Roman cut

[Patler]

I don't know. Roman was really poor in 2004. I think Thompson expected Freeman &/or Little to be a significant upgrade. Thompson wasn't just taking a flyer on those free agents, it was to fill a need.

I disagree completely. Anyone who has been in the league and can't find a contract for more than the veterans minimum is pretty much a "flyer" for one reason or another, age, injury, ability, attitude or a combination of reasons. In fact, TT as much as admitted that he took a flyer on Little. His agent (Rosenhaus) who had also represented Freeman who signed earlier, contacted TT saying Little was looking for a chance in camp somewhere. TT said when they met he was surpied by Little's preparation and understanding of Bates' defense, so he signed him even though he really didn't intend to. He even acknowledged that Rosenhaus' clients might be fighting for one spot on the roster. Sounds like a "flyer" to me.

Sure there was a need to fill, that's why Thompson drafted two safeties with high picks in 2005 AND signed two free agents while retaining an encumbant starter. The had three veteran safeties who had significant starting experience (Roman, Little, Freeman), and two high picks for two positions. In spite of having Freeman and Little, if you remember the staff routinely said Collins was expected to start right away, and they even suggested that by the end of the season Underwood could be starting too. However, by the end of camp Underwood proved to be less ready than they expected.

I never got the impression last year that they had high expectations for either Little or Freeman. To the contrary, they seemed to have higher expectations for Collins and Underwood. Collins met his, Underwood did not.

I do sense higher expectations this year for Manuel.