Rookie Watch 2022

It might simply be that this coaching staff prefers giving rookies a bit more time to absorb...especially ones who've missed some time.

As far as picking up the defense, I'm not sure how many really have, by their overall play. Even though they've only given up 24 points each of the last 2 games, they've looked ripe to be giving up much more than that.

I'm also confused on Cine.  There was at least one tackle I remember Metellus missing that left me thinking "If Cine is the hammer he's supposed to be, he makes that play".  I thought the whole point of drafting Cine was that he was a critical piece to the defense.  They were going to run some 3 safety looks and he was going to be all over the field.  Detroit's bread and butter was the shallow crosses - something that Kendricks and a guy like Cine should be good at shutting down.

So far I've notice the defense mix up the front 6 a lot with different combinations of D Line + edge rushers + LB, but everything behind that has been the exact same group with 1 for 1 injury replacements.  This make s the Asamoah situation a bit interesting.  Jordan Hicks has rotated in and out more than I'd expect for a LB2.  As he subs in and out it seems like Asamoah could be subbed in for a few spots where that might not be possible with a more traditional ILB2 role in a 3-4 defense.  Asamoah would be interesting - he seems like an aggressive hitter, that's good, it makes me wonder what the hang up is.  Jordan Hick's contract appears to be a one year rental (with a large, non-guaranteed base next year making him all but sure to be cut); so there's not a real financial reason to keep him out there.

Regarding Cine, according to Judd, he isn't getting the scheme. Says it's a problem.

...take it for what it's worth.

Yeah, that's kind of the joke. "Ignore all of your talent and instincts ... stand back and do nothing." lol.

There's been 3 games and we're worried about our draft class?!

I'll remind you that Justin Friggin' Jefferson didn't get much for targets or even get up to 75% of offensive snaps until week 3 his rookie year either...nobody talked about concern with his contributions (just questions about the why)

For all we know, by the end of the season Cine, Booth, Evans, and Asamoah will all be key contributors.

I saw him miss numerous tackles and let receivers run free on several occasions. Mathew Coller confirmed it when he talked about it more in his post-game podcast, if you'd like to listen.

MC does come off a bit condescending even in his podcasts, but he loves doing deep-dives on film and stat-analyzations, which is why I like listening to his takes.

Ben Goessling was my favorite podcast guy by far, loved his witty humor and overall demeanor, but he's hiding behind a pay wall now at the strib, and I'm not paying anyone to listen to their podcasts.