Quote:
Originally Posted by milkman
I don't often disagree with you, but I just don't see the "fair amount of growth" from Ford that you do.
He was marginally better as a run defender, and in coverage, and has shown little to no improvement as a pass rusher.
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He showed a fantastic motor as well as the beginnings of both a spin move and a nice little up and under that he'd demonstrate at times.
Ford's always going to be a speed rusher. In the end, he's like a fastball pitcher - he just needs a couple of 'meh' secondary pitches because the heat makes gets the opponent reacting. Suddenly that C- curveball makes guys look silly (Royals fans, recall Mike MacDougal).
If Ford shows just a little more growth on those secondary moves, they'll play up because of how much respect opponents have to give his speed. And this year I saw flashes of those moves. And don't sleep on the motor either; a lot of guys have carved outstanding careers for themselves merely by refusing to give up on a play. Just as many guys have failed to ever realize their potential because they lacked that kind of tenacity.
The fact that he'll never be a 'complete' rusher means he's not going to be a 16 sack guy. But off nothing but his speed alone, he can be a double digit sack guy as early as next year. Moreover, that speed will also need to be dealt with by either passes to the RB or keeping the RB in altogether because his recovery speed will make merely chipping him ineffective.