Tracking Byron Leftwich

Re: The big picture.

Because, we want starters in place where we can before the draft.

Draft should not be for this year, particuarly in this draft where, past Charles Rodgers, there are no sure fire picks. Other than a tackle like Gross, I can't point to a guy and say he's a sure fire starter for us opening day. This isn't that draft.

So the question is one of long term impact vs short term need.

I look at the QB position the same way. We can go with the guys we have, hopefully Dellehomme doesn't completely fizzle. But having them on board is a safeguard of sorts to having to put these rookie QBs out there too soon.

It’s a tall order for anyone to expect Trufant to immediately be a starter. The hope is he'll grow and learn into it. Same with Leftwich. So in the end its who do you have higher as a player and potential playmaker. Needs are equal.

 

The cats have been silent on Leftwich and talked quite a bit about CB, OT early.

I have heard numerous times the brass say they want a VETERAN QB that doesn't turn it over.

Defense and run games are the focus for this regime.

We are gonna pass on Leftwich. Look for Trufant for Gross. If both are gone - look for a try at a trade down. Just a gut feel.

That said a trade down with the Jets could net us Boss Bailey and maybe Steinbach or Woolfolk.

 

furthermore if we draft Trufant we can pull our 1st round tender offer off the table for Howard... he was offered it... he hasn't signed it yet, that I'm awware of.

 

No, no, no.

Why in the name of all that’s holy would you want to do that.

Trade him, maybe, if Trufant comes on strong, and we can find a cheaper vet somewhere. Like Fair.

I’m afraid Peppers has screwed yalls expectations up all to hell. He’s got a fairly steep learning curve, more than Peppers, and isn’t overwhealmingly talented like Peppers. He's small, takes risks and gets burned, and is going to have to tackle better to play in a base of cover 2. We will get more exotic later, after he learns the base.

 

I keep agreeing with Piper? I doubt Trufant steps in and starts. BTW: Howard had a very good season last yr. I'd hold on to him regardless.

If the Panthers are bluffing (which I doubt) - then they are doing it masterfully.

Last season they spoke about what they wanted - and went and got exactly those positions. I expect the same this yr.

 

I’d be happy with Trufant, don’t get me wrong, more happy with Newman, due to maturity. I’d actually be more pleasantly surprised with Bailey, who easily could start.

I just really believe that a lot of people are getting themselves a little jittery. The level of competition is significantly higher. Trufant has great upside, is more talented, and if he develops and stays injury free could be much better than Howard ever thought of being by 2005, let’s say. I can’t say that about 2003.

He is at least talking QB with corners and tackles and WR and LB depth and the kitchen sink. The bar should be high for Lefty, and Fox is watching right now.

 

Results are coming in..

Leftwich worked out at a high school in Bradenton, Fla. because the NFL did not let him work out at the University of South Florida even though he was training nearby. Four head coaches -- Jack Del Rio, John Fox, Brian Billick and Marvin Lewis were there, as were general managers Rich McKay, Jerry Angelo and Ozzie Newsome. Jon Gruden, Sr. was also on hand.

Weighing in at 242 pounds, Leftwich ran the 40-yard dash twice between 4.85 and 4.92 seconds, which in our system equates to a 4.89. He ran a 4.50 short shuttle and a 7.71 three-cone drill, but remember, he's a long strider, so it makes it tough to run the three-cone. Best of all, he looked good in the side-to-side drills they put him through. Larry Kennan, a former NFL coach, ran his QB drills, and he took all of his snaps from under center.

..NFL.com

 

So the leg is fine.

I want to hear how he threw and dropped back under center.

 

Little more info on Leftwich and further details on his injury (just in case you haven't seen this yet !)


http://www.suntimes.com/output/bears/cst-spt-bear07.html

 

Re: Results are coming in..

I don't think any of dose guys are from the Cards. Right?