Nate Allen:Brandon Graham::2012:2011

Hockey5djh · Joined: 08 Feb 2008 Posts: 14705

For those that don't get the thread title....Why is Nate Allen in 2012 being treated like Brandon Graham was in 2011?

Brandon Graham had a slow rookie year, like MANY players do in the NFL and tore his ACL at the end of the season. In 2011, he came back to the team and was labeled a bust and consistently being compared to JPP (who <5% of this board wanted on the team) even though he was still "recovering" from a well known two year injury. In 2012, he finally started getting some starting snaps and ended the year on a high note piling up 4 sacks in the last 5 games of the season. You now see Graham making 85-90%* of peoples "What 5 players would you keep" lists.

Nate Allen is in a similar situation. He actually came into his rookie year and lit the world on fire in the first 3-4 games and tapered off slightly. Allen ended up rupturing his patellar tendon forcing Kurt Coleman into a starting position. Allen is currently being cut in 80%* of mocks on this forum despite suffering a pretty significant injury and working his way back onto the field.

So I ask my Eagles Forum bretheren...why is Nate Allen getting the "Brandon Graham Treatment"?

* These percentages are not 100% accurate just picked a number that seemed reasonable and satisfied my need to make a point.
_________________

^The Little Brother

RainbowCarebear · Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2013 1:25 pm Post subject:

I can't believe this...

Someone who actually isn't calling for Nate's head.

I think with the right coach/scheme he could be a good Centerfielding Safety.

But I'm a homer.
_________________

"Of gold and silver and gemstones, it had none; bronze and iron were the metals of winter"
"He is part of you, Robb. To fear him is to fear you."
"These are northmen, Uncle. The north remembers."

oland11 · Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2013 1:26 pm Post subject:

I see no reason why we shouldn't let him compete fr a starting role next year, IMO.
_________________

PhiCelek87 · Joined: 22 Dec 2009 Posts: 2001

I wouldn't cut him, but I'd certainly be willing to listen to offers for him - even a late round pick I'd probably jump at.

ninjapirate · Joined: 14 Jan 2005 Posts: 28401 Location: Vegas

Safety is a very cerebral position, if Nate has lost all of his confidence he probably never amounts to anything. A safety can't second guess himself.
_________________

Eagles_808 · Joined: 12 Mar 2008 Posts: 24775 Location: Torrance, CA

I'm willing to give Nathaniel Allen another year to see what he can do at full health, as long as he is playing the center field type of free safety role. But I do believe we should bring in some competition to push him.
_________________

insignia by McNabbNo5 | #championCHIP | #Sparkles

nlesthought · Joined: 21 Feb 2007 Posts: 7605

The things I don't like about him prior to rookie yr:

He's not physical in the least, more of a jump on the pile guy

He doesn't attack the football in coverage/tackling

Now that maybe asking for a lot, Dawkins is part to blame, but I don't see a high ceiling on this guy since 1 he never was explosive and the lack of ball skills /coverage skills makes him a typical AR reach.

I wouldn't mind him coming back to compete/play ST because we are definitely rebuilding but when we were in "win now" mode I wouldn't count on him to be a solid starter.
_________________

psn: nlesthought l Peppers90 on the sig

Hockey5djh · Joined: 08 Feb 2008 Posts: 14705

Hammertime52 · Joined: 15 Jan 2012 Posts: 5094 Location: South Jersey

I honestly thought he'd be a complete beast this year. I'll give him one more year before i give up on him.
_________________

Bird Watch: Brent Celek
Catches: 41 Yards: 509 TDs: 1 EPIC Hurdles: 1

PhiCelek87 · Joined: 22 Dec 2009 Posts: 2001

willy_law · Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2013 2:18 pm Post subject:

I just did a mock where we kept Allen. I brought in 3 new safeties. I think Allen needs to be challenged but I also think he does have good center-fielding safety ability. I am willing to give him 1 more season and based off his play we go from there.
_________________

Meco · Joined: 30 Aug 2012 Posts: 2315 Location: Las Vegas

Because Brandon Graham was actually good before he injured his knee and he was stuck behind a pro-bowl defensive end after he finally recovered. Nate Allen's knee injury wasn't as significant, he wasn't playing as well when he got hurt and he's had no similar obstacles for playing time. Brandon Graham has always shown promise, it's been a long, long time since Nate Allen has shown promise. Allen just hasn't played well since the first month of his rookie season.

Could a new scheme/coach save him? Sure but I'm not betting on it. He's a hesitant run support safety who is mistake prone in coverage. What is he good for?
_________________

RainbowCarebear · Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2013 2:39 pm Post subject:

A lot of Allens problems come from no confidence. If a Coach can give him it back or help him on the way.
_________________

"Of gold and silver and gemstones, it had none; bronze and iron were the metals of winter"
"He is part of you, Robb. To fear him is to fear you."
"These are northmen, Uncle. The north remembers."

LOLKevinKolb · Joined: 25 Jan 2011 Posts: 6873

Nate Allen lacks confidence in Nate Allen because he knows Nate Allen is pretty terrible
_________________

Hockey5djh · Joined: 08 Feb 2008 Posts: 14705