowl. He probably thought he was finally going to win one until that final play. He stepped up huge for the Hawks last year and we could use the depth this season.

I wouldn't expect him to sign anywhere until June at the earliest.