Marlin or Antoine?
by Mr. Naptown on Jul 30, 2009 4:18 AM EDT
18 comments
After this season, both will be free agents. Who should be more of a priority over the other to be re-signed: Marlin or Antoine?
Marlin was our first defensive first-round pick since Freeney. Although he played extensively for his first two seasons, he didn't become a starter until David was shown the door. Although his stats aren't gawdy as, say, Antonio Cromartie, he has made up for it in his physicality and making it difficult for opposing QBs to complete passes against us. He carried that reputation with him from his alma mater DBU aka University of Michigan (home of Ty Law, Charles Woodson, and Cato June). Not to mention, his interception against fellow alum Tom Brady sent Peyton to his first Super Bowl.
Antoine was a second-day selection for us (Polian used a compensatory pick on him no less). In his first TC with the Colts, he beat out starting FS Mike Doss because his coverage skills clearly trumped those of Doss's ("skills" have been shown during a playoff loss against Pittsburgh, a team who was a lot more run-oriented). Therefore, he immediately became the perfect compliment to Bob Sanders. Three years after being drafted, he has been the Colts' top-five in tackles in each season, helped them in the playoffs as a rookie (two INTs, one of which prevented a McNair TD at the goaline), and took a trip to Hawaii with his Pro Bowl teammates.
So, I ask again, who do you think should have a higher priority?
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Stampede Blue's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Stampede Blue's writers or editors.
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thats a tough one
i love Jackson……..but i guess you might have to let go whoever plays at the position with the most depth…….
damn…..i say neither!
by MARVININDY on Jul 30, 2009 5:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Depends on how Marlin rebounds from his ACL injury. Either way, I think the Colts will be fine if one or both of them leave. Although, it would be pretty sweet to see Bullett and Sanders on the field at the same time.
Yeah, so I sold out, do something about it! Like read my site Colts Chatter.
by KingRichard on Jul 30, 2009 7:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Marlin
I would rather keep Marlin because he could play safety in a pinch if needed. I am not as high on Bethea as some people are. He has made some big plays in the past, but has also given up a few big plays too and I don’t see much difference between Bethea and Bullitt and think they could upgrade either through the draft next year.
"I'm looking for Ray Finkle....and a clean pair of shorts."
by AceOfSpades on Jul 30, 2009 8:02 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Cornerback Depth
We’ll see how Jerraud Powers comes along, but I’m not too jazzed about our CB depth behind Jackson. Jennings or Rushing as a starter doesn’t really inspire confidence. If Bethea left and Bullitt took over, I think we’d be fine.
by tenyardfight on Jul 30, 2009 9:05 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bethea
No knee surgery, has almost the same numbers in 3 years that Bob has in 5 (except better passing numbers), already has a pro bowl, only guy in one of the best secondaries in the league to start all 16 games, and I think he could transition better to DB than Jackson could to FS.
Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.
by monstersbox on Jul 30, 2009 9:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Can't be decided until we see how Marlin comes back from his injury.
But if I had to pick, right now, I’d say Bethea. No Marlin, Bethea, Marlin…………….I just can’t decide. I like them both.
"You can't defend the perfect throw, what can I say?" Peyton quoting Marino
by Indy Lori on Jul 30, 2009 10:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If the new CBA doesn't get done
Bethea and Bullitt will be RFAs instead of UFAs and this is much less of an issue.
That's big talk for a little guy,
but I'm walkin' without reply.
-Lil Wayne "Mr. Postman"
by shake n bake on Jul 30, 2009 11:09 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bethea
I think Jackson played well since his rookie year here, however, prior to Bethea, we struggled to find a very good coverage safety. We all know how the Colts were with Doss. I think we should hold onto Bethea if the Colts are forced to choose between him and Jackson
by metal_militia on Jul 30, 2009 11:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Not Even Close
Bethea all the way. Cornerbacks are easily replaceable, but Pro Bowlers are not. Also there are some great cornerback prospects in the 2010 draft and it is tough to get a safety like Bethea. Perrish Cox will be someone to look for in 2010.
"I saw a commercial on late night TV, it said,'Forget everything you know about slipcovers.' So I did. And it was a load off my mind. Then the commercial tried to sell me slipcovers, and I didn't know what the hell they were."
-Mitch Hedberg
by Colts Homer on Jul 30, 2009 12:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bethea
Definitely Bethea. You have to remember that all of those interceptions that Bullitt made last year was while filling in for Bob, not Bethea. He complemented Bethea last year in coverage. Bethea doesn’t miss on deep balls and his always in position, plus he has great hands. Jackson really struggles in coverage if left 1 0n 1. Go back to the ’07 chargers game at the RCA dome and watch has he was taken apart by Volek. Or watch how Brady picked up a 1st down to Welker on a key 3rd and 5 to ice the game that same year. Keep Bethea
by jackj7 on Jul 30, 2009 12:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bethea is more proven
Really, Jackson is probably gone, the only question is if Bethea stays or goes too.
by slash196 on Jul 30, 2009 4:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
agreed
If I have to choose between the two, I would take Bethea, injury being a partial reason, and at the same time I think Bethea is better at his job than Marlin is at his job……now that’s not to say either of them are bad, but Bethea is very talented…..and his ball hawk skills compliment Bob’s wrecking ball hits perfectly. IMO
by harbaughmyhero on Jul 30, 2009 6:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This is a tough one
Bethea is a pro bowler and he’s younger. Polian likes young guys. BUT… Conerback might have some depth, but the depth is pretty much dead weight and unproven unskilled players. The defensive backfield is LOADED. We’ved got Bob Sanders, no need to explain, Giordano, possibly the fastest guy in football. We also have Melvin, who by the way is number one with a bullit. Oh, and he had four picks last year, what if he started all 16 games? Possibly a pro bowl safety. Not to mention safety is much easier to replace than CB. So I can’t decide, hopefully they both get signed to short contracts until the colts find new starters.
by Colts_and_Cavs_in_09! on Jul 31, 2009 3:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Depends on Jackson's return from injury.
I will let you know after this season.
by coltsfanawalt on Aug 1, 2009 2:24 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Marlin
If Marlin returns to form he will defintally be back. Melvin Bulitt is a starting safety thats benched and has proven to be a playmaker. Hes basically our sixth man in basketball terms. Also with our defense putting on pounds up front we are not as in need of a big run support saftey; no comparision being made here but Melvin is a very poor mans Ed Reed with his covering skills. In all if Marlin returns to form Betheas gone.
by blue31 on Aug 5, 2009 10:05 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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