Podcast #2 - Freeman, Ward, and a tiny bit of the game

He’s not a slouch, but he’s not really better or equal. The reason you name (he returned two for touchdowns) is a bit of a fallacy – his consistent production in terms of yardage is a lot lower than Peanut, and I don’t think those touchdown runs would not have happened had Peanut been there. To illustrate: Smith’s kick return average: 28 yards/return over 67 returns vs Spurlock’s 25/return over 27 returns. Spurlock does have a better punt return average, but only returned 7 punts so that’s much more likely to simply be variance rather than a skill difference.

I disagree Clayton’s going to be on the depth chart high. People who are locks: Williams, Benn, Brown, Stovall, Stroughter. So they’d have to keep Clayton over Spurlock, which given Clayton’s lack of special teams impact and Spurlock’s preseason performances is unlikely to happen.

I think it’s also much, much, much too soon to give up on Benn. Seriously. He’s 2 preseason games in. There were some rumours about learning disabilities pre-draft if I recall correctly, and it’s likely he’ll just take longer to adjust to the NFL – plenty of receivers take a few years to break out. Look at last year’s star receivers who barely produced before that: Miles Austin (4th year), Steve Smith Giants (3rd year), Sidney Rice(3rd year). Compared to Mike Williams he’s disappointing, but this stuff is not unexpected from rookie receivers. Look at Golden Tate, the first guy selected behind Bryant: he’s done jack-all too and looked pretty eh. That doesn’t mean he’s going to be bad or bust – just that he needs more time.

I agree with you on rotating Huggins and Ward with the first and second teamers on Saturday to see what they have. Give Caddy either one series or just sit him out. Give Carlos Brown some late reps to spell the backs for the last quarter.

Spurlock also might have the ability to mix in some gimmick plays, as he started seven games at QB for Ole Miss in 2005. He also still holds the Mississippi High School record for passing yards and TD passes in one game…for whatever that’s worth. If he could utilize some kind of run/pass option, then I guess that’s something that might help him stick out, in addition to his well-established return abilities. Then again, if they could’ve utilized that, one might think they would have by now.

Disagree on Clayton making the squad. I don’t think name is going to mean that much when they’re looking to put their top 53 on the field. Clayton seems to be behind Williams, Stroughter, Stovall, Brown, and Benn. Clayton will be between a rock and a hard spot if it comes down to him and a guy like Spurlock for a 6th WR spot, who could be arguably just as effective as Clayton in the passing game (1 to 2 catches per game), while offering skills in the return game.

I like PewterCast.

Nice SilverSun pickups intro.