https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2013/05/29/secret-superstar-chris-clemons/ 2nd year in a system for Chris, I think that's important for him, these two have played together for two strait seasons gong into their third, with their flat out explosive speed, this should be fun to see what happens when familiarity becomes part of their mindset..PFF has them as the #2 rated duo in performance based metrics, and considering how inept the offense was last year, they really played well keeping games close, except for when they faced you know who...here's to hoping more pressure on Brady will help them out some.. Dolphins defense...#1 rated redzone defense in the NFL in their first year under Coyle. Really excited about our secondary now that Smith is out of the equation.. Coyles got his work cut out implementing, but he did a fine job last year doing the same, and he as more talent and speed at his disposal now.. I love defense...
I like CC, his problem is he does not vaccum up wounded duck throws. Under the radar with him is he causes a fair amount of forced fumbles.
Another great find by Ireland. They are starting to pile up. Glad PFF recognizes whats going on here.
Kevin Coyle's got a track record of improving guys dating back to his time in Cincinnati. It's most noted a CB, as he had arguably the top duo in the NFL in Leon Hall and Jonathan Joseph, but he's managed to get the most out of guys like Roy Williams, Chris Crocker (remember him?), and turned Reggie Nelson's career completely around in the right direction. Not surprised Clemons got some recognition there as I think his play was improved in 2012. It'll be interesting to see if he can keep the upward trend going in 2013. Jones played much more like Reggie Nelson did when Reggie first got to Cincinnati (that's a good thing). I think the biggest thing for Jones will be consistency. Nelson was good in his first year under Coyle in 2010, and was great in 2011. He played pretty close to his 2011 numbers in 2012, though he missed 2 games. Hopefully Jones can keep that trend going with Miami. And hopefully both guys are back here in 2014.
Chris was never a slouch. He's just never been much for coverage turnovers. That's hurt his image with fans so far. Part of his issue was that outside of one guy, we haven't had much pass rush.
Now don't go telling anybody else, let's keep this between you and me Deej, but I think we'll be a Top 5 defense this year. Remember shhhh..
Dion Jordan=Darrelle Revis...he's going to cover a lot of space allowing other defenders to drift and kill.
I like Clemons but think Thigpen is probably our best kept secret imo. Clemons is a starter yadda yadda, but Thigpen came out of nowhere and made impact plays and was one of the best returners in the league.
Thigpen seemed terrified at the thought of coming up and catching shorter punts, costing us lot's of field position. And he all but fumbled the game away in San Francisco. Other than that, yeah he was pretty good.
I know that the stats, according to PFF say one thing, but that's not exactly what I saw from CC last year. I saw a guy that was limited, not by his inability to acquire turnovers, but by his overall ability. He doesn't play fast. He still takes bad angles. He's a good FS, but not a great one and I just don't see him growing much more. I think he's reached his potential. Coyle has made some guys come into their own, but I just see CC's limit as....reached...
PFF: Secret Superstar: Chris Clemons https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2013/05/29/secret-superstar-chris-clemons/
Good read...supports what a lot of people around here have said. He might not be flashy but hes a consistent reliable force. Hes the kind of guy you only replace as a total luxury in my opinion. Especially true if his "unflashy" reliable consistency means jones and our corners can take some more risks at making the plays...but I wont pretend to know enough about Coyles tendencies to say thats how things do/will work around here. Either way, thanks for posting!
In 2011 our safety play was brutal, last year great, hardly a big play and just solid production. Clemons really just needs to be steady, Jones will provide the big plays and huge hits.
I think the renaissance we experienced at the safety positions last year is further evidence to Coyle's guru status. I think the only person who has done more with so little is the guy that invented the paper clip.
Completely agree. On defense, there was marked improvement across the board from everyone with possibly the exception of "Big Baby" (Sean Smith). I think we now have coaches who can also teach vs what we had under Sparano and his staff, who never seemed to have been able to develop anyone to a level of success.
Love this kid. Gets benched in 2011 by Sparano, still plays good special teams (I think he blocked a punt and/or recovered one for a TD) and kept his mouth shut. Came into last year busted his ***, earned his job back, and did very well as our starter. Hopefully we have our 2 safetys for a long time!
so you started a new thread, although you already replied to the existing one...is that right ? lol are you getting up there with age, its my 40th on wednesday but i still feel alright
Lol, I'm an old ***. Right before I posted it, I yelled at some kids to get off my lawn. I totally forgot about this thread and did a title search for Chris Clemons and found nothing.
Couldn't agree more. I also think that these two (as long as they stay healthy) will not only be better because they continue to mature as players; they are in their 3rd year together and 2nd in this system; but also because as you note, Smith is no longer there and I think our overall CB play will be much improved with Brent Grimes, a healthy Richard Marshall, a growing Nolan Carroll and the new rookies added to the mix: Taylor, Davis & D. Jones. I think one of those rookies will get significant PT (and throw in Patterson to the mix). We just have a much improved CB mix this year and that will only help Clemons and Jones make that many more plays. Can't wait. If Jordan and Vernon can step up and if the front 7 generates more pressure this year - this defense could really come together. I am hopeful though I know we'll need to be patient early on (that's always tough).
Well, based on how Clemons played at the beginning of his career, and he did improve, but I just have to see more than what he's shown so far... What may be slightly overlooked is that Coyle can do things with the secondary that many coaches can't, after all he made Dimitri Patterson and Chris Crocker look decent in Cleveland...
He was defensive backs coach at Cincinnati. So Jonathan Joseph, Leon Hall, Reggie Nelson, Pacman Jones would be recent examples, and someone could probably expound on that list better than those initial names.
My previous post in another thread was about Clemons. I posted that he was a dark horse and the coaching staff said some good things about him. His main attribute was speed. My thoughts on Clemons having that closing speed SHOULD imo get him into position to make the INTS. He hasnt done that yet. I will say yet because its not beyond fantasy that Clemons with another yr under his belt will make better decisions. Clemons hasnt got the same rap Smith had for having poor hands. This season will see if Clemons can make a difference and get the turnovers. Jones has cracked the shell making plays. If Clemons can do that as well then this DB unit can make a big difference. Im positive.
Hmmm....I'm wrong again....I'm still not enamored with Clemons until we see him do it more consistently...
It's not about having to become enamored with the player, my defense of Clemons a couple times over the years is always in relation to the level of criticism he's receiving..there were times that I didn't agree with most that said he would be cut, or beat out.