Hardy

How do we feel about his development? The light finally seems to be coming on there.

 

He's not beating people off the edge, so he could theoretically be as effective rushing the passer at DT, allowing someone else with speed to attack at RDE in pass rushing situations. He and CJ both have that thing about dominating some games and disappearing for most.

 

You could say that for Peppers. As for Hardy, I'm glad he's having a nice season, but PLEASE do not sign him to a huge extension. Let someone else make that mistake. I hope that whoever is making these decisions has a copy of his dumbass tweet while he was doing 110 in a Bentley.

 

Early in his career, but the last two seasons with Carolina he had fewer no-sack games than any DE except Jared Allen. Maybe DEs become more consistent with experience as they master technique; I haven't analyzed that.

 

We will be in the shuck contract mode. Hardy will get a contract offer but surely someone else who is needy at DE will throw him more

 

Shit, I still think THIS team is DE needy. I think Collin is spot on assessing Hardy as a capable backup. I'm just hoping the team doesn't overvalue him. I'm guessing they won't since they ought to be gunshy about handing out any new contracts to our own guys.

 

yes. Exceeded my expectations. I don't think there's a doubt in my mind whether he's a starter. I don't care about future contracts or 2015 starters, it's early for that, but he's improved his game stamina and his run defense, which honestly were bigger problems last year than anything.

he had some nice rushes on Clady, and it's odd he's playing mostly right end but it's not like it's not working. It's nice to have him, or CJ, to put inside at times but I'm not sure I'm aware of any sacks he's had inside.

I like Alexander as well, but he's not getting a ton of playing time.

 

They don't use him at DT since DE is so thin, but the way he rushes the passer could easily work from DT. It's something to consider if the team can get a speed guy to race around the backside edge.

 

I'd like a speed rusher to compliment him. Starter, rotational, whatever. Most backups play anyway.