12-04-2024, 03:23 PM
(12-03-2024, 07:24 PM)ochocincos Wrote: I went back and watched Stone's highlight reel from 2023 when he was a Raven, which has all his INTs.
A few of his INTs were overthrows and there's nothing special about him getting those. Errant throws by the QB and Stone didn't have to make any great plays to get them.
One of the INTs against the Bengals was a throw into the EZ and Stone jumped the route. He was about as far back as he could go, so the only thing he needed to do was come forward. Pretty "easy" coverage-wise to make a play compared to some other types of coverage plays for FS, IMO.
Another receiver had a CB covering him and Stone just undercut the route.
To me, Stone succeeded in BAL's scheme last year because his focus was coming downhill jumping routes or making clear overthrow INTs. He wasn't really a coverage guy.
For reference - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6VYtcNipOM
Anarumo should have maybe watched the tape closer and noticed how Stone was being used to either A) realize Stone wouldn't be as successful if asked to play like Bates was asked, or B) change the safety responsibilities so Stone could be used more to his strengths (play back and try to undercut routes).
I watched those highlights when we signed him and thought lots of those were easy interceptions at the time. For them to sign him to
as big of a contract as they did without taking this into account along with the rest of his career shows laziness and ineptitude. I thought
with him being a veteran and learning from some of those great players on the Ravens would mean he would at the very least be solid.
Stone has been a liability back there. Terrible in coverage and as a tackler. Like I said, Tycen should of started over him who shows good
things all the time and has the athletic ability to play FS.
