Sam Shields is the 2nd best CB in the League

[mission]

OK, shock value, I know... but maybe not far off. Am I crazy for thinking he's a top 10-15 CB??

Did you know he's only given up two receptions in 71 pass attempts. The second best rate in the league behind Nnamdi.

Also did you know that one of those catches is ... is ... from Monday night, last play of the game? According to PFF, that was against Shields. So.... he's really only given up one reception.

Kid is playing great. I've been saying for a year that he was our best corner last year all tackling aside. Nice to see the word getting out. He's been shutdown and very aggressive tackling.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Agreed. I liked what I saw in the last two preseason games. One of the reasons I'm encouraged about this team--along with some fresh faces in the front 7 and McMillian,

[Harlan Huckleby]

Plenty to be excited about on the defense. I actually don't mind punting to the other team now.

[Joemailman]

You have to respect Shields for the way he's handled things this year. He was demoted based on last year's performance, and got off to a poor start in training camp. He hung in there and now he's playing as well as anyone in the secondary. Hope getting victimized by 2 horrible calls Monday Night doesn't affect him negatively.

[BZnDallas]

Plenty to be excited about on the defense. I actually don't mind punting to the other team now.

THIS!!!

I of course, always want our offense to score a TD with every possession... but in the event that I see Masthay (sp?) running out onto the field, I dont seem to get that feeling in the pit of my stomach every time... and speaking of our punter, does he have a top 5 big leg in the league? the guy drop bombs!

heres to the infusion of talent, and the progression of another offseason... lets get this offense on track and see what we got in this team...

[denverYooper]

Plenty to be excited about on the defense. I actually don't mind punting to the other team now.

Or a deep sense of dread every time they get to 3rd and long.

[pbmax]

Or a deep sense of dread every time they get to 3rd and long.

That is the worst. Instead of wondering where the offense will get the ball, you wonder which part of the D will breakdown this time.

[sharpe1027]

I think Shields has settled down and is getting the job done at a high level. I don't think you can begin to talk about top 10 material until he does it for more than a three games.

To me, the great thing is that Shields' good play is being complemented well by Hayward, who is playing like a veteran. I also like McMillian's aggression and athleticism, but I worry he's going to cost us some plays with rookie mistakes. There were a few times that he seemed a bit turned around.

[denverYooper]

That is the worst. Instead of wondering where the offense will get the ball, you wonder which part of the D will breakdown this time.

The first few times that they tackled someone before the sticks, I could barely believe it.

[mraynrand]

I see some similarities with this defense and the '81 49ers. Minus Ray Rhodes, of course...

[Smidgeon]

I think Shields has settled down and is getting the job done at a high level. I don't think you can begin to talk about top 10 material until he does it for more than a three games.

To me, the great thing is that Shields' good play is being complemented well by Hayward, who is playing like a veteran. I also like McMillian's aggression and athleticism, but I worry he's going to cost us some plays with rookie mistakes. There were a few times that he seemed a bit turned around.

Maybe. But did you see his pass defense? He didn't need to be draped over the guy to make the play. I like the kid and think he'll be good for a long time.

[sharpe1027]

Maybe. But did you see his pass defense? He didn't need to be draped over the guy to make the play. I like the kid and think he'll be good for a long time.

Yep, he just looks a little raw at times (but is good for a rookie). Hayward, on the other hand, just looks solid.

[Brandon494]

Lets look back a few weeks ago to the fans who thought Shields wouldn't even make the team.

[sharpe1027]

Lets look back a few weeks ago to the fans who thought Shields wouldn't even make the team.

To be fair to those fans, just because he's doing well now that does not mean he was doing well during training camp. Plenty of players have been cut, only to resurface somewhere else and do well.

[Joemailman]

Lets look back a few weeks ago to the fans who thought Shields wouldn't even make the team.

I hear ya. Where would we be without Shields and Hawk?