Yep. There also is long term value to adding a gray beard to the defensive backfield. Someone who can command instant respect, provide tips, and has seen it all.
I don’t know if it’s true or not, but Daniels has praised Marriota as a sounding board and mentor. Likewise, Wagner is as important as an on the field teacher as he is a player. Our secondary lacked that kind of institutional knowledge and maybe it helps a Forbes, a Sanristil (sp) or even a St. Juste.
I kept saying that this year is about next year and it still is. At the same time, this year has become about this year. So, getting a player who can help us now and help us in the future is big.
I remember Brian Mitchell telling a story about stepping onto the practice field and seeing Art Monk killing himself and reaching the realization that if an All Pro works that hard he damn well better work that hard, too.
I think we are starting to see some of that. One of the worst things about the Rivera, Griden, and Shanny years was how many of our “best” players loafed during practice, demanded rest days, or just outright skipped minicamps. Now, I don’t know if Lattimore works as hard off field as Monk or Wagner, but I do know he knows how to get it done.
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