Originally Posted by
Craic
Just how many players take that long to get it? CBs often come in and flash, then fade away until they really learn the game, about four or five years. Ike Taylor flashed his third year, got benched his fourth, and then started to come on strong. Harrison and Farrior both took a long time to learn the game. Keisel did very little until his fourth year, and then started his fifth year. Lawrence Timmons took three years to get familiar with the game, and then came on strong. In fact, I'd argue he was probably the best all-around back we had in the 00s. And that includes Harrison and Porter (note, I said all-around, so pass coverage, run stopping, and rushing). On the offensive side of the ball, we have several players who did hit their stride until a bit later in their careers, including Max Starks who flashed early and regressed.
Players coming in and playing like veterans and being used to the game before their fourth year or so is much more rare than we really want to admit. They need to mature into the game and relearn how to play at that level, because it's going to be pretty different. Yes, the ball is still snapped. Yes, you still block. But the speed, the intellectual work that goes into preparation, the decision making process and layers that go with it, the work to counter moves of players that know your weaknesses because they play against you two or three times every year and have tons of tape on you, it all adds up to a lot of hard work.
It's why players that have the physical skills are given more time. Because eventually, they may just make it. But players who don't have the physical skills are cut quickly, because regardless of whether they get it or not, they can't do it.
I'm just happy our FO and coach understands this concept and aren't swayed by fans who want everyone cut if the aren't producing at top levels within a couple of years.