This is a really important factor. NFL players used to be gladiators, particularly in the trenches. Some of the stuff they put up with (like head slaps to the earhole and stuff like that) is absolutely unthinkable in today's game. When players got some control over their careers via real free agency the gladiator mentality began to go away. When you are actually going to be able to profit from your skills and ability at some point you are much less likely to play all out no holds barred football. You're much less likely to take big risks with your body. There are a few guys out there, like J.J. Watt, who defy the return to sanity by most players but even those guys don't necessarily go full throttle the way the great pros in the 60's, 70's and 80's did. It'll be interesting watching Watt this year now that the option has been picked up. He may be in human player mode instead of beast mode as he tries to save his body for the big contract in 2016.
I didn't read the link but regarding the headline Klecko's not wrong. Coples is a good solid run stuffing rotational D lineman but that's it at this point in his career. Until he shows that extra gear on the outside then he'll never be more than slightly above average. Quality depth guy for sure.
Odd, I listened to the interview and didn't notice the criticism of Mo. I though Klecko praised him a lot. maybe that was an area where Klecko thought Mo could still improve. I did hear the Coples and Homes remarks.
It was apparent when I watched the games live. Wilkerson is a second tier lineman because he does not go all out on every play. Wilkerson is somewhere in the 5-15 range of top defensive linemen. If he increases his stamina and gives a great effort on every snap, then he will join the likes of Robert Quinn and J.J. Watt on the first tier aka the elite tier.
I like Coples.. I see the flashes. Basically a rookie all over again after position switch.. He turned up toward the end of the year . He's invisible at times but he'll grow into the position i think
I like Coples more than most people seem to like him. He does not have the same drive as the other linemen, but maybe that will change.
coples rarely plays standing up as a lb, he never covers TE or RB.. he rushes from the edge almost on every snap with his hand in the dirt except with richardson or mo are out for rest he then gets kicked inside.. coples lead the team in qb hits last year.. he also had 2-3 sacks taken away from him because they were considers tackles for loss because of a QB scramble… you only noticed that play in the NO game because every one talked about it because it was almost a game winning play..and he also played slimmer then 290 lbs…sorry i don't agree with anything you posted
Klecko is a RACIST & s/b BANNED from all NFL activities/events/businesses for LIFE - "COPLE' d" with a cash fine of $16,277.52!!! Ser'ly tho', Klecko - an absolute BEAST w. the Sack Exchange never, EVER going "Bud-Lite" on D' - speaks from a constructive point of view. He's "pontificated" numerous times on the huge UPSIDE & POTENTIAL of both Wilk & Cope' dishing hi' praise after stellar performances. IMHO, he's merely stating what "critical-eye-for-detail" Jet fans are requesting; an increased level of improvement & consistent play that their hi talent & skill-set dictates. I look @ Cope' as some form of effective hybrid DL/LB when utilized correctly. Granted he's not blessed with cover speed of TE's or RB's, but he's a quality run-stuffer & attacks the edges more than adequately. He just need's to up his "internal drive & motivation". Wilk sometimes shows a lack of desire in games where the O has been useless otherwise he can be utterly overwhelming 'specially when the D plays as an effective unit. Kleck's opine may have been a bit harsh & over the cliff, but twisted the other way, it can be construed as some sort of motivational tool for both Wilk & Cope'.......
I agree with Klecko's comments and I hope it lights a fire under and in both Wilk and Coples to improve and prove Klecko wrong.
You are right, I have seen it, but I think he is pretty selective in terms of which plays he gives up on. I mean you want a guy to have a high motor but do you realize what we demand of Wilk? I've never seen him give up on a play where he was single teamed, I only really saw it (in 2013) when he was double teamed and the play was away. You know it's funny but it's probably a good thing Klecko said this. I'm sure Mo will hear about it within a couple hours, and he'll have something more driving his game. I bet Mo is kind of embarrassed by the nickname the fans gave the line, because after all it is kind of premature (I still kind of like it). He seems like he genuinely wants to get to that level, and I think the D-line will take it the right way. They don't want have been shown up by a rookie DL's motor lol.
i don't get why Coples is so undervalued by fans, the man doesn't have the stats (sacks) people want but that doesn't mean he isn't a valuable asset on the team. he has had an injured year where he had to adjust to an entirely new role and yet he was one of the best run stopping OLB's out there and provided his fair share of pressure. you'd think he was a bum that never did anything, he may be the most under appreciated member of the team. And I'm really confused as to how Wilk can be criticized for his effort, he's one of the best 3-4 DE's already theres nothing premature about saying that (saying the same of Richardson would be early though) And I don't agree with the idea that this will light a fire under their asses, that seems kind of silly... why would anything said by the media be on their minds? now, the COACHES saying something means a greater deal, but Klecko? meh, i don't see it.
I'm not in the camp of believing that EVERY current or former NFL player can evaluate talent. I don't believe that. At all. However, you can't ignore certain players and their views because you know they did it the right way when they played. You just know they were a sponge that would constantly seek and live football. In every facet. Klecko was one of those guys. Just a mean dude, who would not be denied. Constantly going full throttle every play, regardless of the damage and abuse he was implementing on his own body. He literally went until he broke down, and he did it while dominating game in and game out. You can't ignore that. Which is why I would never go against his opinion of our DL players. I think this will only benefit a guy like Mo Wilk though, which is a good thing because you can tell he wants to be the best he can be. Hopefully he can get that stamina under wraps and go into a whole other level.
Coples needs to finish the play in my opinion, guy is always in the back-field though. Hopefully he breaks out this season.
Agreed. I was in no way saying he was giving up on playable plays but there were a few that looked dead but when it was over he might have had a chance to make a play. In the same breath, when it does happen you can tell he is tired and most of the time did not have a great first movement. He clearly puts in the work (possibly to much) hopefully the later start to his physical preparation helps. Like you said also im sure Sheldon and Wilkerson will be pushing each other. Touching on Coples he is looking like he dropped weight. Wonder if Rex and company is looking for him to quicken up some and take on a more common pass rusher role.
He's right about Coples and Wilkerson and Richardson. Wilkerson is great but man sometimes he doesn't turn it on for some reason.. This is why I am glad they have Richardson because that kid gives everything every play, hopefully it will rub off on Wilkerson and Coples. This is a big year for Coples. He has a mulligan his rookie year and a relative mulligan switching positions last year. He's got to step it up this year. He's shown some things but he's got to be more than he has. The guy was a top 10 pick. He can't just show flashes, he's got to be a good player especially in his 3rd year. Big microscope year for him.
It was near the end of the radio interview... http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/05...-coples-he-looks-like-tarzan-plays-like-jane/ Basically he said that the situation with Holmes was worse than portrayed by the team. But he didn't use the word "cancer"....thank goodness.
