You wonder. Is MM just trying to avoid showing his hand? Or has there been a setback of sorts?
Clifton
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What's really going on with Clifton? He's old.
Don't see anything new here. I think MM's just thinking that Clifton has not been in for an entire game in a long time so he's not positive that he can hold up for four quarters. And, if not MM's comfortable with the backups we have. Might also be a way to spark Clinton a little too. Letting him know he will start but his play will dictate how long he stays in.
I just see that as an All Hands on Deck type of statement on the OLine.
We'll need them all.
We'll need them all.
Agree, not much new here, I think it also allows MM to praise MN and EDS in public and let them know they have confidence and expect them to compete and be ready.
Nothing more than not losing your starting position due to injury. If Cliffy can't do the job anymore he will be a back-up. At least for the remainder of this season.
Hate to talk about Cliffy in past tense but GB has been pretty spoiled for most of the last 30 years at LT. Starting with Ken Reuttgers who was a great technican and really a very solid LT for his career with GB (which ended in 96) then came a couple of cold years until Cliffy showed up and since 2000 he has been a rock out there!
Newhouse and Clifton are vastly different players, in his prime Clifton although lacking elite speed had great technique and the strongest hands I think I've seen on a LT. Speed rushers just stopped in their tracks when he grabbed them and I must admit I was very happy to see him get a ring last year. Looking at Detroit game again I don't read too much into his 25 snaps, it was a soft track and he appeared a little skitish at first but his last 8 or 9 snaps looked good. I think having Bulaga back will help the line and if Newhouse starts I think Chad will be a great backup and I have been very surprised at EDS this last half of the season!
Pack88
Newhouse and Clifton are vastly different players, in his prime Clifton although lacking elite speed had great technique and the strongest hands I think I've seen on a LT. Speed rushers just stopped in their tracks when he grabbed them and I must admit I was very happy to see him get a ring last year. Looking at Detroit game again I don't read too much into his 25 snaps, it was a soft track and he appeared a little skitish at first but his last 8 or 9 snaps looked good. I think having Bulaga back will help the line and if Newhouse starts I think Chad will be a great backup and I have been very surprised at EDS this last half of the season!
Pack88