One of our most important players

[Hoyaparanoia]

A guys name who has not been mentioned much this offseason by the media or us here on the board, who could have a major impact as to how well we do this season is Michael Bates. With a shorter field to work with, our offense could excele. With Jeff's sholder and our OL problems, Bates could help both of them with good special teams play. Although blocking the right lanes is imparitive.

How do you all think Bates will do this year for us instead of against us.

[UK Skins]

Personally I've always liked Bates and was really pleased when we signed him. I think the Kickoff and Punt Return positions are specialist positions and this is the first time for a while that we have had a specialist back there (I'm deliberately not including Slimetime). The only worry is that I think we are using someone else to return punts so that only half answers your question!

[NavyDave]

I agree.

However lets see how our return teams are on Sunday

J George only having to throw 30 to 40 yard bombs if that long as well as S Davis needing fewer touches to get in the Redzone keeps both player fresh and not suffering as many dings

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Take a sip of the Marty Kool Aid and Believe

[TennesseeCarl]

You know, I remembe Marty saying something to the effect that Bates was going to get 18 touches a game to take adavantage of his talents. We didn't see anything like that in preseason. I wonder if this is part of the 'Stealth Offense' we're about to unleash.

[Stricknine]

I think he will get better as the year progresses, just as the rest of the special teams will. I am hoping to see him block a few punts as I don't remember seeing our boys do that for quite some time now.

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Randy Redskin

Fan for Life

[hailredskinscom]

I've stated before, I really think the most imprortnat player this year is going to be Stephen Alexander. He will have to propel himself into the upper elite and can't be dropping passes that hit his numbers. Alexander will get alot of samll dumps to keep drives going and he has to produce. He may also be a frequest George target for TD passes inside the 20.

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[bulldog]

Some of the most important upgrades in 2001 and keys to success:

1. Special teams skill players. Bates, as you mentioned, Barker, Conway and Albright are all better players in some cases dramatically so over last year's incumbents.

2. Wide Receiver. With a healthy Westbrook and an up and coming Rod Gardner this is the best skill set at WR we have seen since the Posse last rode in 1992. Lockett has better hands and runs better routes as the #3 than last year's #3 James Thrash.

3. Linebacker. The ability of Kurt and Marty to put Arrington in position to make plays will elevate the linebacking core in 2001. Other moves to bring back Kevin Mitchell and acquire Robert Jones give us size and depth in the middle that we haven't had in some time.

[Pete]

Right now I see Smoot as our most important player on the D. If he winds up needing help on that side,from what I can tell, it will throw off Marty's scheme on D.

I have to agree that Alexander is a key to the offence. Look how well we did in 99 when he was getting lots of action. We know what Westbrook can do when healthy, and expect we get at least the same, if not better production out of Gardner as a rookie then we would have out of Connell, which makes Alexander the question mark for me.

[GURU]

I still think the offensive line will gel and turn out to be solid, so ...

In my opinion, the one player who can make the biggest impact is Dan Wilkenson. He will make or break the defensive line this season. If he can play anywhere close to his potential and do it somewhat consistantly, this has a chance to be a decent line. Big Daddy actually had a decent season in '99, leading the line in sacks with 8.5, which is a pretty respectable number for a DT. Last year, Ray Rhodes unexplicably yanked Wilkenson and not Stubblefield on passing downs.

If Big Daddy can force teams to double team him, it will open things up for the whole line.

I think the key to the offensive side is fairly obvious, if you have to pick one player. Like I said, I think the O-line will gel, and there are playmakers at the skill positions. This offense lives or dies by Jeff George. Not with his arm, but with what happens upstairs and in his chest.

[redman]

Bates 18 touches per game will come in part from some third down plays where he'll be the receiving back, essentially replacing Centers and, before him, Mitchell.

But as long as we're discussin Bates, don't ever forget that he's as much if not more valuable as a special teams punt blocker and "gunner", as he is a return man. It those combination of skills that have made him one of the most skilled special teamers in all of football over the last 5-7 years. He's a great signing.

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