My Adoptee: Chris Kuper Watch

[Kaylore]

I'm going to start this thread and just bump it with new information as he plays this last game and if he starts this season. (If he does, we'll be fine ;))

I know most of you don't care because he is a lineman, but he was mostly the guy responsible for Cobbs' TD run in the Texans game and he's been awesome for us all preseason.

Ok here's the review from the Titans game:


Breaking down the Titans game for my boy Kuper. I'll give his hilights here.


Gets beat by a swim move early in his first drive in the second quarter on the play where Cutler tried to hit Scheffler as he ran out of bounds. He tries to shove Randy Starks past Cutler unsucessfuly. Cutler throws it before he's sacked.

Really does a good job on the screen dropped by Scheffler of pushing his guy out and away from the QB, even though he is letting guys by. It gives the QB enough time to make the throw.

On the next play the titans blitz three and Kuper and Eslinger are the only guys that pick any bit of it up. Pretty impressive. They bury the first guy and keep the other two in front of them.

The next play, when Alexander is held and Thornton is called for PI, Kuper in one on one and totally pancakes his guy! It was awesome!

The next play is a run play and Kuper pushes past the D-line and locks out Robert Reynolds springing Tatum for a big gain. You will notice that all our great runs were up the right side.

On the next play a pitch to Tatum, Kuper locks up Randy Starks and Starks doesn't move an inch.

They score the next play. Nothing impressive there, but nothing bad.

On the next drive, Kuper gets beat by Haynesworth but peels back and then burries him allowing for a decent gain.

The next play is a strike to Tony Scheffler and the entire interior line plays solid creating a wide pocket and time for Cutler ho hit Scheffler down field.

Next play h efaces the same swim move but is able to push the defender back and reset preventing any penetration. He appears to at least be able to learn how to adjust to the rush and does a good job of keeping proper blocking posture.

In the second half he beats or at least neutralizes his guy on every play. The most impressive play is the deep pass to Scheffler down field in what looks like the last pass by Cutler. Against a blitz, Kuper shoves off the defender into the center, Eslinger. He then picks up the blitz and just shoves him backward a few feet and then returns to help Eslinger to finish his block on the Defensive tackle.

I gotta say I'm very impressed with Chris Kuper and look forward to seeing him play again this Sunday. We got a future starter here, folks.

Next Is the Texans game!

[watermock]

Sounds like a real pussycat.

[Kaylore]

So my guy started out a little rought but once he settled he really got going. In fact, he was the one that sprung Cobbs on the TD! : Let's do first things first.

The first few plays it was hard to see because they were moving left to right so he was obscured, so I'll just start with the first play I can see him on.

LOL the first block I see him make he uses not his hands, but his butt! Watch as he gets pushed by the lineback but keeps driving shoving his arse into him and pushing him off pursuit. It's the second play of the second team. A run by Cobbs for a first down.

The next play is Cobbs tackled for a loss on a run up the left side. Kuper gets to the second level with myers and blocks out a linebacker, but its away from the play.

Next play is Jay's fumble. No play.

On the next play, the deep ball to Watts, Kuper is the only lineman on the blitz to not yield ground. If you watch all the other linemen are pushed back, but Kuper wins his battle at the point of attack and shuts his guy down!:strong:

Next drive

Kuper does a great job of just slamming his assingment back a few feet in one push and then turning helping Meadows finish off the end. Cutler throws the ball too high, but great work on taking his guy out of the play and then turning to help Meadows before the pocket collapses.

The next play is kind of bad. Kuper takes the wrong guy and Eslinger is left with two defenders to block. Jay gets flushed from the pocket and rolls out to complete the pass to Nate Jackson.

The next play the entire line hold their blocks and Jay completes a pass to Cobbs for a first down.

After that there's a runup the middle. Kuper grabs number 95 and just shuts him down. minimal gain up the middle.

The next is a pass over the middle to Jackson. The right end stunts to the inside. Kuper throws the tackle back a few feet, then turns with Eslinger and they burry the end. No preasure - completed pass.

Next play is an audible Jay calls at the line for a slant to Terrell. Three step drop, so not agreat assesment of his abilities, but there was obviously no rush.

The next play is the most impressive one and it results in a TD. It looks like the Texans are in a nickle defense on second and short. Jay Audibles a run up the gut. Kuper works with Eslinger to push the tackle out of the play creating a whole, he then turns upfield and slams the pursuing linebacker into the ground thus clearing TWO holes in the front seven! Result: TD!

The rest of the plays he's consistantly able to take his guy out and get to the second level. I really wish I could see him against starting defenders. I'll try and watch the Lions game again since their D played the whole first half.

Anyway, hope you guys who appreciate the linemen enjoy this! :)

[fontaine]

Anyway, hope you guys who appreciate the linemen enjoy this! :)

I certainly do. Thanks Kaylore.
^5

[Mediator12]

Khan, 3 of the 4 DL for Detroit were not starters in that Game. Rogers, Cody, and Kalimba Edwards were not active. Thanks for the report though ;D

[Dos Rios]

I love it Kaylore, thanks. Folks notice the incredible raw tools of Cutler, but Kuper's been just as impressive from his position without the hype. He's got the raw material to not only develop into a starter, but a potential Pro Bowler. An absolute hog.

Not to sully your thread, but any thoughts on Green's release? Obviously, they must be happy about Meadows. What surprises me, though, is that Green got cut even before Pears. Is that a right tackle/left tackle question only?

I'll take an OL thread any day of the week!

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

I think you have an adoptee with great potential Khan. Congrats and thanks for the reports.

[SNR_Chief]

Be sure you keep this thread updated even thoughout the season. Even though he's a Donk, I watched this kid at the U of North Dakota for his 3 years as a starter here. He's also a great backup center.

I'm rooting for him to succeed at this level, even if it is for you guys.

[Kaylore]

I love it Kaylore, thanks. Folks notice the incredible raw tools of Cutler, but Kuper's been just as impressive from his position without the hype. He's got the raw material to not only develop into a starter, but a potential Pro Bowler. An absolute hog.

Not to sully your thread, but any thoughts on Green's release? Obviously, they must be happy about Meadows. What surprises me, though, is that Green got cut even before Pears. Is that a right tackle/left tackle question only?

I'll take an OL thread any day of the week!

Given that Green was the backup last year and already let go, I'm hoping it means some of the other guys are stepping up. I personally think that tackle is one of our weakest positions right now (outside of the starters).

Be sure you keep this thread updated even thoughout the season. Even though he's a Donk, I watched this kid at the U of North Dakota for his 3 years as a starter here. He's also a great backup center.

I'm rooting for him to succeed at this level, even if it is for you guys.
Will do, man!

[Dedhed]

Kuper's job on the TD run by Cobbs was beautiful. Locks up the DT and passes him inside to the Center, disengages and throws the key block on the LB that springs Cobbs. So good.

[Kaylore]

Kuper's job on the TD run by Cobbs was beautiful. Locks up the DT and passes him inside to the Center, disengages and throws the key block on the LB that springs Cobbs. So good.

If you watch, most of the big plays this preseason were because Kuper blew some guys up. There was Cobbs' run, Kuper picks up a blitz on the TD to Kircus in the Lions game, a lot of those plays have been Kuper (with Myers and Eslinger) taking control.

[Cito Pelon]

Sounds like a good player. I remember the draft reports on the kid were pretty positive:

"He was impressive at the East-West Shrine Game because he consistently improved throughout the week. He raised his competitive level because he knew the man he was blocking was clearly much more talented. He might need a season or two to improve his technique and consistency, but eventually will become a good starting guard in the NFL." http://www.orangemane.com/BB/showthread.php?t=41585&page=2

Same thread had some reports with words like "aggressive", "mean streak". Hard to argue with aggressive, a mean streak, speed and agility.

[Kaylore]

An injury on the offensive line could see Kuper starting! A board member has just mentioned that Carlisle will roll over to the left side and Chris Kuper will fill him in their. Could this be the beginnings of a hall of fame player? Only time will tell...

[ludo21]

Coop moves over?

I guess the coaches either think Pears aint ready or Kuper must be ready!

Cant wait to see, i just hope it Coop can slide his feet enough on Sunday to stop Freeny

[Bronx33]

An injury on the offensive line could see Kuper starting! A board member has just mentioned that Carlisle will roll over to the left side and Chris Kuper will fill him in their. Could this be the beginnings of a hall of fame player? Only time will tell...


You would think mike would try to stay with experienced replacements it does sound logical.

http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:v4vX0IRqW3K0QM:www.hipark.austin.isd. tenet.edu/arc/grade3/spock.GIF

[Kaylore]

I don't know. On the one hand, Carlisle has played left tackle and is a starter. Kuper is good enough to start so you would have better talent on the offensive line that way. On the other hand if you just move Pears up you avoid disrupting the rest of the line to some degree. I hope it's true. We'll see.

[Atwater His Ass]

The question is where does Shanny see the talent drop off the most? In other words, does this move show more confidence in Kuper or more lack of confidence in Pears? What is the balance here, 60/40, 70/30, worse, better?

[GonzoLays]

Why keep two backup offensive tackles if they are not worth it? If Pears and Meadows are that bad, they should have dropped one off the roster at the beginning of the season and kept a OT on the practice squad in case of an emergency.

Makes no sense to keep two guys who are only going to play if one tackle and one guard go down in the season. They should have just kept one.

[GonzoLays]

Really, not taking anything away from Kuper, but why keep two backup offensive tackles if you are not going to play one of them when your starting offensive tackle goes down? Does that make sense to anyone?

[Odysseus]

I certainly do. Thanks Kaylore.
^5

Kuper is going to be special.

[Man-Goblin]

Really, not taking anything away from Kuper, but why keep two backup offensive tackles if you are not going to play one of them when your starting offensive tackle goes down? Does that make sense to anyone?

Excellent point and the answer is not at all.

Maybe their that high on Kuper and just wanna get him in? I dunno....But it makes no sense that it would take BOTH starting tackles getting hurt before ONE of the two backup tackles gets a sniff.

[elsid13]

First DenverPost mentioned that Meadow had MRI on his shoulder this week, because it was bothering him. Second the coach must like Pears, but are concerned that he doesn't have enough experience to take on Freeny this week and rather go with Cooper. It a lot easier to move a rookie guard into the line with Nails and Foster to help him then out a rookie LT on island against one of the best pass rusher in the league.

I cannot think of any rookie offense linemen that didn't sit for a year or two before they started in Denver during the Shanahan era.

[SureShot]

Really, not taking anything away from Kuper, but why keep two backup offensive tackles if you are not going to play one of them when your starting offensive tackle goes down? Does that make sense to anyone?

I would think to keep them away from KC.

[SureShot]

First DenverPost mentioned that Meadow had MRI on his shoulder this week, because it was bothering him. Second the coach must like Pears, but are concerned that he doesn't have enough experience to take on Freeny this week and rather go with Cooper. It a lot easier to move a rookie guard into the line with Nails and Foster to help him then out a rookie LT on island against one of the best pass rusher in the league.

I cannot think of any rookie offense linemen that didn't sit for a year or two before they started in Denver during the Shanahan era.


See Tom Nalen.

[elsid13]

See Tom Nalen.

Nalen was drafted under Wade and was rookie in 1994 (started 1 game and played in 7), Shanahan and his staff didn't show up until 1995. And I ask the question again do you remember any rookie linemen starting under Shanahan?

[SureShot]

Nalen was drafted under Wade and was rookie in 1994 (started 1 game and played in 7), Shanahan and his staff didn't show up until 1995. And I ask the question again do you remember any rookie linemen starting under Shanahan?

I missed the Shanahan part. See Jamie Brown.

[SureShot]

And Dan Neil.