2012 Could Be A Good Year For Chris Owens

Owens is better outside than in slot. I was shocked Grimes beat him out in 2010 but I guess it worked out. My gut says Grimes is gone. I think Owens is much more physical than grimes and will fit well in Nolan’s scheme.

Out CB depth chart being Robinson, Owens, Franks, Walls going into next season.

Don’t burn me at the stake, I love me some GrimeTime but I see Owens with all the tools he just needs to put it all together and keep it there. Franks was IMO the steal of the draft when we got him, the kid has all kinds of potential, and Walls was one of my very few and far between training camp dark horses that actually made the team. He is bursting at the seams with raw, untapped ability. Who knows how he will develop but he is one of my favorite depth chart bottom dwellers on this team. Sorry for rambling somewhat off topic.

Back to the original question: I loved Owens as a rookie, HATED him during the playoffs mutilation by the packers, but he definitely started down the path of redemption this season. He isn’t out of the woods yet but I think he has earned at least one last shot to show that he can run with the big dawgs.

he got beat like a drum against cincy last year too. and i think it was TO that did it to him for the most part too.

i know he played with a hurt back for the most part, if memory serves me, it was in that game he hurt it. kudo’s for a guy trying to play through an injury, but man the coaching staff HAD to have other options at nickel than someone who is hurt and got beat constantly.

sort of like your buckner comment, if the coaches had done their jobs, recognized that and replaced him with Franks or went out and got someone else, he wouldn’t have become so hated

then he played kinda poorly throughout the year in my opinion and the GB game just made me belive the guy was no good. I never hated him in the same way other fans did, I just didn’t think he was good enough. However he came out strong in 2011 and had some damn good plays. The Percy Harvin tackle really redeemed in my eyes. He showed he was fast than Harvin which is quite a feat in itself but then he stopped a potential td with it and while I wouldn’t say we’ve been good since, he’s played pretty consistently and I can’t name any real mess ups he’s had so I’m actually quietley confident about him no matter if we lose optimus or DR23.

Owens is a freakish athlete with tons of upside and extremely intelligent.As is usually the case with young corners in zone coverages,most of his big mistakes come when the pass rush is weak and the QB is able to extend the play.One of the hardest things for young corners to learn,is how to transition from the zone route coverage scheme into field coverage when the play breaks down.He is improving alot in that regard.

The best medicine for Owens and the rest of the secondary,is a serious improvement in the pass rush.The market price for Abe is going to be a terrible value.But there is also a price to pay for not paying it.Ultimately,I think we’ll offer him a year @2.5 to 3 mil,take it or leave it.He’ll leave it.And I dont see any immediate Dline help in the draft at our pick positions.I think Peters is a big winner with a full offseason and IF theres going to be the coming out party for Sidbury,this is the year for it.

No, he wasn’t perfect, but once they played him outside instead of in the nickel, I thought he improved considerably.

It’s funny, but when it comes to certain types of players – mostly defensive players – we tend to evaluate them based on single game performances versus the body of work. Yet, for our offensive guys, we’re willing to accept that a bad performance doesn’t mean they’re a bad player.

For instance, Ryan had a terrible game against the Texans, but we largely recognize that as an anomaly and not indicative of his normal level of play. However, many of us – myself included – have painted Owens as a terrible player based solely on the Green Bay game. Owens was certainly terrible in that game, but so were quite a few guys on the same bench.

Owens looked good for most of the year and I think his top-end speed is enough to keep up with almost any receiver. He’s fairly athletic (although not freakishly so like Grimes) and he does very well on the outside. I think the kid has earned a shot at competing for an outside corner spot. Franks and Hayden did pretty well at the nickel.

If anything, I think we’re looking very good at the CB position. Our depth at safety is far more concerning to me at this point.

…during the past two playoff losses, Owens was one of the few that didn’t quit. He’s young and I agree that BVG’s schemes weren’t best suited for Owens. But with Nolan coming in, I think that both Owens and Franks will perform better – especially once we get a decent pass rush going. Personally, gaffes aside, he’s a gamer with heart and I’m pulling for him.

wins or losses thats what i want from the falcons team most of all.

Matt Ryan should Grow a Mullet???