I would be remiss if I did not express some concern over Shariff Floyd's, Xaiver Rhodes', and Cordarelle Patterson's performance (or there lack of performance). For a team that wants to be young, I see a double standard in play here with this team. I don't know what the benefit of bringing along a first round draft pick slowly is. I can understand the other rounds, but a first rounder, who isn't a QB? You don't draft first rounders to bench them and rotate them. You don't draft first rounders to only act as a KR.
Outside of playing time, execution by them has been sloppy (albeit it could be expected). Xavier Rhodes didn't have the best game but the fact that he still isn't the starter is asinine. Xavier, as long as he is healthy, definitely has the potential to be a very good player. However, not starting him is a mistake.
As far as Shariff Floyd? I don't what to say. When he does play, it is hard to see much of an impact from him. It doesn't seem that he has the explosion he had at Florida. Then again, who on the d-line has been explosive this year? Floyd had a sack this past game, but he also had a costly penalty on the sack. I think it is time to play Shariff over Gunion. The fact that Gunion even sees the field makes me want to throw up.
When it comes to Cordarrelle Patterson it simple: throw him the DAMN ball. I want to throw up every time I see double tight or Jarius Wright on the field over Cordarrelle. I don't buy that BS that Cordarrelle can't run a route tree. Cordarrelle hasn't even had a chance to SHOW he can run a full route tree. Oh, but I am sure Patterson is benched because Jarius Wright and John Carlson are just superior practice players.
Cordarrelle Patterson is too physical and too explosive to bench. Play him. As I stated earlier, it is not time to go into full blown panic over our rookies. However, one has to be bit a concerned. It is essential to play these guys more often. Let's face it, this season is in the tank. There is no point giving veterans the playing time over the rookies.
