Quick thoughts on last night

[Chaka]

Originally Posted by Chromeburn

I think Ebron is our best weapon with Hilton out. I think his drops are blown a little out of proportion. And he fights the negativity that cling to him from Detroit. How many times did the announcers talk about it. Edelman dropped a huge pass, their WRs dropped passes, Gronk fumbles, our WRs dropped and fumbled. Ebron is not the problem imo, the WRs need to pick it up. They are the problem.

He made some great grabs. Was overthrown a couple times. He had that first drop for a first down he never would have gotten. But after that I thought he looked great. He has been scoring touchdowns for us and has been healthy. LBs can’t stay with him and he goes over the top of corners, he has been getting open consistently.

So far he has been doing well for us and his contribution is much more than any of our other receiving threats. Don’t know what the problem is.

I mostly agree with you, though I do get what GBB is saying. Sometimes, particularly with poorly thrown balls, Ebron gives you the impression he isn’t going all out. He won’t leap or dive for some balls, perhaps because he views them as impossible to catch, but I’m so used to other players make an effort in such circumstances - even if hopeless - that it kind of sticks out.

That being said, it does feel to me like the guy could be a special player. Something about him – maybe it’s the combo of his size, speed and physicality – just stands out, moreso than Swoope or even Doyle. I won’t kid myself and say he’ll ever have Doyle’s reliable hands, but I'm pretty optimistic he’ll become an elite receiving tight end for the Colts.

[FatDT]

Originally Posted by Chaka

I won’t kid myself and say he’ll ever have Doyle’s reliable hands, but I'm pretty optimistic he’ll become an elite receiving tight end for the Colts.

Minus the fumbles at critical moments of the game.

Different kind of "hands" though I guess.

[Chaka]

Originally Posted by FatDT

Minus the fumbles at critical moments of the game.

Different kind of "hands" though I guess.

A Doyle hater? Well, technically I was talking about catching the ball, which is something different from carrying the ball carefully so as to minimize fumbles – so yes, the “hands” you are referring to are different (I’m not sure you’d even call that “hands” to be honest).

It’s a little off the subject I suppose, but I am interested in the idea that Doyle has a ongoing fumbling problem. Off the top of my head I recall the fumble earlier this season against the Bengals, but perhaps I've blocked out the others. Please provide more info on this.

[Mr. Session]

Idk about ball security but I’ve felt for some time Doyle takes way to many licks.

I don’t know if it’s his lack of athleticism or if he just likes playing that way but I’m honestly surprised he doesn’t have more fumbles/injuries.

[JAFF]

Originally Posted by Mr. Session

Idk about ball security but I’ve felt for some time Doyle takes way to many licks.

I don’t know if it’s his lack of athleticism or if he just likes playing that way but I’m honestly surprised he doesn’t have more fumbles/injuries.

He doesn't care. He's willing to take a shot because he gets to play in the NFL.

First rule of football, it hurts to play it and be good at it.

Second rule, you need to get over rule one.

[rm1369]

Originally Posted by Chaka

It’s a little off the subject I suppose, but I am interested in the idea that Doyle has a ongoing fumbling problem. Off the top of my head I recall the fumble earlier this season against the Bengals, but perhaps I've blocked out the others. Please provide more info on this.

He lost 2 last year. Both within the first 6 games when he also seemed to have the drops. I believe at least one of those played a big part in a loss. The fumble lost numbers for TEs are so small that more than one in a season is notable. He’s had 4 in his last 18 games played - going back to the end of 2016. That’s definitely near the top for tight ends.

[Chaka]

Originally Posted by rm1369

He lost 2 last year. Both within the first 6 games when he also seemed to have the drops. I believe at least one of those played a big part in a loss. The fumble lost numbers for TEs are so small that more than one in a season is notable. He’s had 4 in his last 18 games played - going back to the end of 2016. That’s definitely near the top for tight ends.

Thank you. Looks like it bears watching at least. Tried to do a bit of research to see if I could find an average tight end fumble rate, but no luck. I did find the average RB fumble rate (1 for every 124.5 touches) and he's way above that.

[albany ed]

I found myself watching Braden Smith at RT to see if he might work there. I'm no expert on assessing OL play, but from my novice POV, I'm thinking he may have gotten himself a starting job for the season. Any of you experts care to weigh in?

[Oldcolt]

Originally Posted by albany ed

I found myself watching Braden Smith at RT to see if he might work there. I'm no expert on assessing OL play, but from my novice POV, I'm thinking he may have gotten himself a starting job for the season. Any of you experts care to weigh in?

I think the final resting place for the offensive line is interesting. While I also thought Smith looked good to me so did LaRaven Clark. Clark seems to be the type of player that gets better only when he plays on a consistent basis. For that reason I'm beginning to think he should start. He wasn't perfect but each game he seems to get more consistent. He is less versatile than Smith as he is only a tackle. When TC comes back, would anyone here give LaRaven a shot at RT and let Smith be the primary backup to both guard and tackle? If he can handle it I see it as giving a little more versatility to the back up line as Good and Smith both can play multiple positions.

[JAFF]

Originally Posted by Chaka

I mostly agree with you, though I do get what GBB is saying. Sometimes, particularly with poorly thrown balls, Ebron gives you the impression he isn’t going all out. He won’t leap or dive for some balls, perhaps because he views them as impossible to catch, but I’m so used to other players make an effort in such circumstances - even if hopeless - that it kind of sticks out.

That being said, it does feel to me like the guy could be a special player. Something about him – maybe it’s the combo of his size, speed and physicality – just stands out, moreso than Swoope or even Doyle. I won’t kid myself and say he’ll ever have Doyle’s reliable hands, but I'm pretty optimistic he’ll become an elite receiving tight end for the Colts.

This isn't fair, but I'm going to say it anyway. Dallas Clark would look a pass in, get LIT UP, and hang on. He got drilled often running down the seam, but he didn't drop passes. It's an attitude. Ebron has a lot of physical talent. He doesn't like getting hit.