The Final 53-Easier or Harder?

[servumtuum]

Three pre-season games under our belts, and the first round of cuts are coming up fast. Here's my question-have the Raven's and Jet's games made Shanahan's job of paring things down to the final 53 easier or harder?

Who's most likely to be gone first? Brandon Banks? Or did Banks showing of receiving skills perhaps give him a lifeline to a roster spot? Or maybe the PS?

How about Selvish Capers, about as raw a player at his spot as I've seen in a while, definitely a major project-if not for us then maybe someone else.

Willie Parker? Gone or still with an ember of hope?

And what of Malcolm Kelly?

Or anybody else you might think of.

And what about the practice squad-1.) Who? and 2.) Would they clear waivers if we really wanted them around for a while?

A bunch of questions, to be sure, but maybe something to chew over discuss, maybe even argue about (politely, of course) till the Cardinals game

 

[EatSleepRedskin]

I think Brandon Banks will probably be one of the LAST cut, if at all. Will depend a lot on next week's performance.

The fumble was a big hurt.

I just think keeping Kelly at this point is ridiculous.

 

[Goaldeje]

I think Kelly is almost better off not practicing this week, and going on IR. If he practices and plays, unless he absolutely crushes it, I don't see him having much of a chance.

Armstrong is in. Banks needs a strong showing either in teams or as a WR. Austin is the one I'm not sure about. He finally got some good playing time last night and looked good. Granted, it was against second and third teamers, but he did make plays.

My feeling is that Shanahan will choose to keep either Banks or Austin. No reason to keep both. Banks has the extremes, both good and bad; Austin seems a little less exciting, but perhaps more stable. Right now, I'm leaning towards Austin personally, but my feeling is it will come down to the last game.

 

[Elephant]

I am not an NFL talent scout nor do I pretend to be (well maybe I pretend at times) so I won't comment on too many players. But I will say I see Brandon Banks as a member of this team come final cuts. This kid is too explosive to let go. I still get a little weary when I see a player of his size in the NFL, but there are a handful of players his size who make substantial contributions.

After the fumble last night I thought, he's done. Then they hit him on that quick slant out of the end zone. That was pure athleticism on his part we have not seen here in a while. Too raw? Who knows? I just have the feeling we have our punt returner for years to come.

 

[Jimbo]

Part of the problem is that a LOT of guys have played well but nobody has really, I mean REALLY, stood out on a consistant basis. IMO, the last two games have probably made it harder for Shanahan to pare down the roster. I would certainly consider it an unenviable task.

At this point, I have an idea of what the initial 53-man roster will look like but I'm pretty certain there could be up to a dozen spots I guess wrong. That's how close many of these roster battles are.

I call it the initial 53-man roster because I think we could see several changes within the first four weeks of the season. There could be some QB shuffling based on McNabb's ankle. Since I don't think Beck in eligible for the Practice Squad, he could make the 53-man roster but he could also be cut when McNabb is healthy. His spot would likely be filled by a 6th receiver while the new 3rd QB, Dickie Bartel, would fill that spot from the Practice Squad.

I don't see BOTH Austin and Banks making the 53 so one would likely be relegated to the Practice Squad. I believe we'll also be saying adios to Malcolm Kelly. You say he's actually going to practice this week? Too little too late, I say. Unless, of course, he pulls in three TD passes against the Cards. Not likely, says I.

Willie Parker is as good as gone. Either Torain or Williams will be gone as well, possibly to the PS.

On defense, it looks bad for the Supplemental Man, Jeremy Jarmon. In fact, it looks bad for several of Vinny's former picks/pickups. Mike is building the team he wants and it's gonna look different from last year's team. (OK, Obviousman strikes again with that last sentence but I think you know what I mean).

 

[Elephant]

On defense, it looks bad for the Supplemental Man, Jeremy Jarmon.

Which is a shame because he showed promise last year before he went down for the season. Just don't see how he can fit in with Carriker, Holiday, Daniels, Haynesworth all pretty much solidifying the end spots, he looks to be the odd man out.

 

[Burgundy Burner]

I feel confident that Beck makes the team.

Doug Dutch was just released by the Ravens, so we basically got Beck for free. Vinny would've given up a third rounder. Bruce Allen continues to prove that he is quite the shrewd wheeler/dealer.

 

[Burgundy Burner]

Malcolm Kelly had another setback today with his hammy according to various tweets. IR him now or cut our losses. Sheeeesh.

 

[riggins44]

I'd say Kelly needs to be in the reality show mindset and have his bags packed.

Armstrong is probably safer than Thomas. I believe Banks is on the bubble. Yes, he is fast and explosive, but putting ball on the ground was a setback. We have other guys on the roster that can return punts and kickoffs. Like Armstrong has done...Banks needs to show he can do more than return kicks and make some plays on coverage units.

Parker will be odd man out in the backfield.

 

[Elephant]

Armstrong is probably safer than Thomas. I believe Banks is on the bubble. Yes, he is fast and explosive, but putting ball on the ground was a setback. We have other guys on the roster that can return punts and kickoffs. Like Armstrong has done...Banks needs to show he can do more than return kicks and make some plays on coverage units.

Parker will be odd man out in the backfield.

I agree, Banks needs a solid outing this week. After the fumble, I was convinced he was done. But then on a 3rd and long deep in our own territory, his number was called and his explosive step gained us a first down. That quick slant displayed that explosiveness and also showed his ability to step up after making the mistake.

 

[Elephant]

Unless he makes a foolish mistake, I believe that run by Banks will solidify him a spot on the final 53.

Everybody gives Shanahan the hard nosed shrew moniker but as Banks came off the field, they showed Shanahan with a huge smile on his face as he patted Banks on the back excitedly. Nice to see.

Edit: Well...there it is. He's done!

 

[Jimbo]

Banks is crazy frustrating. You just CAN'T keep fumbling but he sure is exciting.

 

[servumtuum]

Robert Henson has either decided to come out of hiding or the Cardinals forgot he was on the field.

 

[the Omniscient]

Banks is a goner, but I believe Henson made a very strong case for staying. He has been everywhere tonight.

Also, Fat Al has looked sub-par. IMO he should be dominating the second/third stringers.

 

[Jimbo]

Albert is pushing his man into the backfield when he's not being held. The problem is that when he penetrates, nobody else seems to. He's hasn't looked great but hasn't looked bad to me.