Minter

I forgot we gave him an extension.

Not good for Branch et al.

 

gotta think Branch will be back, because he's still underhis rookie deal. He also plays special teams and can backup either safety spot. His biggest comcern will be a strong camp by Emmanuel. I think McCree and Bashir battle for the other spot.

 

Branch is RFA, and I don't see him beating out...well, anyone we got. For that matter, he won the job uncontested last year for all purposes. But we'll still tender him a RFA offer, and let him eat up cap, 'cause that's how we do.

 

damn I thought he still had another year... if that's the case I could see him cut for the rook's sake.

 

03, 04, 05 - RFA. Like I said, they'll probably keep him anyway (Seidman, Carter, etc. are RFA, too).

 

The team doesn't think Branch was half as bad as some of the people here did. In fact, they obviously see him as the primary back-up. Furthermore, the statistics don't support the idea that he was bad either. Fans often just sour on guys for some reason, and they're reluctant to change their opinions no matter what.

 

That, in certain statistical ways he was better than Minter? Sure. That Minter had a down year? Sure. They didn't bring on a total of four safeties and put the team's all-time best safety in his spot for no reason, either.

 

I didn't say Branch was great, but I'm not the one who said "I don't see him beating out...well, anyone we got" either. Clearly that statement is biased and not representative of the team's viewpoint. The team apparently views him as a solid contributor, but someone they'd rather see in back-up role.


Oh, and for the record, Minter didn't have a "down year" in the sense that it was significantly worse than 2003. He had around the same statistical measures in '03 as he did in '04.

 

I don't see him beating them out, sorry. One of the veterans and/or Emanuel could go instead of him, but for him to start? Seriously doubt it. He beat dead air to be a starter last year, and shouldn't have been. I can't blame him for that, but I can blame a lack of quality at the position. I don't hate the guy, I just wanted better, and now we have better.

 

I didn't say he definitely is going to start. I'm only saying that you should watch your hyperbole. You tend to really dump on some guys and love others even when the game film, statistics, or whatever else doesn't support it. I'm fine with you saying we should have a better starter than Branch, not in small part because I agree with that. What I don't like is crapping on him unnecessarily or pretending that he's worse than everyone we have.