Here is a crazy thought--Manu related

[RamWraith]

What if Manu really isn't that bad of a tight-end. You know, if you really stop to think about it. Has the guy really been given a chance to succeed? You know the guy has made some really terrific catches for us and seems to have some soft hands. Maybe he didn't fit Martz's system as well. You know the expectations for the tight-end in his system is huge, problem is it is huge for the wrong reasons for Manu and never really played into Manu strengths. Martz's system seemed to call more for a road-grader type tight-end, and that defiantly isn't Manu. Maybe the answer is sitting right there in from of us. It will be interesting.

[tim]

when manu first got here he flashed some real potential with some great catches. he still does occasionally, but he's never made the step forward. personally, i think his hands aren't the only thing that's soft. i feel like i've seen him drop some catchable balls because he knew the hit was coming. am i the only one who thinks that?

[RamJackson39]

He cant break tackles, he has a tendency to fumble the football, and he cant block. I dont see the potential. I dont even see a TE. I see a guy who should not be a starter.

[Curly Horns]

You're right, Jason, it is a crazy thought.

I'd take Marmie as a DC before I'd take manu as any type of NFL football player.

He can't block worth a lick!!!

Get rid of him!!

He is a Nancy!!

[general counsel]

Its not quite as crazy as it sounds in the sense that i am not convinced that he cant catch. i am however convinced that his blocking is lousy and mentally, he seems to struggle with his assignments, especially the blitz pick ups. We rarely throw to him, thus, i am not indicting him as a receiver. Meanwhile, cap wise, i think we are probably stuck with him for another year. We need a monster blocker at the position for short yarrdage and goal line.

ramming speed to all

general counsel

[maineram]

As stated on another thread, maybe he just needs some time in training camp learning to block with the lineman. A dolphin fan posted that Linehan had his TE's get some time with the lineman in practice learning how to block. Manu is no McMichael but it may be what he needs.

Maineram -

[Rip32]

Remember the catch he made in "THE COMEBACK" against the Hawks for a touchdown in traffic,unbelievable!!!!!!!!:football:

[Goldenfleece]

Sure he can catch, but he's not exactly the next Antonio Gates as far as speed or leaping ability, and even if his blocking technique improves, he's probably not going to be a steamroller. And you definitely don't want someone who is going to be shying away from hits regularly catching balls across the middle. At worst, he's a liability in pass protection. At best he might be like a Jermaine Wiggins, who has caught 190 career passes, of which 15 have gone for 20 yards or more: consistent but not explosive.

[bruce_wannabe]

given the right oppurtunity like linehan scheme manu can succeed

I Just Beat My Friend In Madden 06 with the Rams .... 31 to 10 and he was the Jaguars!!!! Holt is unstopable!!!!

[theodus69]

Remember the catch he made in "THE COMEBACK" against the Hawks for a touchdown in traffic,unbelievable!!!!!!!!:football:

Ever see how many fumbles after the catch that put a game away? The guy is pathitic. Too bad , so sad, bye bye......I can only hope!:tongue:

[ramsbruce]

I Just Beat My Friend In Madden 06 with the Rams .... 31 to 10 and he was the Jaguars!!!! Holt is unstopable!!!!

How come you didn't throw to Manu??? :tongue: LOL

[Fat Pang]

Sorry guys, I've just been gabbling about this on another thread and have said virtually the same thing as Wraith.

Yes, I think we should give him another shot.

[chiguy]

Well, I think we have to give him a shot whether we like it or not. We've invested a ton of money in him and it would be a lot of cap to swallow if we don't keep him.

[Welker83]

If manu is good will be determined this season. Especially when WR's and QB's are learning, the TE is the ultimate safety valve. As the season progresses the WR's will start to get the majority of balls. As i said before Linehan worked with mcmichael on his blocking, so much that by the end of the season we had him blocking more than catching casue it was so effective for our pass protection and our runnning game. (6'5" 255)

I see Manu as TE #1- Primarily a receiving threat and secondly a blocker.
I Hedgcock as the H-back. Primarily a blocking TE/FB that will have Dump-off responsibilities.

[bigredman]

How about this. I agree with General Councel that we can't afford to cut him due to the cap hit, but what about converting him to a fullback? The blockting responsibilities are not as complex, and he is a load of a man to clear a hole for the tailback.