hawkeye Posted July 15, 2010 Share Posted July 15, 2010 Posted July 15, 2010 @ 11:27 a.m. ETBy Dan ParrThe Falcons will have at least four players competing for the starting job at right cornerback in training camp, and this is a legitimate battle. Ninth-year veteran Brian Williams is considered the front-runner to win the job by some observers, assuming his knee doesn't give him any problems. He was a starter in 2009 before tearing his ACL in Week Six. Brent Grimes, who made 14 starts for Atlanta over the past two seasons, and Chris Owens, who started six games as a rookie in '09, cannot be counted out, however. Grimes led the Falcons with six interceptions last season and the coaching staff has been enamored with his athleticism. Owens probably fits best as a nickel back, but he hasn't hit his full potential yet and is capable of putting up a fight. The other contender, Chevis Jackson, began last season behind Williams, Grimes and Owens on the depth chart and he's a long shot to start.http://www.profootballweekly.com/2010/07/15/falcons-rcb-battle-wide-open Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Statick Posted July 15, 2010 Share Posted July 15, 2010 If Owens is placed at that nickel spot, I don't forsee Chevis being here when the season starts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hawkeye Posted July 15, 2010 Author Share Posted July 15, 2010 If Owens is placed at that nickel spot, I don't forsee Chevis being here when the season starts.I still think we are keeping 6 CB's. I've heard a lot of pros say the NB position is harder to play than outside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JOKER2 Posted July 15, 2010 Share Posted July 15, 2010 This is the biggest battle I'm waiting for. I think if Williams is fully healthy , he will win it because he has the most experience and he is a solid corner. Robinson and Williams would give us 2 very good starters up front, similar to when we had Sanders/McKyer and Buchanan/Ambrose. I think Grimes/Owens/Jackson are going to scrap for the nickel spot and whoever wins that spot will be the primary back up in the event Wiiliams gets hurt.In addition to having DeCoud and a healthy Moore or Coleman at safety, we are going to see a major turn in production from our secondary. Freeing up Abe and Biermann to rush and then Babbs, Jerry, Spoon, Lofton and Peterson stuffing the opposition's running game.....We could be much better that people think, that is potentially scary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcsupersport Posted July 15, 2010 Share Posted July 15, 2010 It may happen, BUT I would be incredibly surprised if Williams is anything other than a nickle/dime/backup in our defense. It would surprise me less to see him cut and have another rookie on the rolls.I just don't see how someone his age can come back in less than a year from the type of injury he had and compete against our two young but talented corners. Personally I think it will be a sluggfest between Grimes and Owens with the loser rotating in and playing nickle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackredfellow Posted July 15, 2010 Share Posted July 15, 2010 Personally I think it will be a sluggfest between Grimes and Owens with the loser rotating in and playing nickle.I agree. I think these two will rotate those positions regardless of a clear favorite. Dont sleep on Franks either. Its not out of the realm of possibilities that TD found another diamond in the rough with him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
84White32Quizz Posted July 15, 2010 Share Posted July 15, 2010 Has it been said by coach Smith that Dunta will be holding down the LCB spot? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vel Posted July 15, 2010 Share Posted July 15, 2010 How does everybody conclude that an ACL tear takes 2 years to return from and worry about HD being full strength but automatically give the RCB spot to Williams? He tore his ACL midseason and is inching on 30 (if he isn't there already) I think the only reason he was resigned was for vet leadership. I think the RCB is between Owens/Grimes/Jackson with Owens being the front runner b/c of physicality and toughness. Grimes is more suited for nickel and Jackson will probably rotate with Grimes at nickel and be the primary Dime back. I'm glad mcsupersport seems to be the only one thinking logically here. If Williams' wins the spot I am banking on an 8-8 season because if you can't beat an old corner fresh off an ACL tear then you can barely man the nickel spot IMO. My Lineup:DRob/OwensGrimes/JacksonWilliams/Franks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knight of God Posted July 15, 2010 Share Posted July 15, 2010 The word rotate is used a lot around here. Guys ever heard of "getting into a rhythm"? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hakim24 Posted July 15, 2010 Share Posted July 15, 2010 The word rotate is used a lot around here. Guys ever heard of "getting into a rhythm"?+1. Owens should be the full-time starter imo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HashMark Posted July 15, 2010 Share Posted July 15, 2010 How does everybody conclude that an ACL tear takes 2 years to return from and worry about HD being full strength but automatically give the RCB spot to Williams? He tore his ACL midseason and is inching on 30 (if he isn't there already) I think the only reason he was resigned was for vet leadership. I think the RCB is between Owens/Grimes/Jackson with Owens being the front runner b/c of physicality and toughness. Grimes is more suited for nickel and Jackson will probably rotate with Grimes at nickel and be the primary Dime back. I'm glad mcsupersport seems to be the only one thinking logically here. If Williams' wins the spot I am banking on an 8-8 season because if you can't beat an old corner fresh off an ACL tear then you can barely man the nickel spot IMO. My Lineup:DRob/OwensGrimes/JacksonWilliams/Franks Not to get of subject but when did Harry D's injury happen (preseason) compared too Willams?? It was about half the season if not more. That gives HD plenty of a jump on this year. I also wouldnt count out Franks in there maybe not at the start of the season but maybe half way point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goal Line D Posted July 15, 2010 Share Posted July 15, 2010 Ahhhhhhh.....Nothing like the sweet smell of DEPTH in the air. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
84White32Quizz Posted July 15, 2010 Share Posted July 15, 2010 How is anyone so sure that Dunta will be holding down the LCB spot? Last year we saw Grimes struggle at LCB but play very well at RCB. We saw Owens play well at LCB and we have not seen him as a RCB.And lets not forget as much as I and a lot of other people want to see Owens named the starter at LCB beside Dunta, Mike Smith has also said that Chevis got more work outside during mini camp and OTa's and that he played well when put on the outside.IMO we have two OLB's that can cover TE's and RB's. The two OLB's being Nic ond Spoon, we have a stable of Corners that can cover. The reason I am saying this is because we know Chevis doesnt have great speed but he is a very smart player that can read the QB and jump routes. Now by having OLB's that can cover TE's and RB's I think we will see more situations with Willy Mo starting where Decoud and Moore are roaming the field leaving Dunta 1 on 1 giving Chevis the help needed if he's the starter.I just think nothing will be settled at the CB position untill well into camp. Ofcourse Dunta will be a starter but where? RCB or LCB and who falls in line after thats decided. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jesus Posted July 15, 2010 Share Posted July 15, 2010 With the way NFL offenses are nowadays you need 3 quality CB's to compete. With two games every year against the Saints we'll need Robinson, Williams, Grimes and Owens ready to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hawkeye Posted July 15, 2010 Author Share Posted July 15, 2010 How is anyone so sure that Dunta will be holding down the LCB spot? Last year we saw Grimes struggle at LCB but play very well at RCB. We saw Owens play well at LCB and we have not seen him as a RCB.And lets not forget as much as I and a lot of other people want to see Owens named the starter at LCB beside Dunta, Mike Smith has also said that Chevis got more work outside during mini camp and OTa's and that he played well when put on the outside.IMO we have two OLB's that can cover TE's and RB's. The two OLB's being Nic ond Spoon, we have a stable of Corners that can cover. The reason I am saying this is because we know Chevis doesnt have great speed but he is a very smart player that can read the QB and jump routes. Now by having OLB's that can cover TE's and RB's I think we will see more situations with Willy Mo starting where Decoud and Moore are roaming the field leaving Dunta 1 on 1 giving Chevis the help needed if he's the starter.I just think nothing will be settled at the CB position untill well into camp. Ofcourse Dunta will be a starter but where? RCB or LCB and who falls in line after thats decided.I agree with everything you said. Good point. I'm thinking it might be Owens, but not counting out Chevis.How is anyone so sure that Dunta will be holding down the LCB spot? Last year we saw Grimes struggle at LCB but play very well at RCB. We saw Owens play well at LCB and we have not seen him as a RCB.And lets not forget as much as I and a lot of other people want to see Owens named the starter at LCB beside Dunta, Mike Smith has also said that Chevis got more work outside during mini camp and OTa's and that he played well when put on the outside.IMO we have two OLB's that can cover TE's and RB's. The two OLB's being Nic ond Spoon, we have a stable of Corners that can cover. The reason I am saying this is because we know Chevis doesnt have great speed but he is a very smart player that can read the QB and jump routes. Now by having OLB's that can cover TE's and RB's I think we will see more situations with Willy Mo starting where Decoud and Moore are roaming the field leaving Dunta 1 on 1 giving Chevis the help needed if he's the starter.I just think nothing will be settled at the CB position untill well into camp. Ofcourse Dunta will be a starter but where? RCB or LCB and who falls in line after thats decided.I agree with everything you said. Good point. I'm thinking it might be Owens, but not counting out Chevis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nobkowski Posted July 15, 2010 Share Posted July 15, 2010 Whoever wins the starter position other than Owens, I hope they rotate Owens in on running downs. He's the best we have at run stopping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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