I know it is early with only five practices completed, but do you think it is safe to ink in Hartline as the receiver opposite of Marshall? From what I am reading he hasn't been moved since training camp has started. Seems to be doing pretty good there too. What do you guys think?
i wouldnt say its a done deal yet without any preseason games played but i think its pretty close to being set in stone.
YAC is the main reason imo... the dude also has a knack for the ball...remember that play against Tenn. where he had the focus to grab that ball out of the defenders hands, cover it up and turn his head to create a + play instead of a pick? The dude just seems to be a natural and hes not afriad to catch balls over the middle and hes agile. I have a feeling hes going to breakout this season.
Depends on the packages. But keep in mind, Brandon Marshall is a beast in the areas of the field where Bess ruled.
I like Hartline to stretch the field and make some more working space for Marshall. If anything to push a safety back for more wiggle room after the catch for the Beast.
Well, I really like Hartline's game, what has my attention about him is he is still a raw football player in terms of being hit, last season there were some hits that made me wonder how he got back up, and he sort of..plays awkward? The #3 Wr had better be a Starter quality player as I kinda expect him to twist an ankle or something. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lb39qlJEwXc"]YouTube- Universal Draft Presents Miami Dolphins WR Brian Hartline '09[/ame] UD did a great video recap of his 09 season, you can see the talent.
I really like Hartline's upside, ability to run routes well and his YAC. Prefer him to start opposite Marshall but Cammy has such incredible hands you almost HAVE to put him in there on third and long because he is just money in those situations. Of course I'm counting on Marshall to be money in those situations too, and Bess to be freed up in space by Marshall on a lot of third and long situations too.
You hit th enail on the head. I have been trying to pinpoint what it is about Hartline's game that concerns me, and I think visually, he is just, off. Awkward is probably the best way to put it . A sort of disciplined recklessness, if you will. A little haphazard, but he is shifty enough to avoid the disasterous hit. At least, so far.
i dont think he really has any competition for the #2 spot. Bess is our slot and only Camarillo could overtake Hartline. I think Camarillo is on borrowed time with us. At some point soon, this season or next we will probably replace him
Well, don't overlook Pat "MIA" Turner, who has inexplicably not only become Brandon Marshall's shadow..but is playing better in practice.
even if the light turned on for him why would you play two mirror image type WRs? You either pair Marshall up with speed which we dont have anymore or a all around hustle WR like Hartline.
Because I was serious when I said I expect Hartline to be dinged this year Adamp, watch the UD footage, he takes kill shots all the time with his legs at odd angles. He's fearlessness will get him dinged, that means the #3 and #4 Wr's, Greg C and Turner (maybe) will see playing time imho.
Also, at 5:37 of that video, you may see the best designed goalline pass play that Henning drew up for us. Hartline goes in motion, stops at the center as if he is going to turn and be an end blocker for the running play, but before he is set he turns back and sprints to the opposite side of the formation, causing his trailing defender to fight through his own traffic at the snap of the ball, Henne takes the snap takes a couple of steps to his right and drops the pass in for Hartline's first career TD (I believe). Just a great play all around for a team that up until now, always seems to struggle getting the ball into the endzone through the air in goal-to-go situations. Also, After watching that video, there are two things thatwe, as a team, need Henne to improve on. The first is his play action motion. He can learn a lot from Pennington on this, so he has no excuse. The other is his accuracy towards the sidelines. Many of those missed balls by Hartline were a result of Henne leading him too far wide and/or high. Granted, not by a whole lot and Marshall's presence will help (with him being bigger and taller to grab those slightly errant throws), but a lot of points were left on the board and a lot of receptions/yards lost as a result. If he can dial those in a little bit, we are going to be looking and feleing pretty good. Also, Hartline runs that sluggo route pretty well. And he has enough sizzle in him to shake a defender or two. I forgot how well he did that for us last year. I think he has earned a shot at starting, with Bess and Camarillo working as the third and fourth receivers, respectively.
Hartline is benefitted by the fact that Bess fits better in the slot; only true competition for Hartline is Camarillo. The good thing is that we even have this problem. It wasn't that long ago that we were clamoring for a receiver worth a damn.
I can't foresee any scenario, short of injury, that has Turner seeing the field over Bess. Bess, in my opinion, is probably our third wideout and will probably play the "Wayne Chrebet," role for us...you know, short of having his head caved in every other game. Turner, even if he plays out of his skull in training camp, should consider himself lucky to make the roster. I would like nothing more than to see him come alize and offer us a nice big possession/endzone threat for Henne, but he isn't anywhere near the class of receiver as Hartline/Camarillo/Bess who do a ton of little things right.
I don't see any reason why Hartline shouldn't start opposite Marshall. He's got great hands, and he's a solid route runner as well. He may not have blazing speed, but he knows how to get open / move the chains... Hartline could be in for a big season given all the attention Marshall will have on him, and the same holds true for Bess in the slot. Should be fun to watch, I can't wait to see how it all works out...
