Riq Woolen Maturing and Improving Focus?

[olyfan63]

Yeah dumb taunting but nice recovery plays.

As much as most of us probably rolled our eyes at Riq Woolen's dumb taunting penalty, he got his focus right pack and had some nice PBUs, one that I think stopped a would-be TD.
I can't blame Riq too much on the taunting, because he made a nice solid tackle on a RB or TE, (or was it a bigger WR). He's had a reputation for not being solid in run support, so I can see how he got excited over making a good physical tackle. He was just trying to say, "You thought you were going to run over me, but I stopped you! yEAH!!"

In an alternate universe where I was the DBs position coach, my message to Riq would be, "Riq, Nice tackle!! I like it! Let's Do that again and again!Now, next time, act like you've tackled someone before!

Also the funny play where Velus Jones is having a nice run, and Riq is running along the sideline with him, pointing to Jones, which way he should cut! Not that it's a great play, but just showing Riq's increasing buyin and engagement, rooting and supporting for every guy on the team! Earlier, lots of us got on Riq for seeming to play like he didn't care. Maybe he's buying in and caring more and more, and playing with focus and passion to get those PBUs right after the silly penalty. Good sign! A passionate and focused Riq could be the positive difference in upcoming games vs the Rams and Niners. A makeup game for that loss to the Niners where Riq got torched, and all would be forgiven!

 

[SoulfishHawk]

There is NO REASON to taunt there.

 

[HAWKN'83]

One just can't dismiss the taunting call because it didn't cost us in the end. I feel even in a tight game he'd do that and it would have cost us. Even after that taunting call, he continued to do so after the plays he made. Make the plays and move on. He's coming along yes, and maybe his taunting is directed at nay sayers. However, that just solidifies my thought process of him. I'm happy for him and his progress, but part of growing is not making bonehead mistakes like the taunting call.

 

[CouchLogic]

One of the vets need to pull him aside when he does that $#!+. Big Cat, DLaw, EJ, where you at?

 

[trharder]

I agree with the OP. Woolen has vastly improved his BS.
Taunting is one of, if not the, dumbest penalty in the NFL.
The whole team can go to the endzone after an interception and taunt the **** out of the opposing team's fans, but stand over a player for two seconds and that's 15 yards.

 

[Rat]

The taunting call was complete BS.

 

[Hawkpower]

He’s athletic and incredibly talented

He’s just not very intelligent

Unfortunately I think we have to live with the consequences of both for as long as he’s here

 

[olyfan63]

The taunting call was complete BS.

Well,yes, it was complete BS and bonehead on Riq's part, but the ref, well IMO they are going to call what Riq did as taunting, times out of 10.
Is that in line with how you meant it?

 

[olyfan63]

He’s athletic and incredibly talented

He’s just not very intelligent

Unfortunately I think we have to live with the consequences of both for as long as he’s here

The encouraging part is he's now acting more like he cares.
Sort of like getting involved with females. The one who makes extra effort to make you happy, and seems to care, it's easier to overlook her perceived failings (as if we men were perfect, lol ), but if she seems to be all and only about herself, well, run Forrest, Run!

 

[SoulfishHawk]

The taunting call was complete BS.

Literally stands over him and talks sh**

Yeah, ok.

 

[HAWKN'83]

The encouraging part is he's now acting more like he cares.
Sort of like getting involved with females. The one who makes extra effort to make you happy, and seems to care, it's easier to overlook her perceived failings (as if we men were perfect, lol ), but if she seems to be all and only about herself, well, run Forrest, Run!

Oh boy. The heck is this post lol I'm just gonna agree that he seems to care more, thankfully. But, still make mistakes. I don't think we should run just yet.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

But what does it accomplish to stand over a guy, in a blowout, and talk junk????

 

[IndyHawk]

Taunting aside, I give him credit for buying in on every play
and trying to be better with focus and tackling!
I was ready to give up on him, but something clicked with his
play the last few games and TBH, I am surprised.

 

[Rat]

Well,yes, it was complete BS and bonehead on Riq's part, but the ref, well IMO they are going to call what Riq did as taunting, times out of 10.
Is that in line with how you meant it?

No, he stood over the guy for a second. Who the hell cares? These guys are grown adults. If that kind of thing helps him stay motivated, keep going. A BS penalty every so often is worth it.

 

[Frank12]

Great game he has improved greatly the past 6 games or so, but those BS penalties really get me thinking, what is this kid going to be like once he gets paid?..

 

[glenwo2]

Well,yes, it was complete BS and bonehead on Riq's part, but the ref, well IMO they are going to call what Riq did as taunting, times out of 10.
Is that in line with how you meant it?

Wasn't that the same ref who glared at JSN that one time? lol

 

[HAWKN'83]

No, he stood over the guy for a second. Who the hell cares? These guys are grown adults. If that kind of thing helps him stay motivated, keep going. A BS penalty every so often is worth it.

Hold this sentiment when he does this in a game and time that matters. Point being, fix it now and it won't be a problem

 

[HawkFreak]

Most of this discussion has been about the taunting. What impressed me was what the OP referred to. In the past Riq gets that penalty and then his head is completely out of the game and he gets burned or makes another stupid penalty.

But Today he went immediately back to work and had several really great plays.

Bottom line...taunting penalties for the most part are garbage unless extreme, Woolen has to let his play do the talking so that it doesn't cost them a game, and he appears to be really growing in reducing his penalties in general and by improving his ability to immediately refocus to get back in the right game headspace to go back to work and make plays.

 

[hawks85]

There is NO REASON to taunt there.

That shouldn't even been a penalty to begin with. Refs will flag anything and these stupid ******* taunting flags are absolutely ridiculous.

 

[NoGain]

It was absolutely taunting. Woolen still does dumb shyt, but he's been playing better.