Why Lamar Smith should be Foster's backup

[Y2Buddy]

Originally posted by SandMan
Smith has been a better NFL back - better than any we have had, over a few year stretch.

Smith needs to start... let the rookie watch our first several offensive series from the sideline. I don't care if Foster comes in the first game, but lets let him work his way in. If he steals the start from Smith anytime during the year... great, good for him. Either way, unlike the last few years, I don't see a need to rush the rookie in... His odds of starting with Tim B here would have been better IMO.

I disagree. I think if Foster was drafted to be our back, then he needs to win the job in camp, before the start of the season. If Foster can get to game one without missing practice, and healthy and able to play, then he should have won the job by then. It's better that way. It's better for team, it's better for Smith that he knows his role, and it's better for the OL. I do not want to go into the season with a decision yet to be made. We're a young team, and our youngsters all need to play now.

 

[McFly41]

I can see it starting out as RB by committee, but Foster being the one to get more looks. Either way, Foster has to win the job on the field. It's not his yet.

 

[SandMan]

Originally posted by Y2Buddy

I disagree. I think if Foster was drafted to be our back, then he needs to win the job in camp, before the start of the season. We're a young team, and our youngsters all need to play now.

I disagree with the first line about him needing to win the job in camp. Smith will do more than needed to earn the job just because of his experience in the league and he is a decent back.

I agree with youngsters needing to play, but I don't think they always need to start. If the season gets going and Smith is average or below and Foster picks it up and shows those flashes then he will steal the show and from there, it will be obvious.

Smith gets the nod going into the season, IMO.

 

[Y2Buddy]

That's fine, but it's already Foster's job as the starter. It's his to lose, not win.

Smith's role is a veteren back-up. That's his job. He was brought into replace whatshisname, Biak's back-up last year. Later in the season, if that's not working, Smith may have a chance to win the starting role from Foster, but I doubt it, atleast not without some sort of injury.

I don't think the young guys should 'just' because they're young. I think if talent is equal, then the 'future' of the team should play. In Foster/Smith case though, I don't think the talent is equal.

 

[Xcaliber]

Remember the Bears last year?

They had a very similar situation as the one we're facing now. They had James Allen begin the season as starter and slowly worked A. Thomas into the mix until they had no choice but to start him. Let the veteran, Smith have his chance to prove himself and if he's not getting the job done then slowly work Foster in as the #1 back.

 

[SandMan]

Originally posted by Y2Buddy
That's fine, but it's already Foster's job as the starter. It's his to lose, not win.

I'm sorry, I missed that. Can you post a link to where Foster is the Starter? Thanks, I just want to make sure I have the most up to date information.

 

[Y2Buddy]

Originally posted by SandMan


I'm sorry, I missed that. Can you post a link to where Foster is the Starter? Thanks, I just want to make sure I have the most up to date information.

Didn't think I needed to save it actually, I thought it was fairly obvious, who in the world would question such a thing?

 

[Y2Buddy]

Originally posted by SandMan

How about this. One Panthers T-shirt, I wear X-Large, come regular season, Foster takes the field before Lamar Smith, and I mean on Offense, not ST.

 

[SandMan]

Originally posted by Y2Buddy
I thought it was fairly obvious, who in the world would question such a thing?

Hmmm.... perhaps Lamar Smith and OC Hennings?

 

[meatpile]

Well, I can tell you who stood out - Foster.

I still think my points make sense. If the play is equal - start the young guy. It gives us one hell of a backup.

I'm as excited about Foster as I am about Peppers, if not more.