Sunday Expectations Open Thread: Kerry Meier

by Dave Choate on Feb 13, 2011 5:00 PM EST in Editorial

Everyone was expecting good things from Kerry Meier before he went down with an injury in August. With that in mind, it's extremely difficult to project what he'll do for the Falcons in 2011, assuming he makes the team.

But hey, it's a Sunday without football and we all need a little Sunshine. Let's talk about Meier's role with the team. I personally believe he'll stick as the replacement for Brian Finneran, a possession receiver with some muscle, and maybe put up 20 catches this upcoming season.

Talk it out.

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I expect good things

Technically sound, with an acute eye for reading opposing defenses and cornerbacks. Basically a veteren mentality towards the position. however, the limited athleticism of a recovering/recovered knee injury will hamper him.

Why do I say he’ll be so intelligent? He’s spent the entire last year sitting in gameplanning meetings and had the opportunity to constantly study White. in addition, he hasn’t personally had to focus on his own preparation for games, so he’s been able to study the WR play of other top tier players.

At least, that’s my optimistic hope.

by falconnuke on Feb 13, 2011 5:11 PM EST reply actions

Your optimism has me optimistic

by FLA_Falcon on Feb 13, 2011 5:25 PM EST up reply actions

In addition, he also played some QB in college, didn't he?

He’s pretty smart if I recall correctly.

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by Caleb Rutherford on Feb 13, 2011 7:04 PM EST up reply actions

yes he did

by Speedytosin on Feb 13, 2011 7:20 PM EST up reply actions

I had hoped that Meier would be a good #3/#4

depending on what happened with HD’s recovery. Now it’s hard to say. Most people want ATL to pick up a “speedster” or veteren FA WR for a real #2 or deep threat. Assuming that Meier’s recovery is faster than HD’s that would put him at #4 and HD at #5 – that is with a high draft pick WR or FA WR making the team. That means that Finn or HD might be in trouble. ATL probably won’t carry more than 6 WR’s.

I agree with falconnuke – I think Meiers will be technically sound with good route running and hands. We’ll just have to see how he has progressed from knee surgery.

by mwalex on Feb 13, 2011 5:17 PM EST reply actions

Can't worry about Kerry.

If he’s better and can contribute that’s fine but we gotta upgrade this position. Same for HD. We can’t keep nursing these guys hoping that they become great someday, today is our someday. I hope he and HD win out in camp but we still need one more star WR.

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Feb 13, 2011 5:26 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Lucky for us we didn't have that attitude with Roddy

Patience seems to earn more consistent success in the NFL than the “win now” philosophy.

by Leon07 on Feb 14, 2011 8:02 AM EST up reply actions

My highest hopes for Sunshine:

He transforms into Wes Welker and/or Jordy Nelson. That would give us an excellent slot option and a lot of receivers.

by saipol on Feb 13, 2011 6:39 PM EST reply actions

Your just saying that cause he's white.

I was hoping more for a Jerry Rice.

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Feb 13, 2011 6:44 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 3 recs

I'm confused about this guy

Who would you compare him to in terms of role/skillset? A Wes Welker, or is that way off? Is he a short route guy or is he more versatile?

I just know nothing about him. I know a lot of people are high on him, but since I never watch Kansas and he didn’t get to play his rookie year, any education anyone can give me on this “Kerry Meier” would be greatly appreciated.

by cheshire falcon on Feb 13, 2011 7:10 PM EST reply actions

He is a big across the middle guy.

A faster more athletic Finn. He seems to be willing to sacrifice his body for a catch or block like Q Boldin or Hines ward.

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Feb 13, 2011 7:13 PM EST up reply actions

I like the Hines Ward comparison

Though probably a few less dirty hits from Sunshine (though getting blindsided by Sunshine sounds like a fun thing to say). He’s surehanded, a good blocker, and isn’t going to burn any cornerbacks deep. I will say, however, that he is a bit faster than expected after I saw him in the Chiefs preseason game as a gunner on special teams; he’s a long strider but would likely beat linebackers and slower safeties in a foot race. Let’s just hope he keeps that knee together…

by TheAreopagite on Feb 14, 2011 8:58 AM EST up reply actions

oh yeah he refuses to wear gloves but rarely drops a pass.

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Feb 13, 2011 7:14 PM EST up reply actions

He just seems clutch.

I could see him getting upwards of 30 catches this season…great hands and smart routerunning (the two things that are the bane of HD’s existence). He looks to be someone Matty Ice will trust to throw the ball to.

by orion12 on Feb 13, 2011 7:12 PM EST reply actions

We know he's going to be slower due to the injury so

I’m not expecting anyone that can stretch the field or create after the catch. I think he’s another possession receiver. I expect our WR corp to consist of White, Jenkins, HD, Meier, and a high draft pick. Not to exclude Weems but I expect to remain as a returner primarily.

by Fear Me on Feb 13, 2011 7:14 PM EST reply actions

Please good Lord above LET IT BE!

Titus Young

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Feb 13, 2011 7:16 PM EST up reply actions

That way if HD breaks again or cant catch we got a better version.

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Feb 13, 2011 7:17 PM EST up reply actions

If you've watched this guy play, you know that he has an uncanny knack for getting open and making clutch catches

I think his supposed slowness is a bit overstated, he’ll never be the fastest guy on the field but he can shake a DB with some pretty slick moves. As long as he isn’t significantly impaired by his injury, I think he’ll be an extremely solid possession receiver. We still need one more big receiving weapon, though.

by ArthurDank on Feb 13, 2011 7:55 PM EST reply actions

We need a good, agile route runner

Other than White, our guys have shown a maddening inability to get open. That’s while under single coverage to boot. Could care less if he’s not a burner. A guy who can get open on those 3rd and 8’s like Finn is good in my book.

by aces666high on Feb 14, 2011 2:38 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Yeah I remember....

Coaching staff said he was catching everything thrown at him, i think he’ll get about 23 catches, for about 320 yards or so, or at least I hope!! really liked this pick.

by FilaLee33 on Feb 13, 2011 8:01 PM EST reply actions

Man, why is everyone seem to think HD isn’t the man in the slot? He’s gonna come back this year off of a down year b/c he was coming off of an injury. The same was with Welker and Brady after they had knee injuries. I want Meier to come in and be a solid 4 receiver late in the year. As much as I don’t want to see Finn-dawg out the door I am not sure he is gonna make the team this year due to age…

by CRFalco13 on Feb 13, 2011 10:24 PM EST reply actions