Kitna clear cut starter in Detroit (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

Jon Clayton was on Mike & Mike saying that Jon Kitna is unquestionably the starter in Detroit, that he's been worlds better than McCown and has shown exceptional command of the complex playbook in the early going.

Just an anecdotal tidbit but one of some importance because a full 16-game season as the starter in Detroit this year could be fantasy gold for a guy like Kitna.

 

[diesel7982]

Jon Clayton was on Mike & Mike saying that Jon Kitna is unquestionably the starter in Detroit, that he's been worlds better than McCown and has shown exceptional command of the complex playbook in the early going.

Just an anecdotal tidbit but one of some importance because a full 16-game season as the starter in Detroit this year could be fantasy gold for a guy like Kitna.

Still has to have more than Roy to throw to.

 

[David Yudkin]

I concur that Kitna + Martz could = big numbers.

HOWEVER, the WR situation is a bonafide MESS. After Roy Williams, what are the options?

Bradford?

Vines?

A struggling Williams?

An in the dog-house Rogers?

Drummond?

That's the part that is troubling for me . . .

 

[Donnybrook]

Honestly, what makes people think that Kitna will fair any better than Garcia did in Detroit?

 

[Jason Wood]

Honestly, what makes people think that Kitna will fair any better than Garcia did in Detroit?

One...Garcia never had a strong arm, Kitna does

Two...Garcia was injury riddled by last year, Kitna is not

Three...and most importantly, Mike Martz is running the offense this year, not Ted Tollner

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Add in that Bryson,Calhoun and Pollard will be taking #'s away from the above mention list of wr2/3's .

Bryson will be the teams FB most of the time as Corey's role is gonna be severly deminished.

Kitna should be ok. trying to decipher the wr2/3 mess :X

 

[CalBear]

Honestly, what makes people think that Kitna will fair any better than Garcia did in Detroit?

Coach upgrade.

 

[Donnybrook]

Honestly, what makes people think that Kitna will fair any better than Garcia did in Detroit?

One...Garcia never had a strong arm, Kitna does

I beg to differ.

 

[santo71]

Honestly, what makes people think that Kitna will fair any better than Garcia did in Detroit?

1. Martz2. Garcia was no good without TO, so saying he's a better QB, based on his two seasons of good in SF, than Kitna is false.

3. Martz

4. One more time for good measure, Martz

 

[LHUCKS]

Click on my QB Critique thread in my sig...

 

[Noahs Troopers]

Add in that Bryson,Calhoun and Pollard will be taking #'s away from the above mention list of wr2/3's .

Bryson will be the teams FB most of the time as Corey's role is gonna be severly deminished.

Kitna should be ok. trying to decipher the wr2/3 mess :X

Jones to be true featured back

Kevin Jones, RB DET

News: The Detroit News reports Kevin Jones will remain on the field in all situations next season. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz wants Jones to play on the goal line and third downs as well. "He has to do it all, and he's accepted that very well," Martz said. "He's a well-rounded back. There's a lot for him to learn."

 

[Donnybrook]

Honestly, what makes people think that Kitna will fair any better than Garcia did in Detroit?

1. Martz2. Garcia was no good without TO, so saying he's a better QB, based on his two seasons of good in SF, than Kitna is false.

3. Martz

4. One more time for good measure, Martz

Funny, Martz sure got his share of the blame when he coached the Rams. Now that he is Detroit he is suddenly a genius again.

 

[P Boy]

News: The Detroit News reports Kevin Jones will remain on the field in all situations next season. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz wants Jones to play on the goal line and third downs as well. "He has to do it all, and he's accepted that very well," Martz said. "He's a well-rounded back. There's a lot for him to learn."

Link please. I'd like to see the context of that remark.

 

[Jason Wood]

Honestly, what makes people think that Kitna will fair any better than Garcia did in Detroit?

1. Martz2. Garcia was no good without TO, so saying he's a better QB, based on his two seasons of good in SF, than Kitna is false.

3. Martz

4. One more time for good measure, Martz

Funny, Martz sure got his share of the blame when he coached the Rams. Now that he is Detroit he is suddenly a genius again.

He got blame for his HEAD coaching inefficiencies, but as a play caller, particularly in terms of passing offense, he was generally applauded.

 

[Sinrman]

As a Detroit fan, I'm fairly happy with Kitna being there. I liked what I saw of him in Cinncy. I don't see why he wouldn't be the clear cut starter in Game 1. McCown has a lot of questions still, and hasn't proven much of anything...

 

[Wu-banger]

Honestly, what makes people think that Kitna will fair any better than Garcia did in Detroit?

1. Martz2. Garcia was no good without TO, so saying he's a better QB, based on his two seasons of good in SF, than Kitna is false.

3. Martz

4. One more time for good measure, Martz

Funny, Martz sure got his share of the blame when he coached the Rams. Now that he is Detroit he is suddenly a genius again.

He got blame for his HEAD coaching inefficiencies, but as a play caller, particularly in terms of passing offense, he was generally applauded.

especially the Fantasy aspect of the game..

 

[-OZ-]

FWIW, rumors have it that Orlovsky is looking like the #2 as well. Martz likes his gunslinger attitude.

 

[-OZ-]

Funny, Martz sure got his share of the blame when he coached the Rams. Now that he is Detroit he is suddenly a genius again.

he's always been applauded for his offense, stats. Who cares if they win?

Ok, I do. But that's not entirely in his control here.

 

[Noahs Troopers]

News: The Detroit News reports Kevin Jones will remain on the field in all situations next season. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz wants Jones to play on the goal line and third downs as well. "He has to do it all, and he's accepted that very well," Martz said. "He's a well-rounded back. There's a lot for him to learn."

Link please. I'd like to see the context of that remark.

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/492975

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Add in that Bryson,Calhoun and Pollard will be taking #'s away from the above mention list of wr2/3's .

Bryson will be the teams FB most of the time as Corey's role is gonna be severly deminished.

Kitna should be ok. trying to decipher the wr2/3 mess  :X

Jones to be true featured back

Kevin Jones, RB DET

News: The Detroit News reports Kevin Jones will remain on the field in all situations next season. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz wants Jones to play on the goal line and third downs as well. "He has to do it all, and he's accepted that very well," Martz said. "He's a well-rounded back. There's a lot for him to learn."

Bryson = FB, a pass catching one at that.

 

[P Boy]

News: The Detroit News reports Kevin Jones will remain on the field in all situations next season. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz wants Jones to play on the goal line and third downs as well. "He has to do it all, and he's accepted that very well," Martz said. "He's a well-rounded back. There's a lot for him to learn."

Link please. I'd like to see the context of that remark.

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/492975

That's why you shouldn't trust CBSSportsline. The comment was taken completely out of context.Here's the article:

LINK

and here's the context:

That last line is interesting because it couldn't be more philosophically different than that of former head coach Steve Mariucci, who liked to platoon and rotate players. While Martz will constantly change personnel groups, he doesn't like the personnel in each of those groups to change.

Under Mariucci, for instance, running back Kevin Jones was pulled during games and replaced with "speciality" players, depending on the situation: third down, blitz protections, two-minute drill, etc.

"We won't do that with him, so he has to do it all, and he's accepted that very well," Martz said. "He's a well-rounded back. There's a lot for him to learn."

So, being in the No. 1 position on the depth chart is extremely important. And that's why it was interesting to watch Thursday's morning practice, which featured a combination of 60 plays of both seven-on-seven and team drills.

Please note the bolded portion: Being in the No. 1 position is extremely important because the No. 1 will be expected to play in all situations. Jones as a RB being shuttled in & out per situations was used as an example.

Some other interesting info from the article:

Arlen Harris, a free agent who played for three years under Martz with the St. Louis Rams, is the backup running back to Jones, especially when the team goes to spread formations.

Artose Pinner, who was Jones' backup last year, appears to have fallen to No. 4 on the depth chart, behind rookie Brian Calhoun, a third-round draft pick. During one point in the drills, Pinner was in once during a stretch of 19 plays.

Fullback Cory Schlesinger's role in the offense will be greatly diminished -- he'll be giving up time to Harris and Shawn Bryson -- but he'll still be a factor in the offense because of the need for his blocking ability in certain situations.

 

[Bob_Magaw]

we just had our first free agency period in a dynasty IDP league i'm in...

i spent $70 out of yearly allotted $100 to get kitna...

he is like 33, isn't a lock to start even all of this season, & may only start for a few seasons (league is competitive & FA leftovers were pretty slim pickens, so i didn't mind spending a lot on likely starter at position i was thin on... for example, hot WR pickups were drew carter, craphonso thorpe & tyrone calico)...

yet i was intrigued by him...

martz has had the midas touch in past with green, warner & bulger & is more or less batting 1.000 with the starters he has been entrusted with (not counting reserve like jamie martin, who was spot starter)... in case of green & warner, he seemed to do well with veterans...

word was marinelli was OK with not drafting leinart or cutler (i don't think they drafted a QB at all in draft... which may be a mistake though i think ernie sims will be a monster, but that is a different story) because he had personal experience of winning super bowl under gruden with stout defense & castoff like brad johnson at QB, increasing the chance that kitna could be the man for a few years...

kitna's last season as a full time starter, i think he put up top 10 numbers...

martz's system is complex, & kitna's football smarts & veteran experience seem a better fit than mccown (i agree with oz that orlovsky may be future, could be cheap handcuff & could allow one to steal DET QB potentially longer term relatively cheaply)...

while WR2 & 3 are huge question marks, roy williams, KJ & pollard could be dangerous nucleus of skill position players... if mike williams (or less likely rogers) pans out it could be gravy... also, brian calhoun could bring an interesting faulk-like dimension (in so far as being able to catch out of the backfield & having sprinter speed)...

williams could be a star in this system... he doesn't have the disciplined route running ability & proven durability of holt, but in other respects has superior athleticism... if martz (& marinelli) can help him to harness & channell that, he could be a monster...

as far as martz's flaws, he is generally thought of as an offensive genius & one of best minds in history of the game...

as a rams fan, the dark side...

lack of balance in run game... imo, as good as they were in recent seasons, they could have been even better with better balance...

very risky pass protection schemes combined with slow developing deep passing patterns = getting your QB hammered on a regular basis... kitna may be more mobile than warner & bulger, but he will need to be or he could wind up in critical ward by nov...

sometimes martz gets too cute for his own good... like the fumblerooski, statue of liberty, triple reverse flea flicker calls... ON THE ONE YARD LINE!

 

[T Man]

Honestly, what makes people think that Kitna will fair any better than Garcia did in Detroit?

One...Garcia never had a strong arm, Kitna doesTwo...Garcia was injury riddled by last year, Kitna is not

Three...and most importantly, Mike Martz is running the offense this year, not Ted Tollner

I always thought the knock on Kitna at Seattle and Cincy was that he did not have a very strong arm. But IIRC, Kurt Warner was never lauded for having a rifle arm. It was quick precision passes, understanding the offense and reading defenses. When he got knocked around he seemed to hold onto the ball longer which he could not compensate for with his arm strength.Why I think he fits well into Detroit's offense is that he is that he is football savvy. He appears to be a team leader, and he appears to be smart - he did well his last full season as a starter in Cincy.

But, if Detroit falters, McCown or Orlovsky will get the look because of their youth. I can see the "mad scientist" wanting to prove lightning can strike thrice and attempt to show the world he can make Orlovsky a solid starting QB.

 

[joffer]

Artose Pinner, who was Jones' backup last year, appears to have fallen to No. 4 on the depth chart, behind rookie Brian Calhoun, a third-round draft pick. During one point in the drills, Pinner was in once during a stretch of 19 plays.

jvwdcw will be crushed

 

[P Boy]

Artose Pinner, who was Jones' backup last year, appears to have fallen to No. 4 on the depth chart, behind rookie Brian Calhoun, a third-round draft pick. During one point in the drills, Pinner was in once during a stretch of 19 plays.

jvwdcw will be crushed

I'd think he'd be used to it by now.

 

[JohnnyU]

Artose Pinner, who was Jones' backup last year, appears to have fallen to No. 4 on the depth chart, behind rookie Brian Calhoun, a third-round draft pick. During one point in the drills, Pinner was in once during a stretch of 19 plays.

jvwdcw will be crushed

Pinner will be the starter this year and beyond. He's a stud. I agree with jvwdcw 100%Not

 

[Football Jones]

Add in that Bryson,Calhoun and Pollard will be taking #'s away from the above mention list of wr2/3's .

Bryson will be the teams FB most of the time as Corey's role is gonna be severly deminished.

Kitna should be ok. trying to decipher the wr2/3 mess  :X

Jones to be true featured back

Kevin Jones, RB DET

News: The Detroit News reports Kevin Jones will remain on the field in all situations next season. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz wants Jones to play on the goal line and third downs as well. "He has to do it all, and he's accepted that very well," Martz said. "He's a well-rounded back. There's a lot for him to learn."

I believe Kevin Jones will lose his starting job to Brian Calhoun sometime this season. Not sure how much influence Martz had with the Calhoun pick, but it's hard to ignore how much Calhoun's game resembles Faulk's. Calhoun & Faulk (in his prime) are quick & shifty with good vision & both are exceptional receivers.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

Add in that Bryson,Calhoun and Pollard will be taking #'s away from the above mention list of wr2/3's .

Bryson will be the teams FB most of the time as Corey's role is gonna be severly deminished.

Kitna should be ok. trying to decipher the wr2/3 mess :X

Jones to be true featured back

Kevin Jones, RB DET

News: The Detroit News reports Kevin Jones will remain on the field in all situations next season. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz wants Jones to play on the goal line and third downs as well. "He has to do it all, and he's accepted that very well," Martz said. "He's a well-rounded back. There's a lot for him to learn."

I believe Kevin Jones will lose his starting job to Brian Calhoun sometime this season. Not sure how much influence Martz had with the Calhoun pick, but it's hard to ignore how much Calhoun's game resembles Faulk's. Calhoun & Faulk (in his prime) are quick & shifty with good vision & both are exceptional receivers.

One difference was that Faulk was a can't miss prospect going #2 overall in the draft and Calhoun was the 7th RB taken in the draft who barely made it into the first day.Most everyone I read was calling Calhoun a career backup/situational RB in the NFL, and now that he plays on a team with Martz as the OC, he is "similar to Faulk" and will "take over the starting job".

He was known for trying to take runs to the outside and not being a good inside runner. At least he got his 4.6 combine time down to 4.4 at the pro day.

 

[Football Jones]

Add in that Bryson,Calhoun and Pollard will be taking #'s away from the above mention list of wr2/3's .

Bryson will be the teams FB most of the time as Corey's role is gonna be severly deminished.

Kitna should be ok. trying to decipher the wr2/3 mess  :X

Jones to be true featured back

Kevin Jones, RB DET

News: The Detroit News reports Kevin Jones will remain on the field in all situations next season. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz wants Jones to play on the goal line and third downs as well. "He has to do it all, and he's accepted that very well," Martz said. "He's a well-rounded back. There's a lot for him to learn."

I believe Kevin Jones will lose his starting job to Brian Calhoun sometime this season. Not sure how much influence Martz had with the Calhoun pick, but it's hard to ignore how much Calhoun's game resembles Faulk's. Calhoun & Faulk (in his prime) are quick & shifty with good vision & both are exceptional receivers.

One difference was that Faulk was a can't miss prospect going #2 overall in the draft and Calhoun was the 7th RB taken in the draft who barely made it into the first day.Most everyone I read was calling Calhoun a career backup/situational RB in the NFL, and now that he plays on a team with Martz as the OC, he is "similar to Faulk" and will "take over the starting job".

He was known for trying to take runs to the outside and not being a good inside runner. At least he got his 4.6 combine time down to 4.4 at the pro day.

I'll stand by my comment that Calhoun's game resembles Faulk's (I'm not saying Calhoun will be as good as Faulk). I also believe the Martz connection is well worth paying attention to. Combine those two things & you have a pretty interesting RB.

 

[Ozymandias]

Add in that Bryson,Calhoun and Pollard will be taking #'s away from the above mention list of wr2/3's .

Bryson will be the teams FB most of the time as Corey's role is gonna be severly deminished.

Kitna should be ok. trying to decipher the wr2/3 mess  :X

Jones to be true featured back

Kevin Jones, RB DET

News: The Detroit News reports Kevin Jones will remain on the field in all situations next season. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz wants Jones to play on the goal line and third downs as well. "He has to do it all, and he's accepted that very well," Martz said. "He's a well-rounded back. There's a lot for him to learn."

I believe Kevin Jones will lose his starting job to Brian Calhoun sometime this season. Not sure how much influence Martz had with the Calhoun pick, but it's hard to ignore how much Calhoun's game resembles Faulk's. Calhoun & Faulk (in his prime) are quick & shifty with good vision & both are exceptional receivers.

One difference was that Faulk was a can't miss prospect going #2 overall in the draft and Calhoun was the 7th RB taken in the draft who barely made it into the first day.Most everyone I read was calling Calhoun a career backup/situational RB in the NFL, and now that he plays on a team with Martz as the OC, he is "similar to Faulk" and will "take over the starting job".

He was known for trying to take runs to the outside and not being a good inside runner. At least he got his 4.6 combine time down to 4.4 at the pro day.

I'll stand by my comment that Calhoun's game resembles Faulk's (I'm not saying Calhoun will be as good as Faulk). I also believe the Martz connection is well worth paying attention to. Combine those two things & you have a pretty interesting RB.

Before anybody gets too excited, remember that the big knock on Martz was his failure to use Faulk, and to insist on the passing game.

 

[Assani Fisher]

Artose Pinner, who was Jones' backup last year, appears to have fallen to No. 4 on the depth chart, behind rookie Brian Calhoun, a third-round draft pick. During one point in the drills, Pinner was in once during a stretch of 19 plays.

jvwdcw will be crushed

purely a motivational ploy

 

[Bevo]

Honestly, what makes people think that Kitna will fair any better than Garcia did in Detroit?

1. Martz2. Garcia was no good without TO, so saying he's a better QB, based on his two seasons of good in SF, than Kitna is false.

3. Martz

4. One more time for good measure, Martz

Funny, Martz sure got his share of the blame when he coached the Rams. Now that he is Detroit he is suddenly a genius again.

Martz got his share of the blame when he was HEAD coach of the Rams. I seem to remember that he was fairly well thought of when he was the offensive coordinator of the Rams.

 

[T Man]

Add in that Bryson,Calhoun and Pollard will be taking #'s away from the above mention list of wr2/3's .

Bryson will be the teams FB most of the time as Corey's role is gonna be severly deminished.

Kitna should be ok. trying to decipher the wr2/3 mess  :X

Jones to be true featured back

Kevin Jones, RB DET

News: The Detroit News reports Kevin Jones will remain on the field in all situations next season. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz wants Jones to play on the goal line and third downs as well. "He has to do it all, and he's accepted that very well," Martz said. "He's a well-rounded back. There's a lot for him to learn."

I believe Kevin Jones will lose his starting job to Brian Calhoun sometime this season. Not sure how much influence Martz had with the Calhoun pick, but it's hard to ignore how much Calhoun's game resembles Faulk's. Calhoun & Faulk (in his prime) are quick & shifty with good vision & both are exceptional receivers.

One difference was that Faulk was a can't miss prospect going #2 overall in the draft and Calhoun was the 7th RB taken in the draft who barely made it into the first day.Most everyone I read was calling Calhoun a career backup/situational RB in the NFL, and now that he plays on a team with Martz as the OC, he is "similar to Faulk" and will "take over the starting job".

He was known for trying to take runs to the outside and not being a good inside runner. At least he got his 4.6 combine time down to 4.4 at the pro day.

I'll stand by my comment that Calhoun's game resembles Faulk's (I'm not saying Calhoun will be as good as Faulk). I also believe the Martz connection is well worth paying attention to. Combine those two things & you have a pretty interesting RB.

Before anybody gets too excited, remember that the big knock on Martz was his failure to use Faulk, and to insist on the passing game.

I agree its to early to get excited, but Martz utilized Faulk as an RB when he was the OC. The knock came when Martz was unchecked as the HC and focused on the passing game.With Marinelli as the HC, with his history with the Bucs, hopefully he can force Martz to run the ball a bit more often - like the Rams under Vermeil.

 

[StuntRock]

Jon Clayton was on Mike & Mike saying that Jon Kitna is unquestionably the starter in Detroit, that he's been worlds better than McCown and has shown exceptional command of the complex playbook in the early going.

Just an anecdotal tidbit but one of some importance because a full 16-game season as the starter in Detroit this year could be fantasy gold for a guy like Kitna.

Still has to have more than Roy to throw to.

Guess they should draft some WRs then.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Short term - I agree Kitna is the guy.

However, I'm not sold on the Detroit offense renaissance just yet. Kevin Jones - really not sold on.

As for WR2 in Detroit - seems to be Corey Bradford's to lose.

Mike Williams is in the doghouse and Charles Rogers is trying to get out of it.

Roy Williams

Bradford

Vines

Rogers

Williams

How's the O-line this year?

 

[Payne]

It's true, Kitna has been sharp and he does have a better grasp on the playbook. But his arm has been labeled as "average". McCown has a better arm.

Jones has always been the guy. It's his to lose.

Calhoun has been heavily rumored to play out of the slot on more than a few plays.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

The o-line starters look like this: Backus-Verba-Raiola-Woody-R.Tucker.

Top back-ups: Kelly Butler and Rick DeMulling add in rookie J.Scott

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

The o-line starters look like this: Backus-Verba-Raiola-Woody-R.Tucker.

Top back-ups: Kelly Butler and Rick DeMulling add in rookie J.Scott

Bottom third of the O-lines in the NFL.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

The o-line starters look like this: Backus-Verba-Raiola-Woody-R.Tucker.

Top back-ups: Kelly Butler and Rick DeMulling add in rookie J.Scott

Bottom third of the O-lines in the NFL.

have been for 30 years now.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

The o-line starters look like this: Backus-Verba-Raiola-Woody-R.Tucker.

Top back-ups: Kelly Butler and Rick DeMulling add in rookie J.Scott

Bottom third of the O-lines in the NFL.

have been for 30 years now.

Something to be said for consistency.Just ask Cubs fans.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Jon Clayton was on Mike & Mike saying that Jon Kitna is unquestionably the starter in Detroit, that he's been worlds better than McCown and has shown exceptional command of the complex playbook in the early going.

Just an anecdotal tidbit but one of some importance because a full 16-game season as the starter in Detroit this year could be fantasy gold for a guy like Kitna.

He's my QB2 in the SSL... this is outstanding news.

 

[Joe Bryant]

News: The Detroit News reports Kevin Jones will remain on the field in all situations next season. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz wants Jones to play on the goal line and third downs as well. "He has to do it all, and he's accepted that very well," Martz said. "He's a well-rounded back. There's a lot for him to learn."

Link please. I'd like to see the context of that remark.

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/492975

That's why you shouldn't trust CBSSportsline. The comment was taken completely out of context.Here's the article:

LINK

and here's the context:

That last line is interesting because it couldn't be more philosophically different than that of former head coach Steve Mariucci, who liked to platoon and rotate players. While Martz will constantly change personnel groups, he doesn't like the personnel in each of those groups to change.

Under Mariucci, for instance, running back Kevin Jones was pulled during games and replaced with "speciality" players, depending on the situation: third down, blitz protections, two-minute drill, etc.

"We won't do that with him, so he has to do it all, and he's accepted that very well," Martz said. "He's a well-rounded back. There's a lot for him to learn."

So, being in the No. 1 position on the depth chart is extremely important. And that's why it was interesting to watch Thursday's morning practice, which featured a combination of 60 plays of both seven-on-seven and team drills.

Please note the bolded portion: Being in the No. 1 position is extremely important because the No. 1 will be expected to play in all situations. Jones as a RB being shuttled in & out per situations was used as an example.

Some other interesting info from the article:

Arlen Harris, a free agent who played for three years under Martz with the St. Louis Rams, is the backup running back to Jones, especially when the team goes to spread formations.

Artose Pinner, who was Jones' backup last year, appears to have fallen to No. 4 on the depth chart, behind rookie Brian Calhoun, a third-round draft pick. During one point in the drills, Pinner was in once during a stretch of 19 plays.

Fullback Cory Schlesinger's role in the offense will be greatly diminished -- he'll be giving up time to Harris and Shawn Bryson -- but he'll still be a factor in the offense because of the need for his blocking ability in certain situations.

Hi Pony Boy,I'm not sure what you're saying here. What about the article makes you think the blurb was out of context?

Last year, Jones was shuttled in and out for "specialty" situations. Sounds like this year, Martz wants him to be the man and stay in the game including the all important goal line carries.

You don't think that's what he's saying?

J

 

[Joe Bryant]

News: The Detroit News reports Kevin Jones will remain on the field in all situations next season. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz wants Jones to play on the goal line and third downs as well. "He has to do it all, and he's accepted that very well," Martz said. "He's a well-rounded back. There's a lot for him to learn."

Link please. I'd like to see the context of that remark.

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/492975

That's why you shouldn't trust CBSSportsline. The comment was taken completely out of context.Here's the article:

LINK

and here's the context:

That last line is interesting because it couldn't be more philosophically different than that of former head coach Steve Mariucci, who liked to platoon and rotate players. While Martz will constantly change personnel groups, he doesn't like the personnel in each of those groups to change.

Under Mariucci, for instance, running back Kevin Jones was pulled during games and replaced with "speciality" players, depending on the situation: third down, blitz protections, two-minute drill, etc.

"We won't do that with him, so he has to do it all, and he's accepted that very well," Martz said. "He's a well-rounded back. There's a lot for him to learn."

So, being in the No. 1 position on the depth chart is extremely important. And that's why it was interesting to watch Thursday's morning practice, which featured a combination of 60 plays of both seven-on-seven and team drills.

Please note the bolded portion: Being in the No. 1 position is extremely important because the No. 1 will be expected to play in all situations. Jones as a RB being shuttled in & out per situations was used as an example.

Some other interesting info from the article:

Arlen Harris, a free agent who played for three years under Martz with the St. Louis Rams, is the backup running back to Jones, especially when the team goes to spread formations.

Artose Pinner, who was Jones' backup last year, appears to have fallen to No. 4 on the depth chart, behind rookie Brian Calhoun, a third-round draft pick. During one point in the drills, Pinner was in once during a stretch of 19 plays.

Fullback Cory Schlesinger's role in the offense will be greatly diminished -- he'll be giving up time to Harris and Shawn Bryson -- but he'll still be a factor in the offense because of the need for his blocking ability in certain situations.

Hi Pony Boy,I'm not sure what you're saying here. What about the article makes you think the blurb was out of context?

Last year, Jones was shuttled in and out for "specialty" situations. Sounds like this year, Martz wants him to be the man and stay in the game including the all important goal line carries.

You don't think that's what he's saying?

J

Actually, don't answer here PB. I'll start a new thread as it's a different subject.J

 

[P Boy]

News: The Detroit News reports Kevin Jones will remain on the field in all situations next season. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz wants Jones to play on the goal line and third downs as well. "He has to do it all, and he's accepted that very well," Martz said. "He's a well-rounded back. There's a lot for him to learn."

Link please. I'd like to see the context of that remark.

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/492975

That's why you shouldn't trust CBSSportsline. The comment was taken completely out of context.Here's the article:

LINK

and here's the context:

That last line is interesting because it couldn't be more philosophically different than that of former head coach Steve Mariucci, who liked to platoon and rotate players. While Martz will constantly change personnel groups, he doesn't like the personnel in each of those groups to change.

Under Mariucci, for instance, running back Kevin Jones was pulled during games and replaced with "speciality" players, depending on the situation: third down, blitz protections, two-minute drill, etc.

"We won't do that with him, so he has to do it all, and he's accepted that very well," Martz said. "He's a well-rounded back. There's a lot for him to learn."

So, being in the No. 1 position on the depth chart is extremely important. And that's why it was interesting to watch Thursday's morning practice, which featured a combination of 60 plays of both seven-on-seven and team drills.

Please note the bolded portion: Being in the No. 1 position is extremely important because the No. 1 will be expected to play in all situations. Jones as a RB being shuttled in & out per situations was used as an example.

Some other interesting info from the article:

Arlen Harris, a free agent who played for three years under Martz with the St. Louis Rams, is the backup running back to Jones, especially when the team goes to spread formations.

Artose Pinner, who was Jones' backup last year, appears to have fallen to No. 4 on the depth chart, behind rookie Brian Calhoun, a third-round draft pick. During one point in the drills, Pinner was in once during a stretch of 19 plays.

Fullback Cory Schlesinger's role in the offense will be greatly diminished -- he'll be giving up time to Harris and Shawn Bryson -- but he'll still be a factor in the offense because of the need for his blocking ability in certain situations.

Hi Pony Boy,I'm not sure what you're saying here. What about the article makes you think the blurb was out of context?

Last year, Jones was shuttled in and out for "specialty" situations. Sounds like this year, Martz wants him to be the man and stay in the game including the all important goal line carries.

You don't think that's what he's saying?

J

No, and I'd use the "for instance" being used to come to that conclusion. I don't see this as an iron-clad endorsement of Jones as the starting RB who will be a do-everything RB for DET, but I do see this as saying that whomever is the #1 RB for DET will be expected to be much more diverse than what was expected under Mariucci and will play in a greater variety of siuations than in the past(sp?). Right now Jones is that guy because he's #1 on the depth chart. Whether he remains #1 as the preseason & as the season starts remains to be seen.I also am very high on Calhoun & feel that he has has the diverse skill set & ability to carry a large load that DET in the Martz O is looking for in a RB. It should not be overlooked that Jones is a RB drafted by the regime that no longer is in power in DET, and Calhoun was drafted on the first day by the new regime. While some seem to think of Calhoun as a 3rd down CoP RB, there are others that consider him capable of being a very solid starter & featured RB in the NFL, and his body of work last year supports that.

That Arlen Harris is currently running as the #2 RB, and that Calhoun has already passed Bryson & Pinner on the depth chart certainly shows that the new coaching staff likes their own guys more than the incumbant RBs on the DET roster and will give them preference.

 

[Spartans Rule]

The o-line starters look like this: Backus-Verba-Raiola-Woody-R.Tucker.

Top back-ups: Kelly Butler and Rick DeMulling add in rookie J.Scott

Bottom third of the O-lines in the NFL.

have been for 30 years now.

Kevin Glover and Lomas Brown down?

 

[Spartans Rule]

The o-line starters look like this: Backus-Verba-Raiola-Woody-R.Tucker.

Top back-ups: Kelly Butler and Rick DeMulling add in rookie J.Scott

Bottom third of the O-lines in the NFL.

I'd agree, although I think the addition of Verba was a good one. They're moving towards respectability, and if Tucker can stay healthy and Woody gets in shape, I think they could get out of that bottom third.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

The o-line starters look like this: Backus-Verba-Raiola-Woody-R.Tucker.

Top back-ups: Kelly Butler and Rick DeMulling add in rookie J.Scott

Bottom third of the O-lines in the NFL.

have been for 30 years now.

Kevin Glover and Lomas Brown down?

All-pro's due to barry. They were decent. Still slim pickens fopr 30 years

 

[Noahs Troopers]

The o-line starters look like this: Backus-Verba-Raiola-Woody-R.Tucker.

Top back-ups: Kelly Butler and Rick DeMulling add in rookie J.Scott

Bottom third of the O-lines in the NFL.

I'd agree, although I think the addition of Verba was a good one. They're moving towards respectability, and if Tucker can stay healthy and Woody gets in shape, I think they could get out of that bottom third.

Rick DeMulling is a backup??? I had high hopes for him when he got traded to Detroit last year, what happened that made him a backup?

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

The o-line starters look like this: Backus-Verba-Raiola-Woody-R.Tucker.

Top back-ups: Kelly Butler and Rick DeMulling add in rookie J.Scott

Bottom third of the O-lines in the NFL.

I'd agree, although I think the addition of Verba was a good one. They're moving towards respectability, and if Tucker can stay healthy and Woody gets in shape, I think they could get out of that bottom third.

Rick DeMulling is a backup??? I had high hopes for him when he got traded to Detroit last year, what happened that made him a backup?

They signed Verba and he's practicing with the first team over Demulling

 

[Spartans Rule]

The o-line starters look like this: Backus-Verba-Raiola-Woody-R.Tucker.

Top back-ups: Kelly Butler and Rick DeMulling add in rookie J.Scott

Bottom third of the O-lines in the NFL.

I'd agree, although I think the addition of Verba was a good one. They're moving towards respectability, and if Tucker can stay healthy and Woody gets in shape, I think they could get out of that bottom third.

Rick DeMulling is a backup??? I had high hopes for him when he got traded to Detroit last year, what happened that made him a backup?

He lost his starting job to Kyle Kosier last year.Early in the year there were times when I was so frustrated with the line I started watching it specifically to see who sucked. Every time I did that, I saw DeMulling get his ### kicked. He looked bad.