a little harsh on leonard as a football player. you don't always need great physical skills if you have the technique down and know where the plays are going. leonard has proven that he knows how to play and manage rex's defense and for that reason he is valuable on the field. however, coming off two season ending injuries and a lack of physical size and speed does make him doubtful. the jets would be better off trying to make him a coach.
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Originally Posted by GreenWave
Leonhard isn't exactly a world-beater in coverage either. Nor is he a world-beater in running or tackling or returning punts, though he is a master of the fair catch.
I'll never understand the affinity for a guy like Leonhard who couldn't possibly be less of an impact player. As you said, he's gone down twice in the past two seasons, and in both years the defense didn't miss a beat (after the 45-3 thrashing at the hands of the Pats, of course).
You can hate Smith all you want - that guy is not a good football player either. But personally I would rather see the younger guys get some experience on the field than watch Leonhard nipping at the ankles of TEs, not getting to the QB on the safety blitz (again), or making a huge tackle 10 yards downfield on a 3rd & 6.
If not many teams want a slow, undersized safety coming off two back-to-back leg surgeries, why should the Jets?
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