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This guy doesn't say much...ever.
I was just thinking back to a couple years ago when "we"/"us" were calling for Sendejo to be pulled, that we must trade for/sign in FA some Safety with credentials to start opposite Harrison Smith. Whenever some top name came up in FA, it seemed like there was a hue and cry to "sign him", "wouldn't it be great if"...
I mean, who could blame the chorus? An UDFA out of Rice, played for an Arena football team out of Sacramento. Jack Schidt for credentials.
I think the number of times that I heard those comments were less last year.
This year, the quiet guy has frankly played consistently, been much more of a thumper, been in position better...and has quieted his critics. When Rick signed him to a four year, $16mm contract in March of 2016, I thought two things: a) they're off their rocker and b) they must be seeing something that I sure am not seeing.
In hindsight, I believe its the latter. And for all the crap that Rick has taken from fans over the past several years on some questionable (and potentially ballsey) personnel decisions, this is one of the wise moves.
I think it is a testament that Coach Zim and his position coaches actually "coach" guys. Help them improve...season to season, game to game. IMHO, Sendejo is one guy on this D who has upped his game in a noticeable way, and is in no small part a major contributor to our overall toughness and stinginess. He may not be a Pro Bowler, but dangit...he sure has gotten solid back there.
Long been posting in defense of Sendejo. His consistent play on the back end allows Smith to move, blitz, and generally disrupt the offense. He is reliable, a solid piece of our great defense.
That said, I think we are much better off depth wise this year. We didn't seem to struggle as much when missing Sendejo this year. An upgrade would be nice, but I think we spend the money at LB instead.
Definitely playing well within the system...allows Smith to be the Queen on Zim's chess board...but like several on the D, he doesn't consistently wrap up...that's probably a league wide issue...drives me nuts...
Quote: @"BarrNone55" said:
Definitely playing well within the system...allows Smith to be the Queen on Zim's chess board...but like several on the D, he doesn't consistently wrap up...that's probably a league wide issue...drives me nuts...
Yeah and there was one hit yesterday that just about hit a teammate. I can do without the reckless kill shots as well.
I think it was Mac yesterday that just tried chopping Julio down and didn't make the tackle.
I like his style BUT... he's often a half step late, reckless with his hits, and his tackling is a little questionable when he goes for the kill shot instead of the sure tackle. That said he has improved and seems to have better position now-still reckless/dangerous IMO. But I like him as a complimentary safety.
Quote: @greediron said:
@"BarrNone55" said:
Definitely playing well within the system...allows Smith to be the Queen on Zim's chess board...but like several on the D, he doesn't consistently wrap up...that's probably a league wide issue...drives me nuts...
Yeah and there was one hit yesterday that just about hit a teammate. I can do without the reckless kill shots as well.
I think it was Mac yesterday that just tried chopping Julio down and didn't make the tackle.
Basic fundamentals... Wrap up...every time...when you see a form tackle, it stands out...
Quote: @"BarrNone55" said:
@ greediron said:
@"BarrNone55" said:
Definitely playing well within the system...allows Smith to be the Queen on Zim's chess board...but like several on the D, he doesn't consistently wrap up...that's probably a league wide issue...drives me nuts...
Yeah and there was one hit yesterday that just about hit a teammate. I can do without the reckless kill shots as well.
I think it was Mac yesterday that just tried chopping Julio down and didn't make the tackle.
Basic fundamentals... Wrap up...every time... when you see a form tackle, it stands out...
Like the one the blocker did on Hunter as he rushed the punter?
Quote: @"BarrNone55" said:
Definitely playing well within the system...allows Smith to be the Queen on Zim's chess board...but like several on the D, he doesn't consistently wrap up...that's probably a league wide issue...drives me nuts...
Exactly what I was thinking Barr. Sometimes his lack of wrapping the ball carrier drives me nuts. However, on the whole he's being playing quite well.
Fact, Zimmer and Rick pursued Iloka. Strong insider rumor, Zimmer and Rick were going to take a Safety last Draft until they saw Cook falling.
He's League Average. And that's fine. But think about Elite Defenses like Denver recently had. No League Average anywhere.
I talk a lot about Opportunity vs. Cost. So far, the opportunity to replace Sendejo has been outweighed by the cost. Iloka was too expensive. Missing on a stud RB was too big of an opportunity to pass on.
But Zimmer and Rick will keep looking. I can guarantee that. And they should. You never stop looking for upgrades or a successor for an older player or someone nearing FA that you might not be able to resign.
He's plenty good enough to be on a Super Bowl winner. He's not good enough to be on a truly Elite Defense. And neither are Gedeon, TJ, Waynes or Alexander. They are all good enough, but Zimmer and Rick have to be looking at all avenues for upgrades because that's their job.
Quote: @FSUVike said:
Fact, Zimmer and Rick pursued Iloka. Strong insider rumor, Zimmer and Rick were going to take a Safety last Draft until they saw Cook falling.
He's League Average. And that's fine. But think about Elite Defenses like Denver recently had. No League Average anywhere.
I talk a lot about Opportunity vs. Cost. So far, the opportunity to replace Sendejo has been outweighed by the cost. Iloka was too expensive. Missing on a stud RB was too big of an opportunity to pass on.
But Zimmer and Rick will keep looking. I can guarantee that. And they should. You never stop looking for upgrades or a successor for an older player or someone nearing FA that you might not be able to resign.
He's plenty good enough to be on a Super Bowl winner. He's not good enough to be on a truly Elite Defense. And neither are Gedeon, TJ, Waynes or Alexander. They are all good enough, but Zimmer and Rick have to be looking at all avenues for upgrades because that's their job.
I think you are completely wrong when it comes to Waynes and Alexander. Zim was just saying in his press conference that Alexander was coming along nicely. Waynes has also stepped up his game this season.
Just because we’d all like to see all pro players at all positions, that doesnt happen.
The Vikings have players that fit the system, which is sometimes better than having players who are the best athletes. Sometimes those guys want to freelance and not play in the system and end up hurting you more than helping.
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