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Everyone has to go looking for linebacker Alex Hall. His college football coach found him at a recruiting fair in Hall's home state of Maryland, and the Browns found him in the seventh round of the NFL Draft in April at the tiny Division II school of St. Augustine College in Raleigh, N.C. Ultimately, they might be glad they did. The 6-foot-5, 250-pound prospect has caused a couple of double takes at the Browns' training camp. Possessing size and speed, he might develop into a pass-rushing specialist. In the Browns' practice in front of more than 26,000 fans at Family Night on Friday, he showcased those skills by getting a sack.

Dayton Daily News



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I have good feelings re Alex that once he has all the refinements and skills and maybe some more bulk; he might be another Deacon Jones type DE. Just wishful thinking here, but you never know.


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Browns rookie linebacker turning heads at camp
Seveth-round pick Hall is showing the size and speed that could win him a role chasing the other teams' QB.

By George M. Thomas

Akron Beacon Journal

Sunday, August 03, 2008

CLEVELAND — Everyone has to go looking for linebacker Alex Hall.

His college football coach found him at a recruiting fair in Hall's home state of Maryland, and the Browns found him in the seventh round of the NFL Draft in April at the tiny Division II school of St. Augustine College in Raleigh, N.C. Ultimately, they might be glad they did.

The 6-foot-5, 250-pound prospect has caused a couple of double takes at the Browns' training camp.

Possessing size and speed, he might develop into a pass-rushing specialist. In the Browns' practice in front of more than 26,000 fans at Family Night on Friday, he showcased those skills by getting a sack.

Hall confessed that he was a bit overwhelmed when he arrived in Berea, but that is changing.

"It's slowing down. I'm starting to grasp the whole concept of the defense. Things have started going a little bit better," he said. "It's been a big jump. You're playing with All-Pro guys, guys that have been to the Pro Bowl, Super Bowls, experienced guys, so it's definitely a learning experience."

Some of those guys have taken the rookie under their bulging arms, so to speak. Hall credited fellow linebackers Willie McGinest and Antwan Peek with offering guidance.

"You have to respect guys like that, guys with that level of talent, who play like that and play at that high level all the time," Hall said. "You have to respect it and learn from it. That's what I'm trying to do."

An injury to Peek might pave the way for Hall to see more action as the preseason schedule starts Thursday at home against the New York Jets.

Peek, a six-year veteran, had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and won't be available until the regular season.

Browns coach Romeo Crennel said Hall probably will get an increase in the number of his repetitions. After Friday night, it's clear Hall intends to make the most of the chance.

Crennel took note, too.

"We knew he had good ability. He has a lot of toughness. You wouldn't think that a guy from a small school like that would have, and he enjoys playing the game, and he'll mix it up," Crennel said. "So that's the surprising thing that you know about him and we like about him. I think he's a good young prospect, and he's going to do pretty good."

One person well aware of what the Browns have in Hall is his former college coach, Michael Costa, who attended training camp last week.

"You want the truth? No I'm not surprised, because he can play," Costa said. "With his size and his speed, we knew that he would be somewhere. He was determined to get on a roster and get into a camp. He's going to be missed. I need him this year."

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Sorry, but I should have posted this link instead of the first one, as it has more depth re Alex's performance in camp.



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Browns fans love "underdawg makes good" stories. Cribbs, Ali, MacDonald, Vickers...these are all guys who were drafted late or not at all and are making contributions to the team. Nothing would please me more than to see Alex Hall succeed big time as a Brown in the NFL.

If he can make the team, it will be interesting to see how he is used on D. I would assume they'll bring him along rather slowly because once the regular season begins, the pace of the game increases 20 fold. Don't want to freak the kid out too early. Remember, he hasn't had to make a tackle yet in camp.

Go for it, rook!!


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Although it may take time for him to make the jump, it looks like he has the athletic ability to do things for us.

He did get a sack. He was untouched on the play, but Dorsey rolled out away from that side, and he showed some great speed getting to him.

Hopefully he shows enough to make the roster. I'd hate to see him placed on waivers and not make the practice squad because another team took notice.


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Thanks for both reads Gatski..

It would be such a huge bonus to get someone like him to grow into a solid LB for this team... wow, that would one heck of a 7th rounder there wouldn't it. Nice Job scouting staff and Phil,,


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It's fortunate that he's getting more time, and time on the other side with Peek out. Should help him step up his game, maybe make the team. I'm rooting for him.


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just clicking...

I thought this was the dumbest pick of the draft. I thought we should have taken a chance on a guy in an area of much greater need. But this is why Savage gets paid the big bucks, and why it appears he's got a helluva staff.

Is this guy still a long shot to make the team? It doesn't seem like it. Almost seems like he is a lock. What a story that would be if he developed into a bonafide starter. Could be our Marques Colston.


LOL - The Rish will be upset with this news as well. KS just doesn't prioritize winning...
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He will make the roster. I doubt we could get him through to the practice squad without a team snagging him.

Look for McMillin to lose his spot in favor of this kid.


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I think he is a lock to make the final roster.
He probably has more up side than any of the other linebackers opposite Wimbley.
It may take him time to develop, but it could be worth the wait.
We hopefully will see the benefits of hard working scouts and a keen sense of finding talent.


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I don't know i would go so far as to say he is a "lock" at this point...we haven't played game one yet, but I would agree he has upside we may not want to let go.


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I kind of read the bolded part as a little bit of 'buyer's remorse' over Wimbley.


http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2008/08/browns_rookie_hall_could_be_di.html

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Browns rookie Hall could be diamond in the rough
by Mary Kay Cabot Sunday August 03, 2008, 10:47 PM


Cleveland Browns
With Antwan Peek (knee) out until the opener, Hall will get some reps in Peek's place behind McGinest on the left side, along with David McMillan.
Browns General Manager Phil Savage will never forget the moment he became convinced that little-known rookie linebacker Alex Hall was going to become a longtime NFL player.

It was the Wednesday before the NFL draft, when most GMs are watching last-minute film and putting the finishing touches on their draft boards.

But Savage, without any picks in the first three rounds, had extra time on his hands, so he flew to Maryland to work out a lanky defensive end that scout Bobby Vega felt could become a good outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.

Savage showed up for the workout at a community college near Hall's hometown of Glenarden, Md., toting a bag stuffed with cones and a football.

The field was clumpy and unmarked, but it would have to do. To get Hall warmed up, Savage asked him to run through the cones and accelerate at the end. Problem was, he didn't have any markers to start and end the drill. So, he dropped the bag at the beginning and the ball at the end.

"I said, 'When you get to the last cone, just accelerate through the ball,' " recalled Savage.

As instructed, Hall chopped through the cones and sped up at the end, but instead of blowing past the ball, he reached down and scooped it up like an eagle swooping down for a fish.

"I kind of chuckled to myself and said, 'Hey, Alex, you didn't have to pick up the ball, but that was pretty good.' "

Savage put Hall through 30 more minutes of linebacker drills, but he had already gotten what he came for.

"I was like, 'This kid is 6-5, he's 255, he runs fast, he's got 11-inch hands,' " said Savage. "But what really stuck out in my mind was that ability to bend."

Afterward, Savage told Hall, from Division II St. Augustine's in Raleigh, N.C., that he'd probably be with an NFL team in four days because he had the measurables -- talent, temperament and solid background to make it in the NFL.

"I told him, 'You're going to play in this league seven or eight years, and I can tell the story of how I came over and worked you out a couple of days before the draft,' " Savage said.

On the second day of the draft, Savage sat on Hall until the seventh round and called him about 10 minutes before the pick. About eight to 10 teams had called in the last 30 minutes, all wanting him to be a free agent.

"I said, 'You can tell them that they're wasting their time because we're getting ready to pick you in about five minutes,' " Savage recalled. "He covered up the phone and told his family, and the place erupted."

In the months leading up to the draft, the Browns had their eye on three small-school pass-rushers recommended by Vega. They were Vince Redd from Liberty, Brian Smith from McNeese State and Hall. Savage made it to Liberty and McNeese, but never found his way to tiny St. Augustine's. So, he asked Vega which one of the three he liked best. "Bobby said, 'I'm going to put my reputation on Hall,' " recalled Savage.

So far in camp, Hall has made Vega look like a genius. In the first week, Hall -- who had 26 sacks and 51 tackles for a loss in college -- burst into the backfield and intercepted a Brady Quinn pass screen pass. During Family Night, he had a would-be sack of Ken Dorsey, and in practice he's shown good speed off the edge.

"The kid has come here and done a lot of nice things," said Savage. "You can't help but notice him. The fact that he's working with Kamerion Wimbley, Willie McGinest and Antwan Peek -- this has been a great situation for him."

With Peek (knee) out until the opener, Hall will get some reps in Peek's place behind McGinest on the left side, along with David McMillan. Until now, he's been working behind Wimbley on the right side.

"Obviously the real evaluation is going to be the games, but I really feel it in my bones that this guy is a legitimate prospect," said Savage. "Kamerion was the 13th pick in the draft and Alex was 231st. You can make a case that they should've been a lot closer. Based off what he's done thus far, Hall probably could've been a mid-round pick."

Hall is used to being overlooked. He wasn't recruited as a 190-pounder coming out of Maryland's C.H. Flowers High School, where he was known more for basketball. It wasn't until a recruiting fair at a church that St. Augustine's coach Michael Costa tabbed him to help the school get its 2-year-old program off the ground. Red-shirted as a tight end, he then switched to defensive end, where he ranked in the top 20 in the nation in tackles for loss each of his last three years.

"Hall is football player and a really good one," said Costa, who attended practice Thursday along with three of his assistants. "He's got determination, he's very competitive, and he'll give you everything he has. He's also a very good young man."

Hall graduated with a history degree and is polite, respectful and quiet. He acknowledges he has a ways to go, but Savage has been impressed with his adjustment to the two-point stance, where he's learning to jam tight ends, drop into the flat and read the back's release.

"It's all out in front of him," said Savage. "To what level he can get this year, I don't know, but he's got good talent and we're really excited about him."





LOL - The Rish will be upset with this news as well. KS just doesn't prioritize winning...
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I guess I think you are thinking too much. Doesn't sound at all to me like buyers remorse regarding Wimbley. To me it sounds a lot like, ,YIPPEE, we stole one.. we got a middle round talent in the 7th round., YIPPEE!

I guess it's open to interpretation, but my take seems to be the opposite of yours..

This goes in the "For what it's worth" column!


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You know I think I misinterpreted it.

At first I thought Savage was saying that Wimbley should have been a lower pick and Hall a higher pick, but I've reread it, and I think all he was saying was that Hall could have been a higher pick - bringing him closer to Wimbley.


LOL - The Rish will be upset with this news as well. KS just doesn't prioritize winning...
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That was my take on it... Ok,, this is getting disgusting,, we are agreeing entirely too much..., will you please yell at me or something. I just can't take anymore agreement


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There is no buyer's remorse in Wimbley. The dude had 11 sacks as a rookie, it is 100% complimentary towards Hall and 0% negative towards Wimbley. All it means is that he thinks Hall shouldve been picked closer to 13 than what he was.


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Ballpeen, Hall looked very quick at the team scrimage...not quite big enough but quick. With Peak hurt and McGinest on the way out this guy was a genius pick up. Makes me feel Savage is the real reason for our success...compare Chaun Thompson 2nd round to this guy in the 7th.

In the first week, Hall -- who had 26 sacks and 51 tackles for a loss in college -- burst into the backfield and intercepted a Brady Quinn pass screen pass. During Family Night, he had a would-be sack of Ken Dorsey, and in practice he's shown good speed off the edge.

Who will we keep and who will go? McMillian is still good for STs. We did lose Thompson so maybe we are good. I would also like to keep Bell, Hubbard and Rucker. We may need LBs in the next draft.

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According to the first depth chart, released today, McMillan is listed ahead of Alex Hall behind Kamerion Wimbley.

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Maybe we should just start trading all our first three picks of the draft every Year,

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Quote:

According to the first depth chart, released today, McMillan is listed ahead of Alex Hall behind Kamerion Wimbley.






And for the moment, that's exactly what it should be.. But if Hall is anything close to as real as some say, this could get intresting quickly..


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The Browns have been very average at LB...maybe the Dline is to blame but we still don't make many plays at LB. With Hall, Bell, Jackson and Wimbley we should be getting better as McGinest retires. Do we really need more help as in a top draft pick LB? There will be some available in 2009.

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We may not be as bad off as we all think... only time will tell.

If I'm not mistaken, until the Patriots won that first Super Bowl (in fact, even after they won it), everyone looked at their LBers [including one Willie McGinest] and said "Who the heck are these guys!?!".

They were the epitome of a bunch of no-names... until they made a name for themselves. We might have the same thing, we might not... but we would never have found out if we hadn't fixed the DLine first.


Browns is the Browns

... there goes Joe Thomas, the best there ever was in this game.

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We may not be as bad off as we all think... only time will tell.

If I'm not mistaken, until the Patriots won that first Super Bowl (in fact, even after they won it), everyone looked at their defense [including one Willie McGinest] and said "Who the heck are these guys!?!".

They were the epitome of a bunch of no-names... until they made a name for themselves. We might have the same thing, we might not... but we would never have found out if we hadn't fixed the DLine first.


Browns is the Browns

... there goes Joe Thomas, the best there ever was in this game.

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Quote:

The Browns have been very average at LB...maybe the Dline is to blame but we still don't make many plays at LB. With Hall, Bell, Jackson and Wimbley we should be getting better as McGinest retires. Do we really need more help as in a top draft pick LB? There will be some available in 2009.




That's a good question... with this system, LBs are always a premium... if there is one there (in what ever round) that Savage likes, he'll probably take him, but it won't necessarily be a top pick because tweeners are so important in the 3-4. That gives Savage the freedom to take guys (ala Hall & Leon) in later rounds, IMO.

We're looking good talent-wise... I'm sure we'll be drafting a CB fairly high to compete with the starters... Maybe an RB to take over as starter in a couple years... But beyond that, this year, finally, we should clearly be looking at BPA over need.


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Quote:

According to the first depth chart, released today, McMillan is listed ahead of Alex Hall behind Kamerion Wimbley.

link





Along those same lines.... web page
McCown tops Dolphins depth chart

DAVIE, Fla. (AP) -- Josh McCown is listed as the Miami Dolphins' No. 1 quarterback, for now.

The Dolphins released their first depth chart of the season Monday per NFL policy, putting the seven-year veteran at the top.

Dolphins coach Tony Sparano was quick to point out that the depth chart is ever-changing, and that second-year man John Beck and rookie Chad Henne haven't been ruled to start at quarterback for Miami's preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday night.

"I don't make much of it right now. It's something that we had to produce and put out there so we put it out there," Sparano said. "That depth chart in your hands right now won't be the same this afternoon, never mind tomorrow, so it's going to change every single day."

Rookie left tackle Jake Long, the first overall pick of April's draft, is listed at the No. 1 spot at his position. He is the only rookie currently holding a starting job



The highlighted part kinda covers my feelings best. It is just the initial depth chart. It'll have more meaning after we play a game this Thursday and after each subsequent time we have to put a chart out there.


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Yup, I agree. Outside of the starters, this depth chart doesn't mean a whole lot right now.


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j/c...

Browns: Rookie Alex Hall impressing
Scott Petrak | The Chronicle-Telegram

BEREA — The Browns have practiced 15 times in training camp, including a prime-time event at the stadium, and Alex Hall holds the title of most impressive rookie.

Fourth-round draft pick Beau Bell has made a couple of plays at linebacker, fourth-round tight end Martin Rucker has shown good hands and undrafted running back Travis Thomas is making a spirited bid for the practice squad. But Hall, the seventh-round pick from Division II St. Augustine’s College in North Carolina, has flashed his speed and athleticism at outside linebacker throughout camp. He returned an interception for a touchdown early in camp, then stuffed running back Jerome Harrison in the backfield and ran down Ken Dorsey for a sack at Family Night.

“We knew he had good ability,” coach Romeo Crennel said. “He’s got a lot of toughness that you wouldn’t think maybe a guy from a small school would have. He enjoys playing the game and he’ll mix it up. That’s the surprising thing that we like about him.

“He’s a good young prospect and he’s going to do pretty good.”

Hall’s body is special: 6-foot-5 and a lean 250 pounds — 60 pounds more than his senior year in high school. He was extremely productive in college, setting a school record with 26 sacks and 51 tackles for loss, but the numbers are slanted by the level of competition.

Hall doesn’t consider it an obstacle to pro success. “Football is football,” he said Friday night after playing in front of 26,000 fans, a personal record. “Once you get out here, everybody is pretty much in the same position.

“It’s a big jump for any rookie. There’s a learning curve for any school. You come out to play hard, it doesn’t matter where you come from.”

Hall was drafted as a project. The hope was he could contribute on special teams and develop into a pass rusher as he made the transition from 4-3 defensive end to 3-4 linebacker. If progress was slow, he would spend a season on the practice squad.

He’s fast-forwarding expectations and will get a further chance with the knee injury to Antwan Peek.
“You can’t help but notice him. He’s got a lot of talent,” general manager Phil Savage said. “So it’s all out in front of him.

“To what level he can get this year, I don’t know, but we’re excited about him, because he’s got a good demeanor, a good temperament, he’s a good worker.”

Hall is confident, but far from cocky. “I’m still learning stuff, but I feel I’m getting better,” he said. “If I didn’t see myself as an NFL player, I wouldn’t be in this position. The Browns wouldn’t have picked me. I definitely feel ready.”

Hall has a similar body type to 15-year veteran Willie McGinest (6-5, 270) and Kamerion Wimbley (6-3, 255), the starters at outside linebacker. He uses that as inspiration.

“I hope to be like him one day, 15 years later saying, ‘Alex Hall was a great player,’ like they’re saying about him now,” Hall said. “That would be a great accomplishment.”

Hall said he’s still shy about asking McGinest for advice, even though McGinest is always forthcoming.
“He’s a great guy,” Hall said. “He’s a very approachable guy. You can ask him anything. He’ll go out of his way to help you.”

Other observations from the early stages of camp:

EASY CHOICE

There’s no quarterback competition, but if there were, Derek Anderson would be running away with it. (Of course, the preseason games haven’t even started.) Anderson has been steady throughout practice, and led two touchdown drives in two chances in the Family Night scrimmage. Meanwhile, Brady Quinn has struggled, goes to the outlet receiver too quickly and didn’t find the end zone during the scrimmage.
But Quinn leads one important category: infatuation of teenage girls. When Quinn scrambled out of bounds and toward the crowd during a practice in Berea, two girls screeched, “Oh, my God” and looked as if they had seen a rock star.

QUICK HITS

When any of the three quarterbacks struggles, he quickly looks for tight end Kellen Winslow to bail him out. Winslow catches almost everything thrown his way and helps return the quarterback to his rhythm.

** Winslow gave young receiver Steve Sanders a tip during practice, telling him to spread his fingers while trying to catch.

** Sanders made a couple of tough catches while getting hit during Family Night.

** Safety Gary Baxter made the best play in his comeback from two torn patellar tendons last week, cutting in front of tight end Brad Cieslak to break up the pass. Baxter is still a long shot to make the roster, but the play was a good sign.

Contact Scott Petrak at 329-7253 or spetrak@chroniclet.com.

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Cal, I think Hall could be very good but it seems we have had just average LBs during the last ten years except for Miller. Compare to the 80s LBs where we had Banks, Mathews, E. Johnson, Mike Johnson, Hall, Cousineau (even Cohwer played for us).

We had much more defensive power and were able to stop the run and defend the pass. Now we seem to be very average not bad but not good. We should look for our next Eddie Johnson or Clay Mathews.

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just clicking ... a little fun post to lighten the mood around here.

I've listened to all of Hall's interviews so far on the main site ... and I gotta say ... I really dig the way this guy talks ... LOL ... don't know if it's the voice, the accent ... or what ... but this dude is cool.


LOL - The Rish will be upset with this news as well. KS just doesn't prioritize winning...
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Quote:

just clicking ... a little fun post to lighten the mood around here.

I've listened to all of Hall's interviews so far on the main site ... and I gotta say ... I really dig the way this guy talks ... LOL ... don't know if it's the voice, the accent ... or what ... but this dude is cool.




Bump ... come on ... nobody agrees with me here? Guy has something smooth in his voice. It's cool.


LOL - The Rish will be upset with this news as well. KS just doesn't prioritize winning...
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Ahh, Sorry Rish., I don't get excited by a guys voice..


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If you did I'd be worried about U

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Cal, I think Hall could be very good but it seems we have had just average LBs during the last ten years except for Miller. Compare to the 80s LBs where we had Banks, Mathews, E. Johnson, Mike Johnson, Hall, Cousineau (even Cohwer played for us).

We had much more defensive power and were able to stop the run and defend the pass. Now we seem to be very average not bad but not good. We should look for our next Eddie Johnson or Clay Mathews.




I'm going to withhold judgement until I seem them play this year. I'm hoping AD steps it up, Wimbley wreaks havoc, and DQ capitalizes on help from the line. Then I'm looking for Leon, Peek, and possibly Beau to start laying some wood. But your point is well taken.


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(Note to refs: I'm not sure if this is a gameday thing or a pure football thing, since it spans across the entire training camp/preseason period instead of just one game.)

Is he raw? Absolutely.

Should he start? Absolutely NOT. But he needs snaps with the first unit, IMO. Most notably on obvious passing downs and passing situations. The more I watch these games, the more I notice just how age is showing on Willie McGinest. He looks a step slow out there.

Our pass rush in general looks SLOW. Part of that is having 3 down linemen whose main job is to occupy two gaps. I understand Shaun Rogers was out in the Giants game. We need speed out there that comes from someone other than Wimbley that a QB has to respect.

Hall WILL make mistakes, no question about that. But he has the speed to chase down a Tony Romo or Ben Roethlisberger when they escape the pocket, I don't think Willie has it anymore.

P.S. I do realize I'm leaving out Antwan Peek here, but for the rest of the preseason I'd like to see Hall's baptism by fire...it can't hurt.

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I'd rather see Hall play over McMillan.

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As sad as this may be, Alex Hall may be our 2nd best OLB.


you had a good run Hank.
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We are really hurting at OLB. Hall will probably make mental mistakes but damn at least he flashes some actual ability to play the position. McGinnest just doesnt have it anymore and hasnt had it for 3 or 4 years now. McMillan if it hasnt done it by now, I doubt he ever will.

I just dont like Hall being the backup for Wimbley. You have arguably your 2 best pass rushers playing the same position. Doesnt make a bit of sense to me. Also the kid has shown a bit in coverage as well as tremendous hustle. He doesnt give up on the play.

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RAC is going to play Wille ; End of subject

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Quote:

RAC is going to play Wille ; End of subject




and I have no problem with RAC playing Willie ON RUN DOWNS. His discipline is vital to our run D.

But on passing downs? He's not cutting the mustard.

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Hall is a project but did look like he has speed. Speed is not something that you can coach. I agree it would be worth it to see him get more chances.

The other guy who looked like he was flying around was Shantee Orr (# 51).

My guess is that both will see more action over the last 2 pre season games. But the return of Peek will be needed as a pass rusher opposite Wimbley.

Last night really demonstrated the importance of team play. Our lines did not play as units. Our DB's & LB's were out of postion on some plays. Especially during the red zone scores.

This will be a mean couple weeks. Romeo was not happy at all. He gave these guys some rope and that created slack. The pads will be on an the their will little mercy over the next 2 weeks.

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The only reason the score for the giants wasn't seven points higher was because he chased down the returner on one of the horrible punt coverages. It was kind of silly seeing a man that big run so fast ...


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